WIMS Daily Environmental HotSheet 12/9/14

 

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National / International News

<> Building a Global Low-Carbon Technology Pathway - At COP 20 in Lima, Peru, Department of Energy staff will discuss actions we're taking to help implement the United States' commitments to fight global climate change. U.S. Center at COP20 LIVE IN LIMA – DAY 8: UN COP20 climate change summit - Rolling commentary, news, analysis and video from the 20th Conference of the Parties to the UN Climate Convention in Lima, Peru

<> Lima climate talks: What progress can be made at COP 20? - As the talks enter their second and final week, some of the developments outside of the spotlight are raising concerns even as the US-China bilateral agreement continues to be the basis for broader optimism.

<> Washington takes heat at UN talks over targets - Quizzed by rich and poor countries about its efforts against global warming, President Barack Obama's envoys sought to explain how exactly the U.S. plans to cut emissions 17 percent by 2020 based on 2005 levels.

<> Unleashing Climate Data and Innovation for more Resilient Ecosystems – Dec. 9. Dr. John P. Holdren, Assistant to the President for Science and Technology and Director of the White House Office of Science & Technology Policy in a blog post announced that the Department of Interior and other Executive Branch agencies and offices were releasing, on climate.data.gov, new troves of government data on water and ecosystems, as well as new geospatial tools, as part of the President's Climate Data Initiative.

<> Study: Methane emissions from natural gas production are lower than previously estimated - December 9, 2014 – A major field study by the University of Texas and sponsored by the Environmental Defense Fund and natural gas producers found that methane emissions from development and production of natural gas are down from previous studies and now represent only 0.38 percent of production.

<> Updated Study Finds Sixty-five Percent of Industrial Carbon Pollution Produced by 90 Entities - Sixty-five percent of all heat-trapping emissions from fossil fuels and cement can be traced to just 90 entities, according to the Climate Accountability Institute (CAI), which has updated a first-of-its-kind database that accounts for historic emissions from major carbon producers in the oil, natural gas, coal, and cement industries.

<> Summary and Presentations from "Estimating the Benefits and Costs of Distributed Energy Technologies" Workshop Now Available - The workshop was intended as an early step toward the development of widely-accepted concepts and methods for conducting valuation studies regarding the impacts of deploying distributed energy technologies.

<> Now Available: Smart Grid Investments Improve Grid Reliability, Resilience, and Storm Responses (November 2014) - Smart grid technologies are helping utilities to speed outage restoration following major storm events, reduce the total number of affected customers, and improve overall service reliability to reduce customer losses from power disruptions.

<> Dr. Ellen Williams Confirmed as Director of ARPA-E - Dr. Ellen Williams was confirmed by the United States Senate on Monday, December 8, 2014 as the Director of the Department of Energy's Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy (ARPA-E) -- a novel program that funds high-potential, high-impact energy technologies that are too early for private-sector investment.

<> Researchers offer new insights into predicting future droughts in California - According to a new NOAA-sponsored study , natural oceanic and atmospheric patterns are the primary drivers behind California's ongoing drought. NOAA Study on California Drought Focuses on Rain, Report Author Acknowledges More Research Needed on Temperatures

<> NCDC Releases November 2014 U.S. Climate Report - During November, the average contiguous U.S. temperature was 39.3°F, 2.4°F below the 20th century average.

U.S. Appeals Court Environmental Decisions

<> Supreme Court Denies Youth Climate Advocates Public Trust Climate Suit - The U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear a case (No. 14-405) brought by representatives of Our Children's Trust seeking  protection of essential natural resources for the benefit of future generations under the public trust doctrine.

Federal Register Highlights  The following is an alert of Environmental Federal Register announcements that may be of interest.  (Click here to access today's complete Federal Register index with links to complete announcements).

<> RENEWABLE ENERGY - Proposed Rule. U.S. EPA - Delay in Issuing 2014 Standards for the Renewable Fuel Standard Program

<> CLIMATE, AIR - Proposed Rule. U.S. EPA - Greenhouse Gas Reporting Rule: 2015 Revisions and Confidentiality Determinations for Petroleum and Natural Gas Systems

(click for the complete Energy & EPA announcements)

Great Lakes News

<> H.R.5764 - Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act of 2014 - House debate may begin on the GLRI Act of 2014 which would formally authorize the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative for five years at up to $300 million annually. Regional groups support congressional action authorizing Great Lakes restoration - Download  HR 5764 – GLRI Group Letter – December 2014 Seven regional Great Lakes groups weighed in today with the Great Lakes congressional delegation in support of legislation being considered this week

<> Great Lakes conference coming to Falls in 2016 - The Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative will hold its 2016 annual meeting in Niagara Falls.

<> Study: Less lake effect snow, more rain near Great Lakes as climate changes - The Great Lakes region could see less lake effect snow and more rain by the late 21st century, a new study suggests

<> The man with the salmon plan - One biologist's radical dream for the Great Lakes came true when millions of salmon were brought in from the Pacific. Perhaps no single person has had a bigger impact on the Great Lakes as we know them than former Michigan DNR Director Howard Tanner.

<> Ohio group takes on toxic algae head on - Environmental, government and clean water officials are collaborating to find ways to reduce harmful algal blooms.

<> Microbeads Threaten Great Lakes Water Quality & Wildlife - Microbeads are in many of today's most popular personal care items. If one of the product ingredients is "polyethylene" or "polypropylene," it likely has microbeads.

Michigan News

<> Gov. Snyder applauds project recommendations of Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund board - Gov. Rick Snyder today applauded the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund board of trustees' recommendation to the Legislature that 69 recreational development projects and land acquisitions totaling $24.7 million be funded in 2015.

<> DNR receives $1.2 million grant to expand Hunting Access Program - Voluntary Public Access-Hunting Incentive Program (VPA-HIP) federal grant to enhance the state's Hunting Access Program with an emphasis on Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program land, habitat restoration and more opportunities for youth and apprentice hunting -- public comment sought until Jan. 7, 2015 on adoption of environmental assessment

<> Velsicol Burn Pit Superfund Site - Formerly known as Gratiot County Golf Course, five acres of land in St. Louis, Michigan, added to the NPL in 2010, the site is now eligible for federal cleanup funding -- comments are being accepted until Jan. 24, 2015.

<> MDEQ cleans up near-record number of leaking petroleum storage tanks - Just one closure shy of its all-time record, the DEQ cleaned up 488 leaking underground storage tanks during fiscal year 2014.

<> New House Analysis For SB791(H1) - Senate Bill 791 would amend multiple sections of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (NREPA, PA 451 of 1994) that relate to leaking underground storage tanks including the creation of a separate account to pay for corrective action to be taken on leaking underground tanks and the revision of eligibility requirements that must be met by claimants.

<> New House Analysis For SB753 - Senate Bill 753 would amend Section 3109 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (NREPA) by exempting municipalities from remedy or penalty resulting from unauthorized discharge of raw sewage under certain circumstances.

<> MIOSHA Awards First of $500,000 in Matching Grants to Reduce Workplace Hazards - The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) announced the first five small Michigan businesses to receive a matching grant to improve workplace safety and health

<> Isle Royale National Park's wolf woes spur bigger questions of managing wilderness - Park managers are considering options ranging from doing nothing to a genetic rescue.

<> EPA to discuss continued cleanup of Kalamazoo River Superfund site at Dec. 11 public meeting - Options being considered for next summer's Kalamazoo River cleanup will be the topic of a public meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11, at the Radisson Plaza Hotel in downtown Kalamazoo. Kalamazoo River Superfund Project

<> DEQ Informational Meeting on Detroit Incinerator - The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) will be holding an informational meeting, December 11, 2014 at 6:30 PM, regarding the Detroit Renewable Power consent judgment, specific to their odor issues. Detroit Renewable Power consent judgment Detroit Renewable Energy (DRE) Website

<> Natural Resources Commission to meet Thursday in Lansing

<> How to pay for old Kent County landfills: Property tax or surcharge on trash bill? - The Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce wants county leaders to reconsider a proposed $3 annual fee.

Michigan Legislative Tracking  Newly introduced bills and bills that are moving, if any, are listed below. Click on the bill number for complete status, full text, & analyses. Uppercase is Senate action; lowercase is House action. Otherwise, for a complete list of environmental legislation this session (click here).

 

Daily Activity (12/8/14)

IN THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE

HB 4038 of 2013 Natural resources; nonnative species; bush autumn olive; include on restricted species list. [Presented to Governor]

 

LIVE IN LIMA - DAY 7: UN COP20 climate change summit

<> LIVE IN LIMA – DAY 7: UN COP20 climate change summit - Rolling commentary, news, analysis and video from the 20th Conference of the Parties to the UN Climate Convention in Lima, Peru

• News & Conference Highlights from UNFCCC COP20

• Webcasts & documents from COP20

Getting Going in Lima?

<> Getting Going in Lima? - Although the ADP (The Ad Hoc Working Group on the Durban Platform for Enhanced Action) is charged with the unenviable task of producing an agreement text for Paris in just one year and has been running for three years with this in mind, the opening days here are once again like watching the opening rounds of a chess match, with the Parties positioning themselves for later confrontation rather than attempting to clear the way and open up the game. News & Conference Highlights from UNFCCC COP20 Webcasts & documents from COP20 LIVE IN LIMA – DAY 5: UN COP20 climate change summit - Rolling commentary, news, analysis and video from the 20th Conference of the Parties to the UN Climate Convention in Lima, Peru

House Passes Tax Extension Legislation

<> House Passes Tax Extension Legislation - The House passed H.R. 5771, the Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014, by a vote of 378 to 46, which includes extend the wind production tax credit (PTC) and other energy incentives only through the end of 2014. Legislative details for H.R.5771 AWEA urges clean energy supporters in Congress and White House to work to pass two-year extension of critical tax policies - "A three-week extension kills jobs and provides businesses little ability to create the jobs we want to create"

NGOs Pledge Support, Align Resources with Urban Waters Federal Partnership

<> Organizations Pledge Support, Align Resources with Urban Waters Federal Partnership – U.S. EPA announces a broad coalition of 27 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) including The Sierra Club, The Nature Conservancy, and The Conservation Fund has pledged to support the Urban Waters Federal Partnership as it works to restore waterways and revitalize communities across the country.  NGOs Support Federal Agencies in Efforts to Revitalize Urban Waterways, Boost Metropolitan Communities

After years of finger pointing, world leaders finally ready to tackle global warming

<> After years of finger pointing, world leaders finally ready to tackle global warming - As global leaders gather in Peru Monday to start negotiating a new U.N. climate deal, there is a sense that finally the world may be ready to take action. Lima Climate Change Conference - December 2014

Lima COP to Lay Foundation for Paris 2015 Agreement

<> Lima COP to Lay Foundation for Paris 2015 Agreement - Governments are preparing to meet for the UN Climate Change Conference in Lima starting (1 - 12 December) to lay the foundation for an effective new, universal climate change agreement in Paris in 2015 while also raising immediate ambition to act on climate change in advance of the agreement coming into effect in 2020. COP20 Information website Lima Climate Change Conference - December 2014

Supreme Court Will Hear Challenges To EPA MATS Rule

<> Supreme Court Will Hear Challenges To EPA MATS Rule – [See SCOTUS blog discussion] The Court accepted three new petitions, but consolidated them for one hour of argument and for decision.  The cases are Michigan v. EPA, Utility Air Regulatory Group v. EPA, and National Mining Association v. EPA. The Court Says Challenge Is Limited - The petitions for writs of certiorari are granted limited to the following question: "Whether the Environmental Protection Agency unreasonably refused to consider costs in determining whether it is appropriate to regulate hazardous air pollutants emitted by electric utilities." Statement by Attorney General Schuette on SCOTUS Decision to Review Michigan v. EPA Case EPA's Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) website

Todd Stern on China, India and the UN climate deal

<> Todd Stern on China, India and the UN climate deal - US special envoy for climate change spells out what his country hopes to achieve in the UN's climate change deal. . . Climate Change Diplomacy - [Video & Transcript including Questions] - Todd Stern, the State Department's special climate change envoy, talked about global climate change policy following President Obama.'s climate change deal with China.

EPA Delays Renewable Fuels Volume Standards for 2014

<> EPA Delays Renewable Fuels Volume Standards for 2014 - 11/21/14. EPA is announcing that the Agency will not be finalizing 2014 applicable percentage standards under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program before the end of 2014. EPA Renewable Fuels: Regulations & Standards website API: EPA incapable of implementing the RFS, time for repeal - API President and CEO Jack Gerard said the administration's decision to punt on this year's RFS standards is a clear demonstration to Congress that the Renewable Fuel Standard has become completely unworkable and must be repealed. RFS Announcement: A Cloud of Uncertainty with a Silver Lining - Bob Dinneen, president and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association said: "Deciding not to decide is not a decision. Unfortunately, the announcement today perpetuates the uncertainty that has plagued the continued evolution of biofuels production and marketing for a year. AEC: New Path on RFS Makes Sense - Advanced Ethanol Council (AEC) Executive Director Brooke Coleman said, "Pulling back on the 2014 RFS rule is the right thing to do at this stage in the game when it comes to preserving the integrity of the program. Sen. Murkowski Comments on EPA Delay of RFS Standard Vitter: EPA Delay on RFS Mandate Shows Recognition of Flawed Program Committee Leaders Respond to EPA's RFS Announcement Chairwoman Stabenow Statement on RFS Inaction Peterson Statement: EPA Delays RFS Decision

Lima Climate Change Conference - December 2014

<> Lima Climate Change Conference - December 2014 - The 20th session of the Conference of the Parties and the 10th session of the Conference of the Parties serving as the Meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol will be held from 1 to 12 December. COP 20/CMP 10 will be hosted by the Government of Peru, in Lima, Peru. Briefing: What to expect in Lima and on the road to a Paris agreement - C2ES Executive Vice President Elliot Diringer hosted a pre-Lima briefing for journalists on Nov. 20.  Topics included recent events that have helped build momentum, a brief history of UNFCCC negotiations, likely issues for Lima, and the potential shape of the Paris agreement.

OIG: 8 staff paid not to work nearly 21,000 hours cost taxpayers more than $1 million

<> OIG: 8 staff paid not to work nearly 21,000 hours cost taxpayers more than $1 million - EPA's Office of Inspector General (OIG) released an early warning report alerting EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy to the fact that employees were on extended periods of administrative leave through fiscal year 2014 – in some cases for several years. Vitter: EPA Paid 8 Employees Over $1 Million for Not Working

Keystone XL Pipeline Bill, fails by 1 vote; Votes, Reactions

<> S.2280, to approve the Keystone XL Pipeline, fails by 1 vote - 14 Democrats joined all Senate Republicans to account for 59 votes of 60 needed to pass the bill [See the roll call] McConnell Statement on Keystone Vote - "Tonight, Senate Democrats once again stood in the way of a shovel-ready jobs project that would help thousands of Americans find work —  a remarkable stance after an election in which the American people sent a clear message to Congress to approve serious policies like the Keystone XL Pipeline and get the Senate working again. . ." Sen. Murkowski Vows to Revisit Keystone XL in New Congress Boehner: A Keystone Veto "Equivalent of Calling the American People 'Stupid'" – Before the vote the House Speaker said, "Vetoing an overwhelmingly popular bill would be a clear indication that he doesn't care about the American peoples' priorities. It would be [the] equivalent of calling the American people 'stupid.'" Markey: Keystone XL is a Part of Oil Industry Export Plan - ". . .This export pipeline would make the United States a middleman to ship Canadian oil to the thirstiest foreign markets abroad, where they can charge more for their oil while our country assumes all the environmental risk. . . Senator Boxer's Statement Following Defeat of Keystone XL Pipeline Bill - "I want to thank the 40 other Senators who stood up for what is right - protecting the health of families and the health of the planet. . .

<> U.S. Senate Rejects Attempt to Force Approval of Keystone Pipeline - Environmental Defense Fund: We believe the pipeline is the wrong choice for America, a step in the wrong direction at a time when we need a rapid shift to clean energy in order to safeguard the climate and our economy. Center for Biological Diversity - The pipeline, which would transport tar sands oil from Canada to Texas, would worsen the climate crisis and put rivers, streams, wildlife and pristine landscapes directly in harm's way. Sierra Club - There's no good reason the Senate should have wasted all this time on yet another meaningless push for Keystone XL. Some in Senate block biggest bi-partisan jobs and energy security bill - American Petroleum Institute (API) President and CEO Jack Gerard said the Senate's failure to pass legislation to build the Keystone XL pipeline shows a few stood in the way of the largest bi-partisan jobs and energy security bill ignoring the will of the American people on Election Day. U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Institute for 21st Century Energy - Unfortunately, there have been no indications that the Obama administration will stop ignoring the vast majority of Americans that support the pipeline, but we do know that Keystone will have even stronger support in the next Congress.

Senate To Consider Keystone XL Pipeline Approval Bill

<> Senate To Consider Keystone XL Pipeline Approval Bill - On Tuesday, November 18, 2014, following any Leader remarks, the Senate will proceed to the consideration of S.2280, a bill to approve the Keystone XL Pipeline -- There will be up to 6 hours of debate equally divided between opponents and proponents. McConnell Urges Senate Democrats to Support Cassidy Keystone Bill - U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate Floor urging his colleagues to support Keystone XL jobs: "Later today, the Senate will vote on whether or not to send Congressman Cassidy's Keystone jobs bill to the President. It's a vote that's long overdue, but welcome. "Keystone XL is just common-sense. It's a shovel-ready jobs project that would help thousands of Americans find work. It would increase our supply of North American energy. Access the Senate Roll Call website for final results when available

Recommendations to the President from Climate Task Force

<> FACT SHEET: Recommendations of the President's State, Local and Tribal Leaders Task Force on Climate Preparedness and Resilience and New Executive Actions – Nov. 17: New Climate Resilience Toolkit Unveiled to Help Plan for Changing Climate -- The Task Force's recommendations are the culmination of a year of work to solicit input from across State, local, Tribal, and territorial governments, trade associations, academic organizations, civil society, and various other stakeholders and translate their first-hand experiences into action items for the Federal Government to support climate-ready communities. Task Force On Climate Preparedness and Resilience Recommendations to the President State, Local, and Tribal Leaders Task Force On Climate Preparedness and Resilience website

Cassidy Urges Support for Keystone Solution

<> Cassidy Urges Support for Keystone Solution - Rep. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) yesterday spoke on the House floor in support for his bill, H.R. 5682, to approve the application to build the Keystone XL pipeline [vote expected soon today]. Legislative details freo H.R. 5682 Markey: Senate Should Reject Keystone Oil Export Strategy Republican Senators Request "Yes" or "No" from Obama on Keystone Sierra Club Statement On Forthcoming Keystone XL Votes API welcomes pathway of bipartisan Keystone XL bill to president's desk

House to Vote on Cassidy Keystone Solution that Says #Yes2Energy

<> House to Vote on Cassidy Keystone Solution that Says #Yes2Energy - The House will vote tomorrow on a bill, H.R. 5862, authored by Rep. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) that would immediately authorize construction of the Keystone XL pipeline. Cassidy Introduces Bill To Approve Keystone XL Pipeline on November 12 - Vote expected this afternoon Keystone pipeline approval bills advance in Congress Keystone Pipeline bills by Sen. Landrieu and Rep. Cassidy advancing before Dec. 6 Senate runoff NRDC: Senators Should Oppose Bill Forcing Approval of Keystone XL Tar Sands Pipeline - The lame duck Senate soon may consider a bill forcing approval