[WIMS] Environmental HotSheet 5/21/15

National / International News

<> Obama tells Coast Guard grads climate change menaces U.S. - Rising seas and thawing permafrost caused by warmer global temperatures threaten U.S. military bases and will change the way the U.S. armed services defend the country, President Barack Obama said on Wednesday 'Time is running out' to slow climate change, Obama tells Coast Guard grads Remarks by the President at the United States Coast Guard Academy Commencement

<> America's Trade Ambassador: Tackling Environmental Challenges Through Trade - Two decades ago, environmental provisions under NAFTA were relegated to a side agreement, with only a single enforceable obligation to "effectively enforce your own environmental laws" -- in contrast, the most recent trade agreements contain extensive, enforceable environmental commitments.  USTR Report: Standing Up for the Environment: Trade for a Greener World Sierra Club Statement on USTR's Misleading Environmental Report

<> Despite Veto Threat House Approves COMPETES Bill - The House of Representatives approved the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2015 (H.R. 1806), which GOP members called "a comprehensive, pro-science, fiscally responsible bill to keep America competitive and reestablish the federal government's primary scientific role to fund basic research." H.R. 1806: America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2015 – Roll Call vote 217-205 – 217 Republicans in favor; 182 Democrats & 23 Republicans opposed.

<> USDA to Give Priority Funding for Regional Economic Development Projects - The new Regional Development Priority (RDP) policy will make it easier for rural communities to access resources to invest in long-term community development efforts by giving priority to applications for Rural Development programs that include regional partnerships and strategies. Ranking Member Stabenow Applauds New USDA Policy Prioritizing Partnerships for Regional Development - The new policy will apply to four key rural development programs: the community facilities program, the business & industry loan guarantee program, water and environmental program, and the rural business development grant program.

<> House Passes Several Science Committee Bills - The House of Representatives passed H.R. 874, H.R. 1162, H.R. 1119, H.R. 1156, H.R. 1561, and H.R. 1158 by voice vote under suspension of the rules. The bills had strong bipartisan support -- most of these bills passed the House last Congress and were not taken up by the Senate.

<> The IMF says we spend $5.3 trillion a year on fossil fuel subsidies. How is that possible? - The IMF report is using "subsidy" to refer to the fact that users of oil, gas, and coal don't pay the full price for all the environmental damage these fossil fuels cause. IMF Working Paper - How Large Are Global Energy Subsidies?

<> Stabenow, Peters, Alexander Introduce Vehicle Innovation Act - U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Gary Peters (D-MI), along with Lamar Alexander (R-TN), today introduced the bipartisan Vehicle Innovation Act (VIA) to promote investments in research and development of clean vehicle technologies that will create more fuel efficient vehicles, reduce dependence on foreign oil and support American auto manufacturers. S. 1408: A bill to provide for a program of research, development, demonstration, and commercial application in vehicle technologies at the Department of Energy

<> EPA: Launching a New Era of State, Tribal, Local and International Partnerships - EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy highlights some best practices, innovative solutions and successes in building partnerships.

<> House Hearing On Issues Facing Civilian and Postal Service Vehicle Fleet Procurement - Witness Testimony and webcast

<> FEMP Seeking Public Comment on Draft M&V Guidelines - The measurement and verification (M&V) document provides guidelines for measuring and verifying energy, water, and cost savings associated with federal energy savings performance contracts (ESPCs).

<> New Initiatives to Accelerate the Commercialization of Nanotechnology - May 20, the National Economic Council and the Office of Science and Technology Policy held a forum at the White House to discuss opportunities to accelerate the commercialization of nanotechnology.

<> Oil Giants Band Together to Add Voice to Climate Debate - Europe's largest oil companies are banding together to forge a joint strategy on climate-change policy, alarmed they'll be ignored as the world works toward a historic deal limiting greenhouse gases -- a public announcement expected as early as next month

<> TransCanada's Keystone Pipeline Network Under Investigation by U.S. Fed Regulators - A month after revealing that TransCanada is under acompliance review for the Keystone 1 Pipeline, the Pipeline Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA)disclosed it is also investigating the operations of KeystoneXL's southern route, renamed the Gulf Coast Pipeline when the project was split in half -- the results of these investigations could play a part in President Obama's final decision on the Keystone XL permit that TransCanada needs to complete its Keystone pipeline network.

<> From Small Cars to Pickup Trucks, Automakers Aren't Just Meeting Efficiency Standards, They're Exceeding Them - The emissions and efficiency standards for vehicles have been a big success, according to a new analysis by the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS).

<> Groups File Lawsuit Calling for Federal Government Action on Soot Pollution - Physicians for Social Responsibility-Los Angeles and Sierra Club, represented by Earthjustice, filed a lawsuit today in U.S. District Court for the Central District of California in Los Angeles against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for its failure to act on the South Coast Air Quality Management District's (SCAQMD) plan to reduce particulate matter, or soot.

<> NOAA Study Confirms BP Oil Spill Led to Dolphin Deaths in Northern Gulf of Mexico - Environmental groups said since the BP oil disaster five years ago, ongoing findings deliver truths omitted by BP's ads: the oil disaster's negative effects are increasingly clear, present and far from resolved. NOAA peer-reviewed study

U.S. Appeals Court Environmental Decisions

<> Committee for a Better Arvin v. U.S. EPA - 5/20/15. In the U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit, Case No. 11-73924 & 12-71332. Petitioners, a contingent of environmental and community groups, bring serious challenges to the State of California's plans to improve air quality in the San Joaquin Valley, an area with some of the worst air quality in the United States -- i.e. whether U.S. EPA erred in approving California's State Implementation Plans.      The Appeals Court ruled, "We hold that by approving California's plans even though the plans did not include the state-adopted mobile emissions standards on which those plans rely to achieve their emissions reductions goals, EPA violated the CAA. We also hold that EPA did not violate the CAA by not requiring inclusion of other state mechanisms in its plans, and that other control measures approved by EPA are enforceable commitments as the CAA requires."

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).

<> Nothing We're Tracking Today (click for the complete Energy & EPA announcements)

Great Lakes News

<> U-M Researchers win Award for Paper on Phosphorus in Lake Erie - Lead author Donald Scavia, and a team of researchers will receive the Chandler-Misener Award for the most notable paper, Assessing and addressing the re-eutrophication of Lake Erie: Central basin hypoxia, in the 2014 edition of the Journal of Great Lakes Research. [Link to the paper]

<> Spring water levels of Lake Huron highest since 1998 - An unseasonably cool and wet summer last year started the rise, which didn't stop; Lake Huron skipped its usual seasonal decline, which, on average, begins in July.

<> Early forecast says toxic algae could be lighter at Lake Erie - In an early projection released on Tuesday, scientists said that so far, the Maumee River is carrying less phosphorus to the western part of the lake.

Michigan News

<> Target budget agreement includes additional money for Michigan roads, schools - Gov. Rick Snyder and legislative leaders agreed today on spending targets for the fiscal year 2016 budget that includes an additional $400 million in General Fund money to help repair Michigan roads and bridges while work continues on a long-term solution to the state's infrastructure needs.

<> House panel approves Rep. Lauwers resolution for GMO food labeling - The MI House Committee on Agriculture  approved House Resolution 89, introduced by state Rep. Dan Lauwers (R-Brockway Twp), urging Congress to adopt a national label program for genetically modified food.

<> MDNR Accessibility Advisory Council to meet June 2 in Okemos - The council's purpose is to make recommendations to the department director and staff regarding accessibility, as well as provide input, advice and guidance on the development, management and planning associated with providing accessible recreation opportunities to all users statewide.

<> Business expansion, community improvement project win state approval - The Michigan Economic Development Corporation today announced Michigan Strategic Fund approval of a business expansion and a community improvement project that are expected to generate $5.5 million in investments and create 88 new jobs.

<> Detroit Training Institute of Technology students renovate historic Belle Isle shelter in preparation for return of public transportation - Through partnership efforts with the Department of Natural Resources and the State Historic Preservation Office, the Detroit Training Institute of Technology and its students are renovating the historic structure, which will serve as an island transportation stop this summer for Pedicab and horse-and-carriage ride services.

<> MDOT's Steudle makes list of top public sector innovators - Kirk Steudle, director of the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), was recently listed as one of the "Top 25 Doers, Dreamers and Drivers" by Government Technology magazine.

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 (5/20/15)

IN THE HOUSE

HB 4093 of 2015 Appropriations; zero budget; department of environmental quality; provide for fiscal year 2015-2016. Creates appropriation act. [House conferees named]

HB 4449 of 2015 Environmental protection; air pollution; air emission fees; modify. [3rd Read]

 

[WIMS] Environmental HotSheet 5/20/15

 

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National / International News

<> Unlocking Wind Power Across America - Now available in 39 states, wind power has emerged as an important source of American clean energy – and there's potential for even more; the Energy Department released a new report – Enabling Wind Power Nationwide  – that shows how the next generation of wind turbines can help expand wind power in all 50 states. Enabling Wind Power Nationwide report – Energy Department release and link to complete report

<> Subnational Global Climate Leadership Memorandum of Understanding - The Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) hosted the event commemorating the official signing of the "Subnational Global Climate Leadership Memorandum of Understanding" in Sacramento, where founding signatories committed to cut total emissions by 80-95% percent below 1990 levels or to cut per-capita emissions to below two tons, by 2050. Subnational Global Climate Leadership Memorandum of Understanding Statement of John Kerry, Secretary of State CA Governor Brown, International Leaders Form Historic Partnership to Fight Climate Change

<> Veto Warning On COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2015 - The Administration strongly opposes House passage of H.R. 1806, the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2015, which would undermine critical investments in science, technology, and research. ·         H.R. 1806: America COMPETES Reauthorization Act Of 2015

<> Senate EPW Oversight Hearing of Scientific Advisory Panels and Processes at EPA – statements, testimony & webcast GAO Report: EPA Science Advisory Panels: Preliminary Observations on the Processes for Providing Scientific Advice - EPA obtains advice and recommendations from the SAB and CASAC—two federal advisory committees that review the scientific and technical basis for EPA decision making.

<> What Top Officials Charged with Keeping Our Nation Safe Are Saying About the TPP - It is certainly true that America's trade policy plays a large role in the resurgence and strength of our economy – but that's not the only role it fills.  Statement by the President on Trade and Enforcement - I have made rigorous trade enforcement a central pillar of U.S. trade policy, and we have moved aggressively to protect American workers and to improve labor laws and working conditions with trading partners across the globe.

<> Senators Call on EPA to Reject "Frivolous" Regulations on Oil and Gas Extraction Industry - U.S. Senators Jim Inhofe (R-OK), David Vitter (R-LA) and Mike Rounds (R-SD), sent a letter to EPA Adm. Gina McCarthy calling on the EPA to reject the October 2012, Environmental Integrity Project (EIP) petition that requests the agency to add the Oil and Gas Extraction Industry, Standard Industrial Classification Code 13, to the list of facilities required to report under the Toxic Release Inventory (TRI).

<> Renewable Energy and Jobs – Annual Review 2015 - The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) released a new report indicating that more than 7.7 million people worldwide are now employed by the renewable energy industry -- an 18 per cent increase from last year's figure of 6.5 million.

<>  21,000-gallon oil spill off the Santa Barbara County - The rupture on an 11-mile-long underground pipe, part of a larger oil transport network centered in Kern County, was first reported about noon Tuesday after a woman at Refugio beach smelled the crude's noxious fumes. Coast Guard Twitter reports on Refugio State Beach oil spill Ruptured Pipeline Spills Oil Along Santa Barbara's Coast New Santa Barbara Oil Spill Illustrates Unpredictability of Oil Infrastructure

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).

<> Nothing We're Tracking Today (click for the complete Energy & EPA announcements)

Great Lakes News

<> IJC seeks public comment on review of recommendations for protecting the waters of the Great Lakes - The International Joint Commission (IJC) announced the start of a public comment period on a consultants' review of recommendations made in the 2000 IJC report, "Protection of the Waters of the Great Lakes" – deadline June 30, 2015. 2000 IJC report, Protection of the Waters of the Great Lakes Ten Year Review of IJC Report How to Comment

<> New early season harmful algal bloom forecasts for Lake Erie are now available - In response to increased demand for harmful algal bloom information and data, beginning today, NOAA researchers, and their partners atHeidelberg University, will issue new experimental, early season forecasts of the seasonal harmful algal bloom in western Lake Erie.

<> 60 years of the GLFC - In 2015, the Great Lakes Fishery Commission celebrates two milestones: the 60th anniversary of the Convention on Great Lakes Fisheries, and the 50th anniversary of the commission's lake committees, which ensure collaboration across borders.

<> COMMENTARY: What Chesapeake Bay has to teach Lake Erie about environmental stewardship - The problems of nitrogen and phosphorus pollution in the Chesapeake Bay area have been documented for decades, and may be relevant to Lake Erie's current water quality issues.

<> National Museum of the Great Lakes offers river tour - The National Museum of the Great Lakes will hold its first "Museum on the Move" program in Cleveland, Ohio, featuring a visit by the USS Brig Niagara, and a tour of the Cuyahoga River.

Michigan News

<> Michigan's rural roads ranked worst in country - According to a report by transportation research group, Michigan ranks worst nationally for its poor quality of rural roads and 14th worst for its rural bridges -- the report by TRIP, a national nonprofit transportation research group based in Washington, DC Rural Roads National News Release Rural Roads Michigan Release

<> Grant workshops for invasive species projects - To help representatives of local, federal and tribal units of government, nonprofit organizations and universities better understand the 2015 Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program, the state of Michigan is offering workshops in June and July in Detroit, Hastings, Mackinaw City and Munising. Michigan Invasive Species Grants Program (MISGP)

<> Committee to Ban Fracking in Michigan launches ballot initiative - The Committee to Ban Fracking in Michigan launches its ballot initiative petition drive–all on paper, on foot, and in person–this May 22, 2015, as a new poll the Committee released, by Public Policy Polling, shows a strong majority supporting the ban on fracking and frack wastes.

<> Lawmakers should support reasonable protections for threatened bats - A plan to protect threatened bats from a deadly disease has drawn surprising criticism from a pair of lawmakers who say setting aside just one quarter of one percent of Michigan's forested land area will have a "chilling effect" on the state's logging and mining industries. MDNR testimony at May 13 hearing

<> Piping plover egg at Ludington's Stearns Park beach causes 100x100 area to be roped off - Endangered piping plover eggs were spotted on a beach in Ludington, Mich., this spring, prompting officials to delay beach cleaning.

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 (5/19/15)

IN THE SENATE

SB 0341 of 2015 Transportation; motor fuel tax; tax levy on alternative fuel used in vehicles; provide for, and make other revisions. [COMMITTEE]

SB 0342 of 2015 Vehicles; registration; fee increase for certain vehicles powered by electricity; provide for. [COMMITTEE]

IN THE HOUSE

HB 4093 of 2015 Appropriations; zero budget; department of environmental quality; provide for fiscal year 2015-2016. Creates appropriation act. [S-1 nonconcurred in]

HB 4617 of 2015 Environmental protection; landfills; mining, including reclamation activities, in landfills; prohibit. [Committee]