[WIMS] Environmental HotSheet 3/16/15

 

National / International News

<> Global CO2 Emissions Did Not Rise in 2014 IEA Chief Economist Says - The chief economist of the International Energy Agency (IEA) has said in an interview with the Financial Times that global emissions of carbon dioxide did not rise in 2014 over 2013, despite the fact that the world economy continued to grow. Global energy-related emissions of carbon dioxide stalled in 2014 IEA Energy Atlas: CO2 Emissions from Fuel Combustion

<> Presidential Task Force Releases Action Plan to Combat Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing and Seafood Fraud - the Presidential Task Force on Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing and Seafood Fraud, co-chaired by the Departments of Commerce and State, released its action plan which articulates the aggressive steps that federal agencies will take both domestically and internationally to implement the recommendations the Task Force made in December 2014 Presidential Task Force on Combating IUU Fishing and Seafood Fraud How To Tackle Illegal Fishing - More than 2.5 billion people worldwide depend on fish for food and nutrition. In the United States, seafood makes up an essential part of our economy – and our plates. In 2013, Americans consumed 4.6 billion pounds of seafood. Markey Hails Obama Illegal Fishing, Seafood Fraud Final Recommendations

<> Op-Ed: California has about one year of water left. Will you ration now? - Right now the state has only about one year of water supply left in its reservoirs, and our strategic backup supply, groundwater, is rapidly disappearing.

<> Bayer Attempt to Silence Critics of Its Bee-Poisonous Pesticides Rejected by Judge - Last week, a judge in Duesseldorf Regional Court ruled that the German branch of Friends of the Earth (BUND) has a right to speak out against chemical company giant Bayer CropScience's neonicotinoid pesticide, thiacloprid, regarding its potential danger to bees.

<> ACEEE Releases Tool for Including Building Codes in States' Clean Power Plans - Today the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) released a step-by-step guide that helps states document and claim emissions reductions resulting from building energy codes as a means of complying with their obligations under the Clean Power Plan -- the first in a series of guidance documents that demonstrate how a state can take advantage of energy efficiency in its compliance plan.

<> New NASA Mission to Study Ocean Color, Airborne Particles and Clouds - NASA is beginning work on a new satellite mission that will extend critical climate measurements of Earth's oceans and atmosphere and advance studies of the impact of environmental changes on ocean health, fisheries and the carbon cycle

<> NRDC: New FEMA Requirements Will Better Prepare Communities for Climate Change Risks - (March 13, 2015) – The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced Thursday it finalized new policy guidance requiring states to consider climate change's projected effects when they plan and prepare for natural disasters FEMA: State Mitigation Plan Review Guide - In 2012, Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) petitioned the agency to adopt this requirement because most states' plans did not account for climate change when assessing their future vulnerability to natural hazards. More from NRDC

<> Lake Tahoe research provides new insights on global change - A recently published study on how natural and man-made sources of nitrogen are recycled through the Lake Tahoe ecosystem provides new information on how global change may affect the iconic blue lake.

<> The Worldwide Coal Boom Is Going Bust: Sierra Club and CoalSwarm Report Details New Data from Global Coal Plant Tracker - The Sierra Club and CoalSwarm released their new report, Boom and Bust: Tracking The Global Coal Plant Pipeline, which details the findings of an extensive investigation into every proposed coal-fired power plant worldwide since 2010

<> Community Leaders Strike Back: Dozens Take to Capitol Hill Demanding Congress Put People before Polluters - Nearly 100 concerned community leaders will take to Capitol Hill this week to urge their hometown elected officials to support EPA and its efforts to curb public health threats like smog pollution, coal ash, and carbon pollution.

<> Business Group Says Boxer Toxic Chemicals Bill Would Be Improvement - American Sustainable Business Council says the Boxer-Markey TSCA reform bill is an improvement over current law and the Vitter-Udall bill is insufficient to drive innovation for safer alternatives, promote transparency in the supply chain and preserve the rights of states to act if the federal government doesn't. S. 697: A bill to amend the Toxic Substances Control Act - Vitter-Udall S. 725: A bill to amend the Toxic Substances Control Act - Boxer-Markey

<> DOE vs. EIA: Who Should You Trust on Wind Energy? - American Energy Alliance says the Administration's major Wind Vision report, released last week, should be treated more as a press release for the wind industry than a realistic assessment of future energy trends.

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).

<> AIR QUALITY - Final Rule. U.S. EPA - Standards of Performance for New Residential Wood Heaters, New Residential Hydronic Heaters and Forced-Air Furnaces

(click for the complete Energy & EPA announcements)

Great Lakes News

<> When invasive Asian carp look for love in all the right places - Only 10 Asian carp needed to establish population in Great Lakes Landmarking and strong Allee thresholds - Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada

Michigan News

<> Proposal 1's passage would trigger these 10 laws - Here are the details on the 10 pieces of legislation that would take effect if Proposal 1 is passed on May 5.

<> Citizens Groups Call for More Action, Less Lip Service from Gov. Snyder - [The Governor] "highlighted the need to reduce utilities over reliance on coal, increase utilities use of renewable energy, and reduce energy waste as the best way to protect public health and preserve Michigan's Great Lakes and environment, but did not put forward any specific policy suggestions." Snyder needs help pushing energy goals UCS: Michigan Governor Right to Prioritize Efficiency, Could Go Further on Renewables NRDC: Governor Snyder Outlines Bold Vision for Michigan's Energy Future

<> Utility tree trimming sparks legal battle in Michigan - A legal battle is brewing across Michigan and the nation that pits the public against utilities over trimming trees to assure reliable access to power.

<> MDEQ Michigan Environmental Network News - March 13, 2015. News from the Office of Environmental Assistance (OEA) on environmental partner programs.

<> First Michigan Seafood Summit a Great Success - Organizers report that the inaugural Michigan Seafood Summit was standing room only with more than 100 people in attendance March 12 at the Kellogg Conference Center.

<> Michigan Chapter Sierra Club Update Newsletter

<> FEMA Awards $708,653 Grant to Plainfield Township - The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) released $708,653 in Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds to Plainfield Township, MI, to acquire and demolish 15 residential structures in the Grand River floodplain.

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).

 

 

[WIMS] Daily Environmental HotSheet 3/13/15

National / International News

<> Secy. Kerry Remarks at the Atlantic Council as Part of the Road to Paris Climate Series - ". . .Now folks, we literally do not have the time to waste debating whether we can say 'climate change.' We have to talk about how we solve climate change. Because no matter how much people want to bury their heads in the sand, it will not alter the fact that 97 percent of peer-reviewed climate studies confirm that climate change is happening and that human activity is largely responsible. . ."

<> Senators Boxer and Markey Introduce TSCA Reform Bill to Protect the Health of Children and Communities - Senators Boxer and Markey introduced the Alan Reinstein and Trevor Schaefer Toxic Chemical Protection Act after consulting with a wide range of leading experts and stakeholders, including public health and environmental organizations, business groups, states, and groups that advocate on behalf of those who have suffered injuries from toxic chemicals. S. 725: A bill to amend the Toxic Substances Control Act Earthjustice Applauds Boxer-Markey Bill to Reform TSCA

<> Inhofe, Rounds Call on the Resignation of U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board Chairman - In a letter, the Members shed light on the failed practices of Chairman Moure-Eraso and the lack of credibility created by him and his leadership team at this important agency

<> Portman and Shaheen Renew Efforts to Create National Energy Strategy -  U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-Ohio) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) will today renew their push for a national energy efficiency strategy by introducing an updated version of the Portman-Shaheen Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act (ESIC). S. 720: A bill to promote energy savings in residential buildings and industry ACC Commends Senators Portman and Shaheen for Reintroducing Energy Efficiency Bill

<> Sen. Markey: DOE Wind Report Refutes Doom and Gloom Opponents of Obama Climate Plan - Senator Markey said the report shows America can aggressively and affordably shift away from fossil fuels towards clean energy to cut carbon pollution that causes climate change.

<> Protecting Vital Waters as Marine Sanctuaries - NOAA announced that it is expanding two existing sanctuaries off California's North-central coast that will more than double the current size of the Gulf of the Farallones and Cordell Bank national marine sanctuaries. . .

<> Total energy subsidies decline since 2010, with changes in support across fuel types - (Fri, 13 Mar 2015) EIA has updated a report on federal subsidies to the energy industry, covering the 2013 fiscal year (FY).

<> Pipelines: How Many and Where Are They? - With all the attention that the Keystone Pipeline has been receiving lately, you would think that pipelines are a new or novel way to move oil and other products.  The reality is, pipelines are virtually everywhere in the United States

<> Secretary Jewell, American Express Announce Major Commitment to Increase Volunteerism on America's Public Lands - As part of the Interior Department's bold youth initiative to engage the next generation of outdoor stewards,

<> State Polls Show Public Opposes GOP's "Just Say No" Push on Climate - (March 12, 2015) – Large majorities of Americans in four key states wholeheartedly want their leaders to design a state-specific plan to meet new federal standards curbing dangerous carbon pollution from power plants, according to bipartisan polling released -- Virginia, Pennsylvania, Illinois and Ohio

<> API, EWG, ActionAid call for repeal of corn ethanol mandates - March 11, 2015 – API, the Environmental Working Group (EWG), and anti-hunger group ActionAid USA called for repeal of corn ethanol mandates under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) during a joint press event Wednesday.

U.S. Appeals Court Environmental Decisions

<> AmerGen Energy Company, LLC v. U.S. - 3/11/15. In the U.S. Court of Appeals, Federal Circuit, Case No. 2014-5067. The Appeals Court confirmed the decision  of the Court of Federal Claims that AmerGen may not include future nuclear decommissioning liabilities that it assumed when it purchased three nuclear power plants in the basis of the acquired assets in its 2001 through 2003 tax returns.

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

<> Lake Michigan salmon populations remain strong, study shows - MDNR northern Lake Michigan fisheries supervisor Dave Boyarski says experts from across the region are seeing the salmon taking a firm hold of the ecosystem and breeding without the help of the hatcheries.

<> Integrated Water Management in the Great Lakes & St. Lawrence River Basin - The latest Cities Initiative webinar series, which begins next week with the "Introduction to Integrated Water Management" webinar -- Wednesday, March 18, 11 am Eastern

<> Lake Huron Regional Restoration Meetings - A series of one-day public events are planned to discuss restoration progress in the U.S. Lake Huron basin and hear about plans to develop the Lake Huron Lakewide Action and Management Plan (LAMP) under the newly updated U.S.-Canadian Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement.

Michigan News

<> Today: How Snyder's energy speech could impact clean energy job prospects in Michigan - While Gov. Rick Snyder prepares for his energy speech, which will be delivered today in Warren, a new report ranks Michigan fourth in the nation for clean energy and transportation jobs. Q4 and Year-End 2014 Clean Jobs Report - Nearly 47,000 clean energy and clean transportation jobs were announced at more than 170 projects across the country in 2014. Nevada, California, and New York led the nation in new job announcements last year, followed by Michigan, Arizona, Texas, Colorado, North Carolina, Utah, and New Mexico. 5 things to watch as Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder unveils energy policy - Gov. Rick Snyder unveils his energy vision on Friday. Here are five things worth watching for. Video: Governor's Energy Speech: Friday, March 13, 2015. 10:30 A.M. Governor's press release - Michigan must take aggressive steps to avoid energy price spikes, outages Gov. Rick Snyder Energy Special Message – 19-pages

<> Michigan Proposal 1 would pay off debt, ramp up road funding over three years - Michigan Proposal 1 would eventually pump some $1.25 billion a year into crumbling roads, but it in early years, it would also help pay off a total of $1.3 billion in debt for infrastructure that's already been built. Legislative Analysis of Transportation Funding Package You'll see 7 bullet points on the May 5th road funding ballot question. We explain them here. . .

<> CRC Report: Use of Immediate Effect in Michigan - The 2015-16 legislative session is underway and the Michigan legislature is again up to the standard practice of granting immediate effect to almost every law enacted -- a new Citizens Research Council of Michigan (CRC) report identifies the need for reform -- either of the Constitution to reflect legislative practice or of legislative practice to reflect the Constitution.

<> MI fish farmer says regulatory hurdles hinder industry expansion - The permit for the Grayling Fish Hatchery is probably one of the strictest issued by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, said Brad Wurfel, the agency's communications director.

<> Manure run-off from Kalamazoo County farm contained, environmental assessment ongoing - It appears snowmelt tainted by manure spread on a farm field in southeastern Kalamazoo County reached a nearby creek, but authorities say a preliminary investigation has shown no immediate harm to fish or wetlands or threat to humans.

<> Michigan's Economy Needs Access to Future Gas – [Michigan Chamber] In light of the recently published news that Michigan's natural gas consumption grew 11% this February from February 2014, it becomes even more important that we break the natural gas logjam.

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 (3/12/15)

IN THE SENATE

SB 0199 of 2015 Trade; containers; beverages and beverage containers subject to bottle deposit; expand. [COMMITTEE

SB 0206 of 2015 Natural resources; funding; Michigan natural resources trust fund; clarify criteria for eligible expenditures. [COMMITTEE]

IN THE HOUSE

HB 4345 of 2015 Environmental protection; other; sale of personal care products containing plastic microbeads; prohibit. [Committee]