International report confirms: 2014 was Earth's warmest year on record

<> International report confirms: 2014 was Earth's warmest year on record - In 2014, the most essential indicators of Earth's changing climate continued to reflect trends of a warming planet, with several  markers such as rising land and ocean temperature, sea levels and greenhouse gases ─ setting new records.  State of the Climate in 2014 report - released by the American Meteorological Society (AMS) and compiled by NOAA's Center for Weather and Climate at the National Centers for Environmental Information is based on contributions from 413 scientists from 58 countries around the world [large 288-page document, allow time to download] 2014 State of the Climate: Highlights Report

Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources Oversight Hearing on Federal Fracking Standards

<> Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources Oversight Hearing on Federal Fracking Standards – Background, witness testimony, statements & webcast Bishop vs. BLM on Federal Hydraulic Fracturing Rule Implementation - During the hearing Chairman Rob Bishop (R-UT) confronted Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Director Neil Kornze on the Bureau's utter lack of preparedness in anticipation of the impending hydraulic fracturing rule on federal lands

New Chemical Data : EPA's Study of Hydraulic Fracturing for Oil and Gas and Its Potential Impact on Drinking Water Resources

<> New Chemical Data : EPA's Study of Hydraulic Fracturing for Oil and Gas and Its Potential Impact on Drinking Water Resources - a supporting draft database containing information on the 1,173 hydraulic fracturing-related chemicals that were listed in the draft assessment [see downloads tab]. EPA's Study of Hydraulic Fracturing for Oil and Gas website Comments due August 28, 2015

Climate Change: A Risk Assessment

<> Climate Change: A Risk Assessment - This report argues that the risks of climate change should be assessed in the same way as risks to national security, financial stability, or public health -- we should concentrate especially on understanding what is the worst that could happen, and how likely that might be. [policy brief & full report available]

President Obama Designates 3 New National Monuments, Protecting More than 1 Million Acres of Public Land

<> President Obama Designates 3 New National Monuments, Protecting More than 1 Million Acres of Public Land - The President's announcement of three new national monuments includes: Berryessa Snow Mountain in California, Waco Mammoth in Texas, and Basin and Range in Nevada.

House Science Committee Hearing "Examining EPA's Regulatory Overreach"

<> House Science Committee Hearing "Examining EPA's Regulatory Overreach" - Testimony of Gina McCarthy, Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency; background, opening statements and webcast [hearing began at 10AM today]

EPA chief: New climate rules are safe from courts, Congress

<> EPA chief: New climate rules are safe from courts, Congress - EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy said the agency wrote its rules – which would cut US power plant emissions 30 percent by 2030 – with legal challenges in mind. [includes 1 hour+ video]

Administration Announces New Initiative to Increase Solar Access for All Americans

<> Administration Announces New Initiative to Increase Solar Access for All Americans - The executive actions and private sector commitments will help continue to scale up solar for all Americans, including those who are renters, lack the startup capital to invest in solar, or do not have adequate information on how to transition to solar energy.

Administration Takes a Big Step in Addressing Climate-Damaging HFCs

<> Administration Takes a Big Step in Addressing Climate-Damaging HFCs - The U.S. took decisive action on climate change by curbing the use of the potent greenhouse gases known as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).  EPA Finalizes Rule to Reduce Climate-Damaging HFCs Pre-publication Signature Version Final Rule - (signed July 2, 2015)

BP to Settle Federal, State and Local Deepwater Horizon Claims for up to $18.7 Billion With Payments to be Spread Over 18 Years

WIMS will not be publishing tomorrow, July 3, 2015, in observance of the Federal Independence Day holiday

<> BP to Settle Federal, State and Local Deepwater Horizon Claims for up to $18.7 Billion With Payments to be Spread Over 18 Years - The agreement with the states of Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas also includes settlement of claims made by more than 400 local government entities. BP Oil Disaster Settlement Brings a Measure of Justice to the Gulf Coast

In Perspective: the Supreme Court's Mercury and Air Toxics Rule Decision

<> In Perspective: the Supreme Court's Mercury and Air Toxics Rule Decision - Janet McCabe, Acting Assistant Administrator for U.S. EPA's Office of Air and Radiation comments on the Supreme Court decision on the MATS rule and indicates that while disappointing, "there are some important factors that make me confident we are still on track to reduce this dangerous pollution and better protect America's children, families and communities."

Follow-up: Supreme Court Blocks Obama's Limits on Power Plants

<> Follow-up: Supreme Court Blocks Obama's Limits on Power Plants - The Supreme Court on Monday blocked one of the Obama administration's most ambitious environmental initiatives, an EPA regulation meant to limit emissions of mercury and other toxic pollutants from coal-fired power plants. SCOTUS Blog complete case details and background EPA Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) website Opinion analysis: Power plants stymie smokestack controls Michigan LCV responds to Supreme Court ruling on mercury standard Supreme Court Ruling Emboldens GOP on Climate Regs - (The Hill) The Supreme Court emboldened opponents of the Obama administration's environmental agenda Monday with its ruling against a major air pollution rule. Why the Supreme Court Could Spell Trouble For Obama's Agenda - Monday's ruling could compel agencies to take costs into account when deciding to regulate. Is the Supreme Court's Mercury Decision Pointless? - The ruling is probably not going to change the mercury regulations; it's probably not going to have any effect on the power sector; it probably won't establish any significant legal precedents; the most likely outcome of the ruling is ... nothing much. The Supreme Court throws a wrench in the EPA's crackdown on mercury pollution Upton & Whitfield Comment on Supreme Court Decision on EPA'S Unlawful MATS Rule McConnell Welcomes the Supreme Court's EPA Ruling Sen. Murkowski Welcomes Supreme Court Decision on EPA Rule Markey Statement on Supreme Court Ruling on EPA's Mercury Rule

U.S. Supreme Court decides Michigan v. EPA

<> U.S. Supreme Court decides Michigan v. EPA - 6/29/15. In the U.S. Supreme Court, Docket Nos. 14–46, 14–47, and 14–49. SCALIA, J., delivered the opinion of the Court, in which ROBERTS, C. J., and KENNEDY, THOMAS, and ALITO, JJ., joined. THOMAS, J., filed a concurring opinion. KAGAN, J., filed a dissenting opinion, in which GINSBURG, BREYER, and SOTOMAYOR, JJ., joined.       5-4 decision indicates that EPA unreasonably refused to consider costs in determining whether it is appropriate to regulate hazardous air pollutants emitted by electric utilities. SCOTUS Blog complete case details and background EPA Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) website Supreme Court shoots down EPA power plant rules - MI Attorney General Bill Schuette, whose office argued the case before the court, called it a "victory for family budgets and job creation in Michigan."

Senator Boxer's Statement on the Path Forward on TSCA Reform Legislation

<> Senator Boxer's Statement on the Path Forward on TSCA Reform Legislation - Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee (EPW), reached out to Congressman John Shimkus (R-IL), Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Environment and the Economy, on the near unanimous passage in the House of Representatives this week of his toxic chemicals reform bill, the TSCA Modernization Act of 2015 (H.R. 2576) -- Senator Boxer informed Congressman Shimkus that because of the clarity, simplicity, and overwhelming bipartisan support in the House for H.R. 2576, she would push for the Senate to take up the House bill with a few perfecting amendments. H.R. 2576: TSCA Modernization Act of 2015

Speaker Boehner Signs Bipartisan Trade Legislation

<> Speaker Boehner Signs Bipartisan Trade Legislation - A short while ago, House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) signed H.R. 2146, the Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act, which now goes to President Obama's desk for his signature. H.R. 2146 - This bill became the vehicle for passage of Trade Priorities and Accountability Act Pelosi Statement on Senate Passage of Trade Promotion Authority ACC Applauds Advancement Of Trade Promotion Authority Sierra Club Statement on Senate Fast-Track Vote

G-7 Commissioned Report on Climate and Fragility Risks

<> G-7 Commissioned Report on Climate and Fragility Risks - A press statement from Secretary of State John Kerry indicates that climate change is a threat multiplier for instability throughout the world — and the report released this week further illustrates this -- climate change has far-reaching political and economic implications, and poses a serious threat to global security. A New Climate for Peace: Taking Action on Climate and Fragility Risks - An independent report commissioned by members of the G7, identifies seven compound climate-fragility risks that pose serious threats to the stability of states and societies in the decades ahead.

American recycling is stalling, and the big blue bin is one reason why

<> American recycling is stalling, and the big blue bin is one reason why - Once a profitable business for cities and private employers alike, recycling in recent years has become a money-sucking enterprise -- the business of American recycling has stalled -- and industry leaders warn that the situation is worse than it appears. NWRA Issues White Paper on Residential Waste Management Processing Facilities

Fuel Efficiency Improvements: Saving Money, Oil, and the Planet

<> Fuel Efficiency Improvements: Saving Money, Oil, and the Planet - The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency took another positive step forward by proposing new standards for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, the vehicles that work in our communities and transport goods all over our country. EPA, DOT Propose Greenhouse Gas and Fuel Efficiency Standards for Heavy-Duty Trucks  More details on DOT's and EPA's notice of proposed rulemaking  Senator Boxer's Statement on Proposed Carbon Pollution Standards for Heavy Duty Trucks Inhofe Statement on EPA and NHTSA Standards for Medium- and Heavy-Duty Vehicles

Pope Francis Aligns Himself With Mainstream Science on Climate

<> Pope Francis Aligns Himself With Mainstream Science on Climate - If anything, environmental scientists say, the pope may have bent over backward to offer a cautious interpretation of the scientific facts. Pope Francis, in Sweeping Encyclical, Calls for Swift Action on Climate Change - The vision that Francis outlined in the 184-page encyclical is sweeping in ambition and scope -- He described a relentless exploitation and destruction of the environment, for which he blamed apathy, the reckless pursuit of profits, excessive faith in technology and political shortsightedness. 10 key excerpts from Pope Francis's encyclical on the environment U.S. Energy Secretary Moniz' Statement on Papal Encyclical on Climate Change ENCYCLICAL LETTER LAUDATO SI' OF THE HOLY FATHER FRANCIS ON CARE FOR OUR COMMON HOME

Sen. EPW Oversight Hearing On EPA Final Rule to Regulate Disposal of Coal Combustion Residuals

<> Sen. EPW Oversight Hearing On EPA Final Rule to Regulate Disposal of Coal Combustion Residuals - Statements, witness testimony & webcast