[WIMS] Environmental HotSheet 5/26/15

 

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National / International News

<> Statement by the President on Senate Passage of Trade Promotion Authority and Trade Adjustment Assistance – 5/22/15. Today's bipartisan Senate vote is an important step toward ensuring the United States can negotiate and enforce strong, high-standards trade agreements.  H.R. 1314: Trade Act of 2015 – Originally a bill relating to tax exempt organizations the Trade Act has been substituted and the bill has been passed in the House and the Senate, but the Senate made changes and sent it back to the House on May 22, 2015. Roll call 62-37 (48 Republicans + 14 Democrats) McConnell on Senate Passage of Trade Promotion Authority Speaker Boehner on Senate Passage of Trade Promotion Authority Hatch Hails Senate Action on Bipartisan TPA Bill [Chair] Wyden: Senate Votes to Pass Progressive Trade Policy, Boost Oregon Jobs [Ranking] Sierra Club Ad Buy in California Exposes Environmental Threat of the Trans-Pacific Partnership

<> Inhofe, Boxer Statement on Senate Passage of Two-Month Highway Extension – ". . . it's time we end this costly uncertainty with the Highway Trust Fund. The only solution to fixing this problem is to enact a consensus-based, bipartisan, six-year surface transportation bill that will provide states and local communities the funding and the certainty they need to plan and construct multi-year projects to modernize our infrastructure. . ."

<> Proposed Clean Power Plan rule cuts power sector CO2 emissions to lowest level since 1980s - U.S. Energy Information Administration's, Analysis of the Impacts of the Clean Power Plan, shows power sector CO2 emissions falling to about 1,500 million metric tons per year by 2025, a level not seen since the early 1980s, in the Base Policy case. EIA Analysis of the Impacts of the Clean Power Plan

<> Obama Set to Strengthen Federal Role in Clean Water Regulation - New York Times - The Obama administration is expected in the coming days to announce a major clean water regulation that would restore the federal government's authority to limit pollution in the nation's rivers, lakes, streams and wetlands. Water Wars: EPA Rule Front and Center EPA's Clean Water Rule WOTUS website

<> Secretary Jewell Announces $50 Million to Help Conserve Water in Drought-Stricken West - Interior's Bureau of Reclamation will invest nearly $50 million to improve water efficiency and conservation in California and 11 other western states.

<> Deepwater Horizon Trustees Invite Public Comment On Draft Phase IV Early Restoration Plan - The Deepwater Horizon oil Spill Natural Resource Damage Assessment Trustees are asking the public to review and comment on its new Draft Phase IV Early Restoration Plan.

<> EPA's Dirty Little Secret: Its Regulation Prevents Effective Oil-Spill Cleanup - The use of genetically engineered microorganisms to clean up oil spills was once highly anticipated, but unscientific, burdensome regulation has prevented them from becoming commercialized.

<> Energy Efficiency, Climate Change, and Leadership: Key Topics of the Second Ministerial Meeting of the ECPA - The region's high-ranking authorities on energy and climate will meet on May 25 and 26 to discuss the Energy and Climate Partnership of the Americas (ECPA) plan of action -- chief among the topics that the OAS member states will address in their discussions are energy efficiency, climate change, and charting a new course for the ECPA. Energy and Climate Partnership of the Americas website

<> 120 CEOs Managing $12 Trillion Urge Finance Ministers to Support a Long-Term Emissions Reduction Goal in Global Climate Deal - Ahead of Wednesday's meeting of G7 Finance Ministers in Dresden, Germany, 120 investor CEOs from around the world managing funds worth more than $12 trillion have written an open letter to finance ministers urging them to support the inclusion of a long-term emissions reduction goal in the international climate agreement due to be sealed in Paris in December.

<> Study Shows Neonicotinoid Pesticide Has Devastating Effect on Termites Due to Eusocial Behavior, Similar to Bees - (Beyond Pesticides, May 26, 2015) A study led by Purdue University Entomology Professor Michael Scharf, Ph.D. finds that small doses of imidacloprid, a neonicotinoid pesticide, can halt the normal functioning of termite behavior, leaving colonies vulnerable to disease and eventual death.

<> Earthjustice Applauds Action by 18 U.S. Senators to Oppose Arctic Drilling - The efforts to oppose arctic drilling were spearheaded by Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR).

U.S. Appeals Court Environmental Decisions

<> National Association of Home v. United States Fish & Wildlife – 5/26/15. In the U.S. Court of Appeals, D.C. Circuit, Case No. 14-5121. Four associations challenge consent decrees that require the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to determine, in accordance with a settlement-defined schedule for action, whether 251 species should be listed as endangered or threatened. The Appeals Court rules, "Because the associations lack standing to raise their challenge, we affirm the district court's dismissal."

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).

<> WATER - Notice. Army, Corps of Engineers - Annual Report to Congress on Future Water Resources Development: Proposals by Non-Federal Interests for Feasibility Studies and for Modifications to an Authorized Water Resources Development Project, or Feasibility Study for Inclusion in the Annual Report to Congress on Future Water Resources Development

<> AIR QUALITY, MICHIGAN - Notice. Department of Justice - Notice of Lodging of Proposed Consent Decree Under the Clean Air Act. MDEQ v. AK Steel Corporation, Civil Action No. 15-11804. Re: emission of particulate matter from certain sources at defendant's iron and steel mill in Dearborn, Wayne County, Michigan

(click for the complete Energy & EPA announcements)

Great Lakes News

<> Researchers sample Lake Superior's waters to study lake's rapid changes - This week scientists from the University of Minnesota Duluth are trying to figure out why the lake is warming, why surface ice cover is declining and why biological diversity is decreasing to the point where there's less food for fish.

<> The Great Lakes usual suspects - Scientists estimate the Great Lakes have been invaded by over 180 species. Aquatic invasive species cost the region hundreds of millions of dollars each year -- here's a look at the top five "usual suspects" doing the most damage. . .

<> Controlling a purple menace - In order to destroy purple loosestrife on their lakes, volunteers first have to tend it -- coaxing rootstock to grow to a point where its predators (Galerucella beetles) can attack.

<> Official: Laws a start, but more needed to stop algae - Farmers are working with Ohio State University to study how phosphorus from the fertilizer they spread on their fields is leaving the soil and getting into streams and rivers that empty into Lake Erie.

Michigan News

<> Environmental group asks EPA to review Eagle Mine permits - Grassroots environmental group Save the Wild U.P. (SWUP) recently petitioned the U.S. EPA's Environmental Appeals Board (EAB), appealing MDEQ's reissuance of a Groundwater Discharge Permit (GWDP) for the Eagle Mine. Petition to EAB for Eagle Mine Permit Review

<> This aging oil pipeline is in Great Lakes' 'worst possible place' for a spill - Environmental activists say Michigan's tourism slogan -- "Pure Michigan" -- may no longer be accurate unless the state takes stronger action to prevent a 62-year-old oil pipeline from rupturing in a sensitive waterway.

<> Heat and Warmth Fund gets $1 million to help people pay water bills - A New York investment banking company has donated $1 million to The Heat and Warmth Fund designed to help low-income Detroit residents pay their water bills and avoid shutoffs.

<> Detroit Regional Chamber's annual policy conference on Mackinac Island - Held Tuesday, May 26 through Friday, May 29, the Conference will spur a comprehensive dialogue focused on the three pillars of talent, urban revitalization and cohesion. Mackinac Policy Conference to focus on roads, schools, urban revival

<> Parts of upper Great Lakes could suit cougars - Habitat is suitable for cougars to recolonize the Upper Great Lakes region, according to a study out of Michigan Technological University. Habitat Capacity for Cougar Recolonization in the Upper Great Lakes Region

<> Aquinas College to Host a Conversation About the Debate on Climate Change - While the scientific community has come to an agreement on climate change, the political debate remains polarized. On May 27, Aquinas College will be hosting University of Michigan's Dr. Andrew Hoffman as he examines the cultural debate from a sociological, psychological and political science stand point.

<> CARD Celebrates No Oil Find In Shelby Township - The members of Citizens Against Residential Drilling (CARD) are celebrating the news just received from West Bay Exploration that they have failed to find the oil they were hoping to find in Shelby Township at the Nino Homes Well 1-6.

<> New paddling guide available for Detroit River - A new user guide makes it easier than ever for outdoor enthusiasts to plan paddling trips along the Detroit Heritage River Water Trail -- detailed descriptions of each launch site, updated information on existing locations, safety suggestions, and resources for local paddling groups

<> Angler input sought on Upper Peninsula rivers for brook trout research - MDNR announced that select rivers across the Upper Peninsula again will be part of an angler survey effort during the 2015 inland trout season.

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] Environmental HotSheet 5/22/15

 

TO AVOID DISRUPTION IN YOUR SERVICE PLEASE RENEW BY JUNE 1st All Subscriptions Expire on June 1, 2015 (click here)

WIMS will not be publishing on Monday, May 25, 2015, in observance of the Memorial Day holiday

National / International News

<> What They're Saying: Military Leaders Respond to the President's Call to Battle Climate Change - President Obama's strong stance on climate change prompted many leaders in the military, Congress, and climate change research to respond in kind.

<> Remarks at the U.S. Chairmanship of the Arctic Council Reception - Secretary of State, John Kerry, the new Chairman of the Arctic Council said, ". . .I begin by being very clear that every nation that cares about the future of the Arctic has to be a leader in taking and urging others to move forward with bold initiatives and immediate, ambitious steps to curb the impact of greenhouse gases. . ."

<> DOE Resources Help Measure Building Energy Benchmarking Policy & Program Effectiveness - The Department of Energy has released two resources to help stakeholders analyze the energy, non-energy, and market transformation impacts of building energy benchmarking policies and programs.

<> Stabenow, Peters Call for Permanent Administrator to Lead Pipeline Safety Agency - U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters (MI) joined eight of their Senate colleagues to send a letter urging the White House to nominate a permanent administrator to lead the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), which plays a vital role in protecting communities from spills and accidents while ensuring the safe flow of energy products.

<> Senator Stabenow Introduces Bill to Expand Advanced Vehicle Technology - U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) introduced legislation to expand an advanced vehicle manufacturing loan program that helps automobile and parts manufacturers to retool their plants to produce more fuel-efficient vehicles.  S. 1449: A bill to amend the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to add certain medium-duty and heavy-duty vehicles to the advanced technology vehicles manufacturing incentive program

<> Sea Change: 2015-2025 Decadal Survey of Ocean Sciences (2015) - The National Academy of Sciences report addresses the strategic investments necessary at NSF to ensure a robust ocean scientific enterprise over the next decade.

<> Pennsylvania study finds contaminants in drilling wastewater - Two chemicals never before considered oil and gas industry contaminants, ammonium and iodide, were found in alarming levels in drilling wastewater discharged into Pennsylvania's waterways, according to a recent study. Study: Iodide, Bromide, and Ammonium in Hydraulic Fracturing and Oil and Gas Wastewaters: Environmental Implications

<> USDA Reminds Farmers to Certify Conservation Compliance by June 1 Deadline - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reminds farmers to file a Highly Erodible Land Conservation and Wetland Conservation Certification form (AD-1026) with their local USDA Service Center by June 1, 2015.

<> Cuomo Administration Blocks Massive Tar Sands Oil Facility Expansion in Albany - In the face of a court challenge from a broad coalition of environmental and community groups and massive community opposition, the NY Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) halted Global Companies' proposed expansion of its massive Albany oil train facility to handle tar sands oil. NY DEC Notices Re: Global Companies, LLC

<> CA Governor Brown Declares State of Emergency in Santa Barbara County to Assist Oil Spill Response - Governor Brown Jr. issued an emergency proclamation for Santa Barbara County due to the effects of an oil spill near Refugio State Beach. Pipeline Owner in Santa Barbara Oil Spill Has Had 175 Spill Incidents Since 2006 Santa Barbara, CA Refugio Beach Incident - Details

U.S. Appeals Court Environmental Decisions

<> USA v. State of Ohio - 5/21/15. In the U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit, Case No. 13-4362. The United States appeals from the district court's denial of its motion for summary judgment and grant of the State of Ohio's and Buckingham Coal Company's motions for summary judgment in this action challenging Ohio's right to lease Buckingham the right to mine coal lying beneath land acquired for a flood control project.       The Appeals Court reverses the district court motion saying, "we conclude that Ohio lacked the authority to enter into the instant leases. We reverse the district court's grant of summary judgment to Ohio and Buckingham and its denial of the United States' motion for summary judgment, and remand for entry of judgment consistent with this opinion.

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

<> Changing water levels on the Great Lakes - Their levels change all the time, and have been down significantly for the past 16 years, but the last few years, they've changed a lot, faster than anyone would've expected.

Michigan News

<> Lakefront residents on Lake St. Clair continue to deal with stinky muck - Testing conducted in 2011 revealed that the accumulation along shorelines contained human waste, via sewage overflows and bird droppings; communities often dump partially treated sewage into lake tributaries due to overflows during major storms.

<> Dan Fette v. Peters Construction Co. - 5/21/15. In the Michigan Court of Appeals, Appealed from the Berrien County Circuit Court, Case No. 320803. In this contract dispute, plaintiffs, Daniel Fette and the Berrien County Board of Public Works, appeal as of right from the trial court's order confirming an arbitrator's award of approximately $45,300 in favor of defendant.     Defendant, Peters Construction Co., cross-appeals from that same order. The Appeals Court affirmed.      Defendant and plaintiffs entered into a contract for a construction project, which included installing a water main underneath railroad tracks. During the project, defendant encountered some "unforeseen subsurface conditions" that, according to it, were not anticipated in the agreement and required extra expense in completing the job. Defendant tried to get plaintiffs to agree to pay this extra amount, but plaintiffs declined. Citing the arbitration clause in the contract, defendant filed a claim for arbitration.

<> 2015 Greenup Call for Abstracts - The seventh Michigan "GreenUp" Conference will be held November 3-4, 2015 University of Michigan, North Campus Research Complex, Ann Arbor. Submit an oral presentation abstract - Deadline July 1. Sponsorships also available.

<> Michigan Wildlife Council selects Güd Marketing for multiyear campaign - After a lengthy request-for-proposals review and evaluation process, the Council has selected Güd (pronounced "good") Marketing (formerly Pace & Partners) of Lansing, to lead a multi-year promotional campaign focused on increasing public awareness about the importance of Michigan's hunting, fishing and trapping traditions to wildlife and habitat management statewide.

<> Anglers encouraged to monitor bait to spot juvenile Asian carp - MDNR is taking many steps to prevent adult Asian carp (bighead and silver) from entering the Great Lakes, but many people don't realize that juvenile Asian carp pose a threat to the state's waters, too.

<> MDOT releases second part of report on community and economic benefits of bicycling - MDOT released the second phase of a new report, "Community and Economic Benefits of Bicycling in Michigan" funded by federal and state planning and research funds, it is the second phase of a larger report describing the economic benefits that bicycling events bring to the economy.

<> Group faults effort to spare birdlife from wind turbines - Federal guidelines from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service urge wind energy developers to locate turbines with special care in places such as the "Thumb" region of Michigan's mitten-shaped Lower Peninsula — or avoid them altogether, to prevent fatal collisions between birds and the towers' whirring blades. American Bird Conservancy Birds and Wind Development

<> Report shows Michigan commercial fishing harvest down, gross dockside value up - This increase in the value of the fishery is thanks to the increase in wholesale price of one of the Great Lakes' most prolific inhabitants: whitefish.

<> MEC joins clean air crusaders at Mama Summit - MEC rallied at the Capitol this week with dozens of concerned parents to educate legislators about the negative health impacts coal plants have on children.

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 (5/21/15)

IN THE SENATE

SB 0348 of 2015 Environmental protection; landfills; mining, including reclamation activities, in landfills; prohibit. [COMMITTEE]

HB 4449 of 2015 Environmental protection; air pollution; air emission fees; modify. [Passed, Transmitted]

IN THE HOUSE

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