MVCAC September 2009

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US EPA REGION 3 EnviroBytes.............9-18-09
by Duane330＠aol.com 28 Sep '09

28 Sep '09

EPA PLANS TO REVISE 2008 NATIONAL OZONE STANDARDS EPA announced the agency is considering revising the 2008 national ozone standards (both the primary and secondary ozone standards) to ensure they are scientifically sound and protective of human health and to cut healthcare costs and make cities healthier and safer places. The primary air quality standards protect public health (including the health of sensitive groups such as asthmatics, children and the elderly), and the secondary standards protect public welfare and the environment, (including against visibility impairment, damage to animals, crops, vegetation, and buildings). The Clean Air Act requires EPA to review the national standards for ozone and scientific information every five years. The Agency will propose any revisions to the ozone standards by December 2009 and will issue a final decision by August 2010. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> EPA REVISES RULES FOR WASTEWATER DISCHARGES FROM POWER PLANTS EPA plans to revise the existing standards for water discharges from coal-fired power plants to reduce pollution and better protect the nation's water. Wastewater discharged from coal ash ponds, air pollution control equipment, and other equipment at power plants can contaminate drinking water sources, cause fish and other wildlife to die and cause other detrimental environmental effects. Once the new rule for electric power plants is finalized, EPA and states would incorporate the new standards into wastewater discharge permits. More information about EPA's study is provided in an interim report published in August 2008 with a final study to be published later this year. For more information on wastewater discharges from power plants, go to _http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/guide/steam/_ (http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/guide/steam/) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> EPA ANNOUNCED NEW STANDARDS FOR AIR TOXICS EMISSIONS FROM MEDICAL WASTE INCINERATORS NATIONWIDE About 50 medical waste incinerators nationwide will have to reduce their air pollution under new regulations announced by EPA's Office of Air and Radiation. The new rules require better monitoring and tighter emissions limits to reduce toxic pollution from burning medical waste by 390,000 pounds annually. Medical waste incinerator emissions is a particularly toxic mix of dioxins/furans, heavy metals (lead, cadmium, and mercury), acid gases and other contaminants from the burning of biological waste, needles, plastic gloves, batteries and many other items. Based on Region 3's current source inventory, 13 facilities located in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia will be affected by the new rules, expected to be published in the Federal Register within the next two weeks. Details on the new rules can be found at the following EPA website _http://www.epa.gov/ttn/atw/129/hmiwi/rihmiwi.html_ (http://www.epa.gov/ttn/atw/129/hmiwi/rihmiwi.html)

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Morgantown Solar Tour - October 3
by Jonathan Rosenbaum 26 Sep '09

26 Sep '09

Here is a press release that I received for a tour of Solar houses in and around Morgantown sponsored by American Solar Energy Society and Eco-Structures, LLC (John Garlow) on Saturday October 3 between 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. -Jonathan

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The Age of Stupid... movie in Morgantown
by Duane330＠aol.com 18 Sep '09

18 Sep '09

On Monday, September 21, in the Morgantown area a special opportunity exists to watch the one-night-only premiere of an important new film called The Age of Stupid. The film is a powerful "docudrama" set in the year 2055, after global warming has done massive damage to humanity. Oscar-nominated actor Pete Postlethwaite stars as a historian who "looks back" on real footage from 2008 to try to answer the question, "why didn't we stop climate change while we had the chance?" In addition to the movie, the theater will simulcast a Hollywood-style premiere event from New York City. You can purchase advance tickets by clicking here: _http://www.moveon.org/r?r=56749_ (http://www.moveon.org/r?r=56749) You'll get so much more than just a great movie. The premiere event, simulcast live from a solar-powered tent in New York City to over 700 theaters in the U.S. and 50 other countries, will feature such celebrities as Gillian Anderson, Heather Graham, and Moby. Also, MTV's Gideon Yago will interview Nobel Peace Prize recipient Kofi Annan, environmental scientist James Hansen, and The Age of Stupid director Franny Armstrong. Ending the night will be a special, acoustic performance by Radiohead's Thom Yorke. The Age of Stupid was number one at the box office in the U.K. this spring, and this one-night event is poised to break the Guinness World Record for biggest simultaneous film screening. You can watch the trailer here: (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0xtPKjmnaA) _http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51921&id=17229-1764041-LC7ppKx&t=1_ (http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51921&id=17229-1764041-LC7ppKx&t=1) Check out what critics are saying about this film: * "A captivating and constantly surprising film."—George Monbiot, The Guardian1 * "Think An Inconvenient Truth but with a personality."—Gary Goldstein, Los Angeles Times2 * "Political incompetence and inaction can usher in disaster... Rome is burning, and Franny Armstrong is fiddling the right tune."—Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian3 The Age of Stupid looks us right in the eye and asks what kind of future we want for our kids. Be one of the first to see this important film and help spread the word so that as many Americans as possible hear its message. We hope to see you at the theater. Thank you for all you do. –Anna, Laura, Steven, Ilyse, and the rest of the team at _www.moveon.org_ (http://www.moveon.org) P.S. When you see this movie, you're really going to be inspired to act. The cool thing is that our friends at Avaaz, an international MoveOn-like organization, are putting together a "Global Wake-Up Call" day of action on September 21, the same day as the premiere of The Age of Stupid. Check out _http://www.avaaz.org/tcktcktck/_ (http://www.avaaz.org/tcktcktck/) to get plugged in locally. Sources: 1. "What are we not talking about now that we will be—or should be—in 2009?," The Guardian, December 27, 2008 _http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51923&id=17229-1764041-LC7ppKx&t=2_ (http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51923&id=17229-1764041-LC7ppKx&t=2) 2. "The Age of Stupid," Los Angeles Times, July 17, 2009 _http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51922&id=17229-1764041-LC7ppKx&t=3_ (http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51922&id=17229-1764041-LC7ppKx&t=3) 3. "The Age of Stupid," The Guardian, March 20, 2009 _http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51926&id=17229-1764041-LC7ppKx&t=4_ (http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51926&id=17229-1764041-LC7ppKx&t=4) For more information go to: _http://www.ageofstupid.net/_ (http://www.ageofstupid.net/)

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Upcoming Events Statewide: WVEC etc.....
by Duane330＠aol.com 18 Sep '09

18 Sep '09

Upcoming Events! September 25 – 27: 20th WVEC Fall Conference Holly Gray Park, Sutton WV 20th Anniversary of WVEC Celebration & Program, setting 2010 legislative priorities, workshops on enviro issues, silent auction, live music, booths, nature outings & recreation Key-note address- by Jim Hightower, nationally known progressive commentator and co-editor of America's hottest newsletter, the Hightower Lowdown. There will be a Friday evening reception for Jim and he will give Saturday morning keynote address. Please visit _www.wvecouncil.org_ (http://www.wvecouncil.org/) , for complete agenda and updates! September 26 – ACLU Civil Rights Dinner Enjoy yourself with friends and like minded people at the Clay Center in Charleston. Jim Hightower, a funny, irreverent, intelligent populist, is the speaker. He is a New York Times bestselling author and America's funniest activist who gives the lowdown on how to put up-not shut up-in the fight for our future. Get a taste of Jim and a review of his new book Swim Against the Current; Even a Dead Fish Can Go with the Flow. For tickets or more information, please call the WV-ACLU at 304-345-9246. October 2 and 3 – Trail Design Workshop Coonskin Park, Charleston, WV Free but please register by September 20—class is limited to 30 participants Each session combines interactive learning, hands-on trail work, and topnotch instructors to develop skilled trail workers and crew leaders. The workshop will focus on the art and science of trail building through topics such as: Sustainable trail design, Basic construction and much more. For registration information, contact Betty Michael at _betty.michael(a)canaanvi.org_ (mailto:betty.michael@canaanvi.org) or 800-922-3601 ext. 252, or visit _www.canaanvi.org/events_ (http://www.canaanvi.org/events) October 18: Good Jobs, Green Jobs Workshop 1:00-4:00 PM, Big Sandy Arena, Huntington, WV. Sponsored by the WV Center on Budget and Policy. What are “green jobs,” and how can they help shape a vibrant future for West Virginia? Join us for a stimulating afternoon of ideas and discussion about green strategies for economic growth and jobs that support families. For more information, visit _www.wvpolicy.org_ (http://www.wvpolicy.org/) or call 304-720-8682. October 20: An Evening with Gloria Steinem WV Cultural Center, 7:00 PM. Produced by WV FREE. Tickets are $25 and available by calling 304-342-9188 or visit _www.wvfree.org_ (http://www.wvfree.org/) .

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EPA Questions Mountaintop Removal Permits
by Duane330＠aol.com 11 Sep '09

11 Sep '09

EPA questions mountaintop removal permits Permits for new mountaintop removal mines (such as the one pictured above in southern West Virginia) could be in jeopardy. _Joe Lovett explains new EPA announcement_ (http://www.wvpbmedia.com/news/2009/joelovett.mp3) By Erica Peterson, Jessica Lilly and Scott Finn _Download MP3 _ (http://www.wvpbmedia.com/news/2009/0914epapermits.mp3) September 11, 2009 · The Obama Administration said Friday it has serious concerns with dozens of pending permits for mountaintop removal mines in Appalachia. The federal Environmental Protection Agency released a list of 79 permits which it says poses environmental problems and won’t comply with the Clean Water Act. The 79 permits on _the list_ (http://www.epa.gov/owow/wetlands/guidance/mining-screening.html) are scattered throughout Appalachia, and 23 are in West Virginia. The announcement is part of an EPA campaign to subject mountaintop removal permits to greater scrutiny. These tentative steps towards cracking down on surface mines have made environmentalists cautiously optimistic, and the coal industry increasingly nervous. One of the EPA’s primary concerns is valley fills, where waste rock is dumped from mountaintop removal mines. That’s because selenium and other heavy metals have been found at high levels running off the mines. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers issues the permits which allow coal companies to fill streams and valleys. After fighting mountaintop removal for more than a decade, Joe Lovett of the _Appalachian Center for the Economy and Environment_ (http://www.appalachian-center.org/) says Friday’s announcement signifies a real shift. “We hope this is the beginning of the end of mountaintop removal and valley fills,” he said. “I don’t think modifications will work. I think the permits are so destructive that even with modifications they won’t comply with the Clean Water Act.” But for an already-beleaguered coal industry worried about climate change legislation, this is further proof that the Obama Administration will take steps to curtail mountaintop removal. Roger Horton, a surface miner and founder of _Citizens for Coal_ (http://www.wvpubcast.org/newsarticle.aspx?id=10862) , says curtailing mountaintop removal in America will force the U.S. to import coal from other countries. “They’re going to look elsewhere. Coal is going to be a big part of the energy mix in this country for some time to come,” Horton said. “And if they don’t mine it locally, they’re sure as heck going to import it from some other source, perhaps an unfriendly source to our country,” he said. Next, the EPA will meet with the Army Corps to discuss each permit. Lovett says they will look at possible water quality problems, whether the mitigation is actually making up for the impacts of the mining, and the cumulative impacts this mining is having on watersheds. Some of the EPA’s concerns may be resolved by discussions with the Army Corps of Engineers, which has the final say over permits. Some permits might require changes in order to be approved, and others may not be approved at all. Coal industry officials say the new review process isn’t transparent, and it’s hard for mining companies to submit permits when they aren’t sure by what criteria they’ll be judged. Bill Raney is the president of the _West Virginia Coal Association_ (http://www.wvcoal.com/) . He’s calling for compromise. “Let’s sit down and work out whatever those concerns are. The answer is not to stop it, so that you punish people in that process,” Raney said. “And if there are concerns, let’s address them in a very timely way, and let’s address them in a way that allows the companies and people to continue to work to meet the market demands of today,” he said. This is the third announcement about stricter mountaintop removal regulations since Obama’s taken office, and comes after a decade of court decisions regarding mountaintop removal. So far, little has changed. But Lovett says it may be different this time. “One thing that encourages me is, not only does the EPA have new leadership, but the _Corps does as well_ (http://www.nan.usace.army.mil/blog/pdf/NR_CoC09.pdf) ,” Lovett said. “So I expect that the Corps will be looking at these permits differntly in the future from the way they looked at them in the past,” he said. Horton says that coal supporters plan to be vocal in their opposition to the EPA’s policies. “Without giving away my tactics at this point in time, there are going to be direct actions, that are lawful, to let the administration know we aren’t going to be taking this lying down,” Horton said. Friday’s announcement regards permits which had not yet been approved by the Corps. But it comes after news that the EPA is also opposing a 2,300 acre mountaintop removal permit in Logan County the Corps already approved. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Thanks goes out to John Gever for providing the web site to the above article: EPA Questions Mountaintop Removal Permits _http://www.wvpubcast.org/newsarticle.aspx?id=11237_ (http://www.wvpubcast.org/newsarticle.aspx?id=11237) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> John Gever, MedPage Today, tel. 1-304-243-0826 cell 1-304-780-9772, Skype 1-412-567-2949 (pre-arranged interviews only) _j.gever(a)medpagetoday.com_ (mailto:j.gever@medpagetoday.com) or _jgever(a)gmail.com_ (mailto:jgever@gmail.com) _http://www.medpagetoday.com_ (http://www.medpagetoday.com/)

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Articles in SCIENCE, September 11, 2009.
by Duane330＠aol.com 11 Sep '09

11 Sep '09

Assessing the Arctic The Arctic is experiencing some of the most rapid climate change currently under way across the globe, but consequent ecological responses have not been widely reported. At the close of the Fourth International Polar Year, Post et al. (p. _1355_ (http://www.info-aaas.org/l.jsp?d=2455.289855.654.4uN8ldid5) ) review observations on ecological impacts in this sensitive region. The widespread changes occurring in terrestrial, freshwater, and marine systems, presage changes at lower latitudes that will affect natural resources, food production, and future climate buffering. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> Blowing Away Coal China is the world's largest carbon dioxide producer and the world's second-largest producer of electrical power, 80% of which it generates by burning coal. An affordable, carbon-free source of electrical power generation would thus constitute an important way for China to reduce its CO2 emissions and other environmental impacts of fossil-fuel burning. McElroy et al. (p. _1378_ (http://www.info-aaas.org/l.jsp?d=2455.289849.654.4uN8ldid5) , see the cover) show that there is enough wind in China to generate electricity to supply the nation's entire projected demand for 2030 (about twice what is used now) at reasonable prices per kilowatt-hour. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> Cycling Around Water vapor is the most important greenhouse gas, and clouds are one of the most important components of climate, but the global hydrological cycle is still poorly-enough understood that the atmospheric cycling of water and cloud formation are inadequately represented in global climate models. As the transformation from liquid into vapor tends to deplete water of the isotope deuterium, Frankenberg et al. (p. _1374_ (http://www.info-aaas.org/l.jsp?d=2455.289846.654.4uN8ldid5) ) were able to use satellite measurements of global "heavy" water abundances to provide a deeper understanding of atmospheric water dynamics. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Note: Electric generating stations having an overall thermal efficiency of less than 37% are very good cloud makers, because the waste heat is mostly used to evaporate "cooling" water. When the Longview power plant comes on-stream with its 14 cooling tower units, we will see plenty more clouds in the Morgantown area, and slick roads in winter........... Duane Nichols

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clear the air & your conscience .....
by Duane330＠aol.com 06 Sep '09

06 Sep '09

Economic View.............. Carbon Offsets: A Small Price to Pay for Efficiency By ROBERT H. FRANK Published: May 30, 2009 in the New York Times ARE carbon offsets a good thing? They are intended to reduce the environmental impact of consumption. Traveling by plane, for example, causes carbon dioxide to be emitted into the atmosphere, so travelers can pay a specialist to offset those emissions some other way — perhaps by planting vegetation or installing renewable-energy technologies. It all sounds reasonable. Yet carbon offsets have drawn sharp criticism, even ridicule. A British Web site called Cheat Neutral (_www.cheatneutral.com_ (http://www.cheatneutral.com/) ) parodies the concept — by offering a service under which someone who wants to cheat on his partner can pay someone else who will refrain from committing an act of infidelity. The site’s founders say they wanted to use humor to demonstrate why the market for carbon offsets is a moral travesty. But the criticism is misguided. If our goal is to reduce carbon emissions as efficiently as possible, offsets make perfect economic sense. Consider the decision of whether to buy a hybrid car. Because of the expensive batteries and other complex equipment in such cars, they can cost much more than similar vehicles powered by standard combustion engines. Many people drive so little that they wouldn’t save enough on gasoline to recoup the higher cost. Yet many such people buy hybrids anyway, because they think they are helping the environment. Well and good, but they could help even more by buying a standard car and using the savings to buy carbon offsets. The same goes for someone who wonders whether it’s O.K. to eat foods grown far from home. A New Yorker may worry, for example, that the diesel fuel burned to ship California-grown tomatoes to him in winter will accelerate _global warming_ (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/ne ws/science/topics/globalwarming/index.html?inline=nyt-classifier) . But suppose he would be happy to pay $10 more than the cost of shipping those tomatoes rather than eat locally grown root vegetables nine months a year. That would buy more than enough carbon offsets to neutralize the greenhouse gases emitted by shipping the tomatoes. So it would be much better, for him and the planet, if he bought offsets and ate winter tomatoes. Of course, carbon offsets alone won’t eliminate global warming. People also need stronger incentives to take into account the environmental consequences of their actions. _President Obama_ (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/o/barack_obama/i…) has proposed attacking the problem with a carbon cap-and-trade system. The government would first set a limit on annual carbon emissions, then auction emissions permits to the highest bidders. Companies could still use processes or sell products that emit carbon, but only by first buying a permit for each unit of carbon released. If the government wanted to limit carbon emissions to five billion tons a year, for example, it would auction that many tons of annual carbon permits. This approach was first used in the United States to address acid rain, when the _Clean Air Act_ (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/subjects/c/clean_air_ac…) established a market for permits to emit sulfur dioxide. Compared with more traditional regulatory measures, the auction method substantially reduced the cost of achieving the law’s air-quality target. As people learn more about such an approach, they seem less likely to oppose it. Although several environmental groups once bitterly opposed pollution permit auctions, they now endorse them enthusiastically. A carbon cap-and-trade system is functionally similar to a carbon tax. Both approaches would raise the cost of activities that generate carbon dioxide emissions, giving people a powerful incentive to reduce their carbon footprints. Carbon offsets are no substitute for the stronger incentives inherent in carbon taxes or cap-and-trade, but they can reinforce their effects. Both carbon taxes and permit auctions would also generate revenue that could be used to buy additional carbon offsets. Dozens of companies, nonprofit and for-profit, sell carbon offsets, and some critics question how their work can be verified. But with various certification programs now in place — including the Gold Standard and Green-e Climate, to name two — there is no reason that fraud should be harder to curb in carbon-offset markets than in other domains. At last count, Cheat Neutral, the British infidelity neutralization Web site, said it had offset 65,768 cheats, and had recruited a roster of “9,002 faithful people ready to neutralize your misdemeanors.” The Web site draws out the parallel this way: “When you cheat on your partner you add to the heartbreak, pain, and jealousy in the atmosphere.” Cheat Neutral claims that its plan “neutralizes the pain and unhappy emotion and leaves you with a clear conscience.” Actually, no. Only you will know whether your conscience is clear, but it is certain that higher rates of marital fidelity in London do nothing to eliminate the anguish caused by straying spouses in Manchester. In contrast, one person’s reduction in carbon dioxide emissions anywhere on the planet fully offsets anyone else’s contribution to the total. Carbon offsets, though much maligned, are an excellent idea. If you want to help reduce carbon emissions, consider buying some. Robert H. Frank, a Cornell University economist, is a visiting faculty member at the Stern School of Business at New York University. He is the author of “The Economic Naturalist’s Field Guide: Common Sense Principles for Troubled Times,” which will be published on Monday. (That's Monday June 1st).

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The Earth Is Warming
by Duane330＠aol.com 04 Sep '09

04 Sep '09

Climate Reversal [Science, September 4, 2009] CREDIT: KAUFMAN ET AL. The climate and environment of the Arctic have changed drastically over the short course of modern observation. Kaufman et al. (p. _1236_ (http://www.info-aaas.org/l.jsp?d=2403.285504.654.2bqZKHifm) ) synthesized 2000 years of proxy data from lakes above 60° N latitude with complementary ice core and tree ring records, to create a paleoclimate reconstruction for the Arctic with a 10-year resolution. A gradual cooling trend at the start of the record had reversed by the beginning of the 20th century, when temperatures began to increase rapidly. The long-term cooling of the Arctic is consistent with a reduction in summer solar insolation caused by changes in Earth's orbit, while the rapid and large warming of the past century is consistent with the human-caused warming.

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MVCAC September 2009