WIMS Daily Environmental HotSheet 12/18/15

 

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We are currently on our holiday break, but will resume publication on January 4, 2016. When we return we will be publishing and distributing our WIMS Daily Environmental HotSheet National Edition at no charge. If you would like to begin receiving this daily environmental briefing report starting January 4, 2016 (click here).

 

 

WIMS Daily Environmental HotSheet Friday, December 18, 2015 National / International News

<> Energy Department Announces Largest Energy Efficiency Standard in History - The U.S. Department of Energy announced historic new efficiency standards for commercial air conditioners and furnaces -- developed with industry, utilities, and environmental groups, these standards will save more energy than any other standard issued by the Department to date -- over the lifetime of the products, businesses will save $167 billion on their utility bills and carbon pollution will be reduced by 885 million metric tons. Manufacturers, Efficiency Groups Praise Largest Energy-Saving Standards Ever Issued Sierra Club praises "largest energy saving standard in history" from DOE NRDC President: Negotiated Groundbreaking Energy Efficiency Standards Another Promising Sign in Fight Against Climate Change

<> Senator Boxer's Statement on Passage of TSCA Legislation in the Senate - The U.S. Senate tonight overwhelmingly passed S.697, the "Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act" as an amendment to the House Passed H.R.2576 -- Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Ranking Member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, issued a statement following passage of legislation to reform the nation's toxic chemicals law -- "I am pleased to move forward with the Senate language on the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), which has been a difficult, multi-year odyssey. . ." Statement from Inhofe, Vitter, Udall on TSCA passage ACC Lauds Passage Of Senate Bill To Reform TSCA Senate's Toxic Chemicals Bill Needs Changes in Conference to Merit Support - NRDC S.697 H.R.2576

<> On Heels of EPA 'Covert Propaganda' Bust on WOTUS Rule, E&C Leaders Concerned with Similar Shenanigans on Climate Rules - House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI), Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee Chairman Tim Murphy (R-PA), and Energy and Power Subcommittee Chairman Ed Whitfield (R-KY)  sent a letter to U.S. EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy seeking information regarding the use of social media platforms by EPA to promote the agency's climate rules.

<> NOAA Releases Climate Documents to House Science Committee - Officials from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration handed over about 100 documents relating to climate science research this week in response to a subpoena from the House Science Committee. NOAA Officials FINALLY Surrender Staff Emails To Lawmakers

<> NRC Seeks Public Comment on Draft Guidance for Subsequent Renewal of Nuclear Power Plant Operating Licenses - The Nuclear Regulatory Commission seeks public comment on two draft documents designed to guide the agency's staff in reviewing applications to extend operations of commercial nuclear power plants beyond 60 years -- publication of a Federal Register notice, expected Dec. 22. with comments accepted through Feb. 29, 2016.

<> USGS Estimates 53 Trillion Cubic Feet of Gas Resources in Barnett Shale - The Barnett Shale contains estimated mean volumes of 53 trillion cubic feet of shale natural gas, 172 million barrels of shale oil and 176 million barrels of natural gas liquids, according to an updated assessment.

<> U.S. Reliance on Nonfuel Mineral Imports Increasing - Key nonfuel mineral commodities that support the U.S. economy and national security are increasingly being sourced from outside the U.S., according to a new U.S. Geological Survey publication.

<> November 2015 Global Climate Report - The globally averaged temperature over land and ocean surfaces for November 2015 was highest on record for the month since record keeping began in 1880.

<> Report: Boosting Energy Efficiency In Chicago'S Large Buildings Could Save Up To $184 Million Annually, Create Up To 2,000 Jobs - The City of Chicago yesterday released the results of its second annual assessment of energy use in large commercial, institutional, and residential buildings throughout the city.

<> Here's How To Get Investors To Save The Planet - World leaders should tax carbon emissions if they want institutional investors to commit their assets toward clean energy projects, according to a top environmental adviser to U.S. money managers.

<> Scientists can measure drinking water age using atomic bomb fallout - A university research team has discovered a way to measure the age of treated drinking water by testing for residual radioactive fallout from atomic bomb testing.

<> During the Break it's a good time to check out WIMS 24/7 News Blogs: White House News; Congressional News; Federal Agencies News; Industry News; Enviro Group News; Air Quality News; Hazardous Waste News; Transportation News

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)