Preview Newsletter
AM ACC 11/6/2017
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Hearing On Energy Efficiency
Nov 7, 2017 | Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy
Location: 2123 Rayburn / 10:00 AM. -
Hearing On Energy Legislation
Nov 7, 2017 | Natural Resources Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources
Location: 1324 Longwroth / 2:00 PM. -
Hearing On CEQ, EPA Nominations
Nov 8, 2017 | Environment and Public Works
Location: 406 Dirksen / 10:00 AM. -
(ACC Mentioned) EPA Chief Set To Meet Privately With Chemical Industry Execs
Nov 6, 2017 | Associated Press (in The Washington Post)
By Michael Biesecker
The Trump administration’s top environmental regulator is set to speak privately to chemical industry executives next week during a conference at a luxury oceanfront golf resort. -
(ACC Mentioned) EPA’s New Science Advisers Add More Industry Experts, Conservatives To The Mix
Nov 6, 2017 | The Washington Post
By Juliet Eilperin
Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt appointed more than five dozen new scientific advisers to the agency Friday, a move that is likely to shift the EPA’s research objectives as well as the recommendations that form the basis for key regulations over the next few years. -
(ACC Mentioned) At Least Seven Members Removed From EPA Science Advisory Board
Nov 6, 2017 | BNA Daily Environment Report
By Sylvia Carignan
At least seven of the EPA's scientific advisers were removed from an agency board as Administrator Scott Pruitt seeks to purge its ranks of agency grant recipients. -
(ACC Mentioned) EPA Boosts Industry Membership On Key Advisory Boards
Nov 3, 2017 | PoliticoPro - Whiteboard
By Alex Guillen
EPA officially announced the new line ups for several key advisory boards today, bolstering their membership with employees of energy companies and state agencies just days after Administrator Scott Pruitt ordered scientists who have received agency grant money to give up their EPA funding or their seat. -
(ACC Mentioned) Man Who Believes Current Air Quality Is 'Too Clean' Named To US Environmental Protection Agency Advisory Board
Nov 5, 2017 | The Independent
By Emily Shugerman
A man who once claimed that the air in America was "a little too clean for optimum health", has been appointed to an advisory board of America's Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). -
(ACC Mentioned) Negative Campaigning Issues Arise In Greenville City Council At-Large Race
Nov 6, 2017 | Greenville Online
By Eric Connor,
This coming Election Day, November will mean something in Greenville city politics for the first time in years, where historically races have been decided during the summer primaries. -
(ACC Mentioned) America Recycles Day Marks 20th Anniversary; Focuses Nation’s Attention on Recycling Every Day
Nov 6, 2017 | The Daily Telescope
By Sarah Thompson
Celebrating its 20th anniversary, America Recycles Day educates people about the importance of recycling to our economy and environmental well-being, and helps to motivate occasional recyclers to become everyday recyclers. -
(ACC Mentioned) Letter: Trump Hazards
Nov 6, 2017 | Charleston Post Courier
By Carol Jules
I’ve got to hand it to President Trump: He’s a born magician. He keeps the people mesmerized with his itchy Twitter finger and shocking tricks. All attention stays focused on him, while behind the scene, busy foxes are at work in every henhouse. -
PCB Suit Gets Green Light Under Federal Waste Law
Nov 6, 2017 | BNA Daily Environment Report
By Peter Hayes
A Wisconsin couple may pursue federal hazardous waste claims over the demolition of a neighbor's building that spread PCBs to their property, the Western District of Wisconsin said. -
European Farmers Say Glyphosate Deadlock Shows Mistrust In EU Bodies
Nov 6, 2017 | Euractiv
By Sarantis Michalopoulos
EU farmers’ union Copa-Cogeca has rejected the Commission’s revised proposal for a five year re-authorisation of glyphosate, claiming that such a proposal would “undermine” credibility in the EU institutions. Instead, they suggest a full 15-year re-approval. -
Exxon Spends $1 Billion Annually to Research Green Energy
Nov 6, 2017 | BNA Daily Environment Report
By Anna Hirtenstein
One of the world's biggest oil companies is working on hundreds of low-carbon energy projects, from algae engineered to bloom into biofuels and cells that turn emissions into electricity. -
Enterprise Mulls Seaway Tariff Hike, Completes Pipe Portion of Midland-to-Sealy Pipeline
Nov 6, 2017 | Natural Gas Intelligence
By Charlie Passut
Enterprise Products Partners LP said it may consider raising tariffs of its Seaway Pipeline, one week after a competitor, TransCanada Corp., told federal regulators that it wants to increase the temporary discounted spot rate for light crude from Cushing, OK, to Houston and Port Arthur, TX. -
Illinois' First Fracking Permit Returned by Kansas Company
Nov 6, 2017 | Associated Press (In The New York Times)
The first company to obtain a permit for fracking in Illinois announced Friday it won't use it, citing market conditions and the state's "burdensome and costly" regulations. -
U.S. Goal May Be Simply to Avoid Spotlight at Bonn Climate Talks
Nov 6, 2017 | BNA Daily Environment Report
By Dean Scott
The 190-plus nations that convene in Germany Nov. 6 for the annual climate summit will be keeping a wary eye on the U.S., which essentially will be at the table for a deal from which President Trump has vowed to withdraw. -
Pruitt Opts Out Of U.N. Climate Talks, Sends Staff
Nov 6, 2017 | E&E News PM
By Jean Chemnick
U.S. EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt won't be attending the U.N. climate talks that start Monday in Bonn, Germany, the Trump administration confirmed today. -
Trump Administration Issues Report That Climate Change is Real
Nov 6, 2017 | BNA Daily Environment Report
By Joe Ryan
The Trump Administration released a sweeping federal climate report concluding that the Earth is warming at an alarming rate due to human activity. -
Trump Admin Report Clearly Sows Humans Changing Climate
Nov 6, 2017 | E&E News PM
By Scott Waldman
The most comprehensive survey of climate science to come out of the Trump administration, released today, finds that humans are transforming the world at an unprecedented pace through the burning of fossil fuels. -
Climate Change to Affect 10 Million Americans by 2075
Nov 6, 2017 | BNA Daily Environment Report
By Christopher Flavelle
Ten million Americans will be “substantially affected” by climate change by 2075, causing government disaster spending to jump, the Congressional Budget Office projected Nov. 2. But, instead of trying to cut carbon emissions, the federal government should make coastal residents bear more of the financial risks for living there, the office said. -
81 Lawmakers Urge Zinke To Keep BLM Methane Rule
Nov 3, 2017 | E&E News PM
By Kellie Lunney
Eighty-one House and Senate Democrats are calling on Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke not to suspend or delay implementation of an Obama-era rule regulating methane waste on public lands. -
Trump Administration Clears Climate Report But Key Reviewer Raises Doubts
Nov 6, 2017 | Inside EPA
By Lee Logan
The Trump administration has released a final climate science report finding it “extremely likely” that human activities are the “dominant cause” of climate change, a position at odds with the administration's general stance, but a former Energy Department (DOE) adviser who is expected to run EPA's controversial climate science review is already criticizing the draft.
Congressional Hearings
Industry and Association News
LCSA News - There are no clips to report at this time.
Chemical Management News
Energy News
Chemical Security News - There are no clips to report at this time.
Transportation and Infrastructure News - There are no clips to report at this time.
Environment News
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Nov 7, 2017 | Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy
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Nov 7, 2017 | Natural Resources Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources
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Hearing On CEQ, EPA Nominations
Nov 8, 2017 | Environment and Public Works
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(ACC Mentioned) EPA Chief Set To Meet Privately With Chemical Industry Execs
Nov 6, 2017 | Associated Press (in The Washington Post)
By Michael Biesecker
WASHINGTON — The Trump administration’s top environmental regulator is set to speak privately to chemical industry executives next week during a conference at a luxury oceanfront golf resort.
Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt is listed as the featured speaker at a board meeting of the American Chemistry Council, a group that has lobbied against stricter regulations for chemical manufacturers. The three-day conference is being held at The Sanctuary resort on Kiawah Island, South Carolina.
Council spokeswoman Anne Kolton said Pruitt’s speech will not be open to the public or the news media. Admission to the members-only event where Pruitt is speaking ranges between $7,500 and $2,500, depending on sponsorship level. Rooms at the resort are being offered to conference attendees at a discounted rate of $389 a night, not including taxes and fees.
Travel and lodging expenses for Pruitt, four aides and his security team will be borne by taxpayers.
EPA spokesman Jahan Wilcox declined to provide an estimate of the total cost for the trip, but said the government employees would be staying for $135 a night, within the limit allowed under federal travel reimbursement rules.
Registration fees for Pruitt and his staff were waived since the EPA administrator is an invited speaker. The government employees will not be participating in the golf events scheduled as part of the conference, Wilcox said.
Corporate members of the American Chemistry Council include such industry giants Dow Chemical, DuPont, ExxonMobil, Chevron and Arkema.
A Republican lawyer who previously served as the attorney general of Oklahoma, Pruitt railed against federal environmental regulations he considers too restrictive on the petrochemical industry. Following his appointment to lead EPA, Pruitt has repeatedly intervened to reverse or delay implementation of regulations opposed by chemical and pesticide makers.
Pruitt overruled the recommendation of his agency’s own scientists to ban the Dow pesticide chlorpyrifos after federal scientists concluded it can interfere with the brain development of fetuses and infants. Pruitt also delayed by until at least 2019 Obama-era rules that would have tightened safety requirements for companies storing large quantities of dangerous chemicals after the industry opposed the regulations.
Pruitt has also named chemical industry insiders to key posts within EPA overseeing chemical and pesticide safety. EPA’s top public affairs official, Liz Bowman, worked until March as the director of issue and advocacy communications for the American Chemistry Council.
Though past EPA administrators have met privately with industry representatives, Pruitt has crisscrossed the country to meet with top executives of industries his agency regulates. Unlike past EPA leaders, Pruitt’s speaking engagements are typically disclosed only after the fact and are rarely open to the public.
Wilcox said Pruitt’s travel schedule is not disclosed ahead of time due to security concerns. His speaking engagement at the Chemistry Council event was revealed in an online agenda posted by the group and first reported by The Washington Post.
EPA’s inspector general is reviewing Pruitt’s frequent taxpayer-funded trips, which often include weekend layovers at his home in Oklahoma, to determine whether they adhere to federal travel polices.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/epa-chief-set-to-meet-privately-with-chemical-industry-execs/2017/11/03/a1c52a3e-c0e0-11e7-9294-705f80164f6e_story.html?utm_term=.c43b0daeccbb
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(ACC Mentioned) EPA’s New Science Advisers Add More Industry Experts, Conservatives To The Mix
Nov 6, 2017 | The Washington Post
By Juliet Eilperin
Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt appointed more than five dozen new scientific advisers to the agency Friday, a move that is likely to shift the EPA’s research objectives as well as the recommendations that form the basis for key regulations over the next few years.
Pruitt has placed 66 new experts on three different EPA scientific committees, many of whom hail from industry or state government, and espouse more conservative views than their predecessors. Two of the new chairs — Texas’ top toxicologist Michael Honeycutt, who will helm the Scientific Advisory Board (SAB), and consultant Louis Anthony “Tony” Cox, who will chair the Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee (CASAC) — have harshly criticized the way the EPA has conducted science in the past.
Honeycutt has accused the EPA of “overstating” the risks associated with mercury, a neurotoxin, and of disregarding “good science which demonstrates a chemical is not as toxic as it thinks it is.” Cox wrote that the EPA’s methods for calculating the public health benefits of stricter national smog standards are “unreliable, logically unsound, and inappropriate for drawing causal inferences.”
Under a new policy Pruitt instituted this week, scientists receiving EPA funding cannot serve as the agency’s advisers. Seven advisers stepped down rather than relinquish their grants, agency officials said, while two opted to forego the federal money in order to continue serving.
Clark University economics professor Robert Johnston, who had one year left to serve on the Scientific Advisory Board, said in a phone interview he did not want to give up his portion of a nearly $800,000 grant he and his colleagues share with researchers at Virginia Tech and the University of New Hampshire. The project, which has been underway for more than two years, seeks to evaluate how water quality is understood and valued by the public through a case study of river quality in New England.
“The research is too important,” Johnston said, adding that he is concerned that the litmus test now in place will bar some qualified scientists from helping advise the EPA. “Until recently people serving on the board were the top scientists in their field, and often these are often the people who were funded by federal agencies. So by systematically excluding those scientists, you have effectively knocked out the top scientists, most of them, in many fields.”
Johnston added that these panels are different from policymaking bodies, where a diversity of policy perspectives is critical.
“It’s supposed to be guiding on the science. Not providing policy advice, not offering our own opinions,” he said. “If the board becomes about something else, about people’s particular opinions about how they think policy should be made, that would really change what the board is about.”
Pruitt said the appointments to the Scientific Advisory Board and its clean air panel, along with the even-larger Board of Scientific Counselors (BOSC), would bring new perspectives to the agency. He told reporters Tuesday that he was seeking to diversify the groups’ geographic representation, to include more experts from the Midwest and West.
“To ensure that EPA is receiving the best independent scientific advice, I am appointing highly-qualified experts and scientists to these important committees,” he said in a statement.
Several of the new appointees hail from industries that the EPA regulates, including the French oil giant Total, Phillips 66, the utility Southern Co., Dow Chemical and Procter & Gamble. One current executive from the American Chemistry Council industry group, Kimberly White, will join the SAB, while the ACC’s former senior toxicologist, Richard Becker, will serve on BOSC’s Chemical Safety for Sustainability Subcommittee.
ACC’s senior director for advocacy communications Scott Openshaw praised the appointment of White, Becker and others, saying Pruitt’s new directive will “help ensure EPA’s scientific review panels are well balanced with perspectives from qualified scientists of diverse backgrounds and board members … free of any disqualifying conflicts of interest.”
White’s “fresh perspective,” he added, “reinforced by her scientific background, will help stimulate robust discussion and debate about the matters brought before the panel, which will result in well-vetted advice and recommendations to the administrator.”
The 44-member SAB has two representatives from environmental groups: the Environmental Defense Fund and the ClimateWorks Foundation.
Reactions to the appointments split sharply between Republicans and industry officials who welcomed the shift, and environmentalists and academics who decried it.
Gretchen Goldman, research director for The Center for Science and Democracy, noted in an email that Pruitt had “nearly halved the number of university scientists and tripled the number of industry and consulting firm scientists” on the Scientific Advisory Board.
“With the gutting of key science advisory committees this week, the EPA has replaced independent scientists with air pollution conspiracy theorists and industry-tied individuals with direct conflicts of interest,” Goldman said. “What was previously a committee of scientific all-stars giving freely of their time to provide dispassionate science advice is now dominated by individuals who are less qualified and in some cases openly hostile to the agency’s mission.”
Frank O’Donnell, who heads the advocacy group Clean Air Watch, said that when it came to the clean air advisory panel, “Pruitt has deliberately excluded very qualified scientists from California and the Northeast in the name of regional ‘diversity,’ which he obviously believes is more important than scientific qualifications.”
But Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Chairman John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) praised the overhaul. He called the appointment of Cara Keslar, who serves as the monitoring section supervisor for the air quality division of Wyoming’s Department of Environmental Quality as an “outstanding addition.”
“Her expertise and perspective will ensure that Wyoming and other Western states are part of the EPA’s decision making process,” Barrasso said.
John D. Graham, who worked to raise the bar for new federal regulations while heading the Office of Management and Budget’s Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs under George W. Bush, said in an email he was “honored” to be tapped by Pruitt to serve on the Science Advisory Board “as EPA is an accomplished agency.”
“I join SAB with no predispositions as to what our priorities will be,” said Graham, who now serves as dean of Indiana University’s School of Public and Environmental Affairs. “I will look for guidance from the agency and veteran members of SAB.”
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2017/11/04/pruitts-new-science-advisers-add-more-industry-experts-conservatives-to-the-mix/?utm_term=.3dee0e9d8a91
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(ACC Mentioned) At Least Seven Members Removed From EPA Science Advisory Board
Nov 6, 2017 | BNA Daily Environment Report
By Sylvia Carignan
At least seven of the EPA's scientific advisers were removed from an agency board as Administrator Scott Pruitt seeks to purge its ranks of agency grant recipients.
Pruitt announced the 44 members of the Environmental Protection Agency's Science Advisory Board on Nov. 3. About half of the members were previously appointed and are scheduled to continue serving their three-year term. But at least seven members who had not finished their terms were kicked off the board. The EPA has not responded to questions about why they were removed.
The board advises the EPA and some congressional committees on issues such as chemical toxicity, how to assess the risks of air emissions, and how to model the costs and benefits of environmental regulations.
The American Petroleum Institute and American Chemistry Council supported Pruitt's Oct. 31 decision to cut EPA grant recipients from the Science Advisory Board, Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee, and Board of Scientific Counselors. The API represents ExxonMobil, which will continue to have a member on the Science Advisory Board. The American Chemistry Council represents Dow Chemical, which will also keep a member on the board.
The board is tasked with reviewing the quality of the scientific and technical information the EPA uses to support regulations. The board also advises the agency's administrator and the agency in scientific matters related to hydraulic fracturing, drinking water, and cleanup methods.
http://news.bna.com/deln/DELNWB/split_display.adp?fedfid=123316801&vname=dennotallissues&fn=123316801&jd=123316801
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(ACC Mentioned) EPA Boosts Industry Membership On Key Advisory Boards
Nov 3, 2017 | PoliticoPro - Whiteboard
By Alex Guillen
EPA officially announced the new line ups for several key advisory boards today, bolstering their membership with employees of energy companies and state agencies just days after Administrator Scott Pruitt ordered scientists who have received agency grant money to give up their EPA funding or their seat.
As POLITICO reported on Tuesday, the Science Advisory Board’s new additions include representatives from Phillips 66, Total, Southern Co., the American Chemistry Council and NERA Economic Consulting, a firm frequently hired by industry interests. Their additions boost the industry membership of SAB, although the panel had previously included members from Dow Chemical and other industries or companies.
The Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee, which provides health advice for air quality standards, also has three new members. Aside from new Chairman Tony Cox, an independent consultant, the new members are Larry Wolk of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and James Boylan of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
EPA also announced a slate of new additions to the Board of Scientific Counselors, which advises on research issues. The former chairwoman, Deborah Swackhamer of the University of Minnesota, is now listed as member, while Paul Gilman of waste-to-energy company Covanta has taken over as chair.
Other new BOSC members include representatives from the North Dakota Petroleum Council, Eli Lilly and Co., the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality, the California Energy Commission and the consulting firm Ramboll Environ.
https://www.politicopro.com/energy/whiteboard
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Nov 5, 2017 | The Independent
By Emily Shugerman
A man who once claimed that the air in America was "a little too clean for optimum health", has been appointed to an advisory board of America's Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Robert Phalen once claimed that children’s lungs need to breathe irritants so their bodies can learn to fight them.
The former director of the Air Pollution Health Effects Laboratory at the University of California Irvine was appointed to the agency’s critical Scientific Advisory Board by EPA Director Scott Pruitt.
Mr Pruitt has recently removed all the scientists who receive grant money from the agency.
Speaking to the the American Association for the Advancement of Science in 2012, Mr Phalen told the audience: “Modern air is a little too clean for optimum health.”
Mr Phalen has also argued that the risks associated with modern particulate matter are “very small and confounded by many factors”.
In a 2004 study, he wrote that, “neither toxicology studies nor human clinical investigations have identified the components and/or characteristics of [particulate matter] that might be causing the health-effect associations”.
The appointment is part of Mr Pruitt’s plan to promote advisers who are “financially independent” from the agency.
He has barred scientists who receive grant money from the EPA from serving on its advisory boards, saying he will instead focus on “fresh perspectives” and “geographical representation”.
As a result, Mr Pruitt has placed 66 new experts on three different EPA scientific committees, according to the Washington Post. Several of these experts come from industries that the agency regulates. New advisers hail from companies such as Dow Chemical, Procter & Gamble, and the French petroleum company Total.
The committees also include current and former members of the American Chemistry Council – the primary trade and lobbying group for the chemical industry. Mr Pruitt is scheduled to give a speech the Council’s annual board meeting next week.
While Mr Pruitt says his new policy is meant to prevent conflicts of interest, others claim it will only promote them.
“Pruitt is turning the idea of ‘conflict of interest’ on its head,” Andrew Rosenberg, director of the Centre for Science and Democracy at the Union for Concerned Scientists, said in a statement. “He claims federal research grants should exclude a scientist from an EPA advisory board but industry funding shouldn’t.”
He added: “The consequences of these decisions aren’t just bad for a few scientists. This could mean that there’s no independent voice ensuring that EPA follows the science on everything from drinking water pollution to atmospheric chemical exposure.”
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/robert-phalen-epa-advisory-board-air-too-clean-scott-pruitt-a8038091.html
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(ACC Mentioned) Negative Campaigning Issues Arise In Greenville City Council At-Large Race
Nov 6, 2017 | Greenville Online
By Eric Connor,
This coming Election Day, November will mean something in Greenville city politics for the first time in years, where historically races have been decided during the summer primaries.
Two City Council contests. Republicans facing Democrats.
However, as is true with the hyper-local nature of city government, the typical partisan ideologies haven't applied in distinguishing candidates.
In the at-large council race, Republican John DeWorken and Democrat Russell Stall have expressed similar ideas on the big issues facing Greenville – namely affordable housing and transportation.
Their campaigns for the seat, one of two posts on the council that represents the entirety of the city and not just the districts they live in, has focused on their respective pitches of their own qualifications.
In the closing weeks of the race, however, questions have been raised by Stall’s campaign of the travel demands of his opponent’s job, his motivation to run and the source of his financial support.
“I think the motives may be a little different,” Stall said in an interview recently with The Greenville News, on the heels of a forum sponsored by the newspaper in collaboration with the Greenville Chamber of Commerce. “I think there are some pretty big differences between us. The connections I have locally are a big difference.”
DeWorken, a self-employed state-level lobbyist for small businesses and manufacturers, says he has been forced to be on the defensive as his opponent’s campaign has turned to what he referred to as a strategy of distortion.
“I’m not going to say negative things about my opponent even though his camp is engaging in negative politics, and it’s disappointing,” DeWorken told The News.
DeWorken said that he stands on his accomplishments, which include building from scratch his government and business advocacy firm with his wife, Sunnie, and developing strong relationships in Greenville, particularly in the North Main community where he serves as neighborhood association president.
“I have a wide network of family and friends throughout the state of South Carolina,” he said. “I’m proud of the network I have. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with having influence and friends and colleagues beyond the borders of Greenville city.”
Stall, 58, who left Greenville in 1978 as a teen and ran a market research business in Atlanta before returning in 1996, recently retired from the Greenville Forward organization he founded.
Stall said he built connections locally as a Greenville native and by staying active in communities across the city.Campaign donations
An analysis of the latest campaign disclosure filings with the S.C. Ethics Commission shows about one-third of DeWorken's 271 contributions have come from donors outside the Upstate.
Stall's filings show a large donor base locally. Just under 3 percent of his 327 donations have come from outside the Upstate.
Between them, $168,106 has been raised for the race for the at-large seat, which is being vacated by retiring Councilwoman Gaye Sprague. DeWorken has raised $90,531; Stall $77,575.
Both feature prominent names on their donor list.
DeWorken's contributors are largely made up of the business sector, including the SC Realtors PAC, Greenville Drive owner Craig Brown, developer Bob Hughes, Table 301 and owner Carl Sobocinski, Camperdown developer Centennial American Properties and a collection of elected Republicans.
Stall has a coalition of civic leaders, retirees, attorneys and Democratic officials. Former S.C. Gov. Dick Riley was among the first to donate, along with former Lt. Gov. Nick Theodore. Other local contributors include philanthropist Minor Shaw, ad agency owner Joe Erwin and environmental attorney Frank Holleman.
Stall said he thinks the nature of donations are a matter of "going after the bases we know."
"When so much money is coming from outside, that's kind of a wake-up call to say, 'Let's look and see what's going on here," Stall said.
DeWorken said what's going on is simple: People running for office reach out for support from the people they know and work with, and his job has built connections in Greenville and beyond to places like Columbia and Charleston, which he said can serve as an asset to the city.
A number of the contributions outside of the Upstate are from family and friends as well as colleagues, he said.
DeWorken's company represents a number of business and manufacturing interests, including the S.C. Retailers Association, Manufacturers Alliance, Robert Bosch, Asphalt Pavement Association, American Chemistry Council and Dish Network.
DeWorken was vice president of governmental relations and communications for the Greenville Chamber of Commerce and began the Upstate Chamber Coalition.
“I think the notion of any contribution influencing my decision-making is pretty absurd,” he said. “I have fought for and been an advocate for small businesses, mainly in manufacturing, for almost 20 years. I have a clear understanding of the role a strong economy plays in the health of a community.”
In addition to the funding base, Stall's campaign has raised questions about how DeWorken's travel requirements for his job would affect his ability to serve. Stall said he would treat being a councilman as a full-time job.
“I think it is important for people to know his availability when the (state Legislature) is in session,” Stall said. “I don’t think that's negative at all."
During the legislative session, DeWorken said he spends half the day Tuesday and most of the day Wednesday in Columbia, but the vast majority of the remaining part of the year he is in Greenville.
“I don’t have the luxury of not working,” he said. "Like most professionals in this world, we have to travel occasionally. We need to focus on the issues that are in Greenville than the occasional travel schedule of someone who is trying to serve."
DeWorken said his commitment to hard work is a distinguishing factor, something he learned from his father, who lived in a tent for two years before emerging from poverty to become a superintendent of education.
“I grew up underneath a father who instilled in us that you have to scrape for everything you earn,” he said. "I’m excited about City Council because I bring that urgency of working your tail off on council.”
Stall said he also is committed to working in every community to ensure the diversity of the City Council's representation, particularly in poor neighborhoods.
In 2005, Stall created the non-profit group Greenville Forward that brought together a collection of interests to shape Greenville's future. Inspired to run by visionary former Mayor Max Heller, Stall said he's looking forward to working on an update of the city's comprehensive plan.
"Whoever you vote for, you’re going to get somebody who’s going to work hard.” Stall said.On the issues
Transportation and affordable housing have emerged as the overarching issues in the at-large race and the District 2 race between Democratic incumbent Lillian Brock Flemming and Republican challenger Matt Cotner.
A recent comprehensive operations analysis determined that Greenlink operates efficiently with the limited funding it receives, and since then the calls for increased resources have grown.
Both DeWorken and Stall are calling for increased funding.
At a League of Women Voters forum last week, DeWorken, former vice president of the Greenville Transit Authority board, expressed support for doubling the funding the city provides for the Greenlink transit system it owns.
The city and Greenville County each contribute $400,000, though much of the use takes place in the county, which at a population of nearly 500,000 people dwarfs the city's population of about 67,000.
DeWorken said he would like to present Greenlink's director with the question of what another $400,000 could accomplish. Would, for example, the money reduce route times from one hour to 30-minute intervals?
An inadequate transit system has become a "humanistic and workforce issue," and he said the city should show the county its commitment and challenge the county to increase funding.
"I know it sounds a little elementary, but I say, 'If it's a priority, let's make it a priority," DeWorken said. "I'd hate to be splitting hairs over whose people use it more. We should go beyond splitting hairs and just talk about how we can create an outstanding transit system here in Greenville."
Stall said his vision relies less on vehicles. He said the city should focus more on transit and walkable routes.
"We shouldn’t make it easier for people to drive their cars," he said. "We should make it more convenient to take public transportation than it is to hop in your car. But it’s going to take a long time to change people’s behaviors."
A city consultant hired to help find solutions to a shortage of affordable housing recently reported that the city would need $40 million to start fixing the problem.
The city currently has a shortage of about 2,500 affordable units, the consultant said. Last December, the council voted unanimously to allocate $2 million of surplus money to begin the effort. The consultant suggested the city establish a housing trust fund that would be run with oversight by the council, but ultimately independent.
Stall said affordable housing in the city is at least "a $250 million problem."
The city has to focus on housing across a broad spectrum of low-to-moderate income levels to prevent concentrated poverty, he said.
Stall said he is open to the idea of issuing general obligation bonds and should look to how the Greenville County school district issued bonds to pay for $1 billion worth of school construction.
DeWorken said the bond option should be considered only after exhausting other avenues that go beyond appropriations.
This is the last in a series of previews of races in the upcoming local elections. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday in Greenville and other communities in the Upstate. For full results on election night, visit GreenvilleOnline.com on Tuesday night.
https://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/news/local/2017/11/03/negative-campaigning-issues-arise-greenville-city-council-large-race/824686001/
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Nov 6, 2017 | The Daily Telescope
By Sarah Thompson
STAMFORD, Conn., Nov. 2, 2017 — Celebrating its 20th anniversary, America Recycles Day educates people about the importance of recycling to our economy and environmental well-being, and helps to motivate occasional recyclers to become everyday recyclers. A Keep America Beautiful national initiative, America Recycles Day takes place on and in the weeks leading into Nov. 15, and is the only nationally recognized day dedicated to promoting recycling in the United States.Top 10 Things to Recycle in Your Home on America Recycles Day and any day of the year. #BeRecycled
For the second year, Keep America Beautiful is encouraging people to #BeRecycled in every aspect of their life. Available online and via paper pledges at events across the country, the #BeRecycled Pledge encourages individuals to commit to learn more about recycling in their community; to consistently and correctly recycle; and to buy products made from recycled content. Participants are encouraged to help spread the word by educating and encouraging friends, family and neighbors to recycle in their community, and to integrate the act of recycling and buying products and packaging featuring recycled content throughout their daily routines.
“America Recycles Day is a call-to-action to motivate individuals to actively pursue a #BeRecycled lifestyle 365 days a year,” said Brenda Pulley, senior vice president, recycling, Keep America Beautiful. “America Recycles Day helps to shine a light on our ongoing efforts to educate and inspire people to reduce, reuse and recycle, and when they buy, to buy products made from sustainable and recycled materials.”
A number of America Recycles Day special events are focusing on this year's theme of “#BeRecycled.” They include:On Nov. 4, Keep California Beautiful and the Rabobank Arena, Theater & Convention Center in Bakersfield, California, will hold a collection drive, accepting electronic items, large/small household items, tires, used motor oil filters, among many other materials.On Nov. 11, Trashmagination will hold a Mini Maker Fair in McLean, Virginia, and demonstrate how to use trash to create new items. The fair will include projects that use plastic bags, plastic caps, plastic milk jugs, neck ties and t-shirts, among other items.Richardson Independent School District will mobilize its 55 schools to participate in America Recycles Day by encouraging students to take the #BeRecycled Pledge online, and will post banners outside of schools for the younger students to sign and participate. Throughout the week, Richardson ISD will encourage schools to set up “No Thank You” tables where students can offer unwanted lunch items to others. Lastly, Richardson ISD is contributing to a used clothing drive being held by Keep Dallas Beautiful, as Hurricane Harvey wiped out the surplus of items at many local shelters.Beginning on America Recycles Day, the City of Inner Grove Heights (Minnesota) will collect and recycle old and unused holiday lights to help prevent them from entering the landfill. Over the past two years, the city has recycled about 120 pounds of holiday lights!
Aside from the #BeRecycled Pledge, people can be part of the recycling solution by being more mindful of how to properly recycle products in the home and elsewhere by participating or hosting their own America Recycles Day event. Event organizers —can access valuable resources to plan, promote and host an event on the America Recycles Day website where there are easy reference guides and toolkits for hosting events, activity ideas, downloadable posters and banners, media outreach tools, sample proclamations and more. Events can be scheduled at any time during the fall leading into the official America Recycles Day celebration, Nov. 15.
Sponsors of this year's initiative include American Chemistry Council, H&M, Indorama Ventures, Keurig Green Mountain, Northrup Grumman and Waste Management. Additionally, Dropps, creator of eco-friendly detergent pods, will serve as a promotional partner for this year's campaign and will donate 10 percent of sales for the entire year to Keep America Beautiful on every new wash plan subscription or new customer product purchase made on Dropps.com using code KAB2017.
“Indorama Ventures is committed to supporting America Recycles Day because it offers an opportunity for the next generation of environmental stewards to learn about the importance of recycling and taking care of the environment,” said Russ Wilson, plant manager at Indorama Venture's IVXP Plant in Decatur, Alabama.
http://dailytelescope.com/pr/america-recycles-day-marks-20th-anniversary-focuses-nations-attention-on-recycling-every-day/4130
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(ACC Mentioned) Letter: Trump Hazards
Nov 6, 2017 | Charleston Post Courier
By Carol Jules
I’ve got to hand it to President Trump: He’s a born magician. He keeps the people mesmerized with his itchy Twitter finger and shocking tricks. All attention stays focused on him, while behind the scene, busy foxes are at work in every henhouse.
At the Department of Justice, Jeff Sessions keeps a low profile while Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) does its dirty business, upending people’s lives in a cruel fashion. Consider the case of Cristina Rodriguez-Sagarnaga, mother of three young daughters who got swept up and sent back to Mexico although she had lived in the United States since age 5.
She left her children with her mother and wonders when she’ll see them again. Although nearly 5,000 people had signed a petition to grant her a stay of deportation, ICE sent her packing.
At the EPA, Scott Pruitt is steadily undermining the very mission of the agency to protect the environment from pollution. His top deputy, Nancy Beck, has green-lighted many toxic substances which scientists at the agency deem too dangerous for use. Ms. Beck most recently worked for the American Chemistry Council.
Despite an obvious conflict of interest, she avoided the normal confirmation review by a technicality and now uses her power on behalf of the chemical industry to override the scientists who work under her.
Under Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, the State Department has been hollowed by pushing out veteran foreign policy experts who have not been replaced. The bench is so shallow that ambassadors complain that nobody responds when they have a question on policy.
Tillerson jets all over the world but pays little attention to his staff and isn’t hiring. He operates like the Lone Ranger with no solid rapport with either his Department or the president. World leaders are left wondering whose word can be trusted.
At the Interior Department, the public lands that belong to us all are under assault by Secretary Ryan Zinke. He aims to shrink a number of national monuments and open up our National Parks to oil and gas drilling. Teddy Roosevelt must be turning over in his grave, and he was a Republican.
Will these things make America great again? Tragically, it’s just the opposite.
http://www.postandcourier.com/opinion/letters_to_editor/letter-trump-hazards/article_1ae307c6-bdab-11e7-b548-3b2eff880c4f.html
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PCB Suit Gets Green Light Under Federal Waste Law
Nov 6, 2017 | BNA Daily Environment Report
By Peter Hayes
A Wisconsin couple may pursue federal hazardous waste claims over the demolition of a neighbor's building that spread PCBs to their property, the Western District of Wisconsin said.
The fact that polychlorinated biphenyls are already regulated expressly under the Toxic Substances Control Act doesn't bar a citizen suit under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, the court said (Liebhart v. SPX Corp., 2017 BL 393729, W.D. Wis., No. 16-cv-700, 11/2/17).
William and Nancy Liebhart may proceed with their suit against the owner of the property SPX Corp., as well as TRC Companies, Inc., which oversaw the demolition, and Apollo Dismantling Services, LLC, which conducted the demolition, the court said.
The court declined to rule on the argument of SPX that PCBs don't constitute hazardous waste under RCRA.
SPX argued that the EPA's failure to identify PCBs as a hazardous waste subject to
regulation under RCRA excludes PCBs from the definition of “hazardous waste” under RCRA.Even if PCBs are not a “hazardous waste” under RCRA, they are a “solid waste,” which is also covered by RCRA, the court said.
PCBs were used in electrical transformers, paint, caulking, sealants, inks and lubricants and have been banned since the 1970s.
Judge James D. Peterson issued the opinion.
Law Offices of Carey S. Rosemarin, P.C. and Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren SC represent the Liebharts.
Nixon Peabody LLP represents SPX.
Fisher Bren & Sheridan, LLP represents TRC.
Litchfield Cavo LLP and Segal McCambridge Singer Mahoney represent Appollo.
http://news.bna.com/deln/DELNWB/split_display.adp?fedfid=123316815&vname=dennotallissues&fn=123316815&jd=123316815
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European Farmers Say Glyphosate Deadlock Shows Mistrust In EU Bodies
Nov 6, 2017 | Euractiv
By Sarantis Michalopoulos
EU farmers’ union Copa-Cogeca has rejected the Commission’s revised proposal for a five year re-authorisation of glyphosate, claiming that such a proposal would “undermine” credibility in the EU institutions. Instead, they suggest a full 15-year re-approval.
Copa and Cogeca Secretary-General Pekka Pesonen insists that assessments by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) gave the green light for the weedkiller’s re-authorisation.
“There should be no question but to re-authorise its use for the full 15 years. Important decisions like this should not be based on emotion or politics. If it’s not renewed for the full term, all credibility in the EU institutions and decision-makers will be lost,” Pesonen warned.
Food safety agencies in 28 member states agree with EFSA and ECHA assessments, EU sources claim. Based on these assessments, the Commission is pushing for the re-authorisation of glyphosate and, in an effort to reach the largest possible majority, it proposed a five year re-approval.
But critics point to the International Agency for Research on Cancer’s (IARC) classification of glyphosate as “probably carcinogenic”, with France among the countries that oppose the re-authorisation of the weedkiller.
ANSES, the French agency for food, said on 9 February that the level of evidence of carcinogenicity in animals and humans is considered relatively limited and cannot be presumed to be carcinogenic to humans.
It also said that ECHA should review the classification of glyphosate. It did so in March saying that glyphosate weedkiller should not be classified as a carcinogen.
EURACTIV.com asked the French ministry of agriculture whether the government is questioning ANSES’s assessment but received no reply at time of publication.
The Standing Committee on Plant Animal Food and Feed, which consists of member state experts and the Commission, met on 25 October to discuss renewing the licence for the controversial weedkiller, which is produced by Monsanto and others.
But no vote took place, as a qualified majority among EU member states could not be reached supporting the executive’s proposal.
An EU spokesperson told EURACTIV that the period of five years takes into account the latest resolution adopted by the European Parliament, which urged for a full ban on glyphosate-based herbicides by December 2022.
It also considered the European Citizens Initiative, which gathered more than 1.3 million signatures calling for a European ban over fears that it causes cancer.
Another vote is scheduled to take place at the next Committee meeting on 9 November, while the current approval of glyphosate expires on 15 December 2017.
Member states divided
Two competing blocking minorities have been formed. A majority of 16 member states led by Romania, Ireland, UK, Poland and Spain have backed a 10-year re-authorisation of the substance and they reportedly refuse to limit it to five.
On the other side, a minority mainly led by France wants to further water down the 5-year proposal.
Germany, currently holding coalition talks, abstained on the vote, along with Portugal. According to sources, glyphosate producer Monsanto would prefer re-authorisation before a new government is formed in Berlin.
Spanish website Agropopular quoted centre-right MEP Esther Herranz as saying that the European People’s Party (EPP) would back the re-authorisation of glyphosate.
“The EPP is in favor of the extension that allows the Spanish and Riojan (a Spanish province) farmers to continue using the herbicide glyphosate […] this is the position that the government of Spain will defend in the next Council of Ministers,” she said.
Moreover, Dutch Minister of Agriculture Carola Schouten told her country’s parliament that there was no legal possibility of incorporating a phase-out into the approval decision itself.
She added, though, that she was in favour of working on alternatives to glyphosate, together with other member states and the agricultural sector.
But finding an alternative does not seem like an easy task.
French MEP Angélique Delahaye recently told EURACTIV that it would be difficult to find an alternative within five years; however, she did not entirely rule it out.
The appeal committee
The Commission has repeatedly stated that glyphosate will not be renewed without the necessary support from the member states and EU Commissioner Vytenis Andriukaitis has called on EU governments to take on their responsibilities and stop hiding behind the executive.
Asked whether the Commission will refer to the appeal committee, EU sources said nothing could be said at this stage, before knowing the outcome of the Standing Committee on 9 November.
“Unless the Commission decides to submit yet another revised draft proposal to the Standing Committee, the five-year one should go to the appeal committee,” the sources explained.
According to the procedures provided in the Lisbon Treaty, the qualified majority in the Standing Committees is the 55% majority (16 member states) representing 65% of population.
If no qualified majority is reached either in favour or against a Commission’s proposal, then the executive can submit the same or an amended proposal to the so-called appeal committee, which is also composed of member states representatives. But in this case, there is no debate but only a vote.
If still “no opinion” prevails, then the Commission has to take responsibility for the final decision. If it doesn’t, then the executive will be taken to the European Court of Justice for failure to act. Monsanto and others have already notified legal notices to the executive.
Sources noted that abstentions and absences are also taken into account and weight as vote against in the overall calculation.
What do EFSA and ECHA say?
In an interview with EURACTIV in June, EFSA’s boss Bernhard Url explained that it was a highly political decision that can only be taken by risk managers.
“There we have a comitology procedure in Europe, which means that the Commission decides along with the member states.”
ECHA also keeps its distance from the political level. Contacted by EURACTIV, an ECHA’s spokesperson said that the agency’s role in this case was to provide an independent scientific opinion on hazards of glyphosate for the Commission and EU member states’ decision making.
“From ECHA’s point of view the decision on renewing the approval for glyphosate needs to be made on the political level and we have no comments on that process. However, we naturally expect that if scientific evidence is being used as a basis of any political decision, independent scientific opinions from the EU Agencies should be taken into consideration,” ECHA’s official pointed out.
https://www.euractiv.com/section/agriculture-food/news/european-farmers-say-glyphosate-deadlock-shows-mistrust-in-eu-bodies/
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Exxon Spends $1 Billion Annually to Research Green Energy
Nov 6, 2017 | BNA Daily Environment Report
By Anna Hirtenstein
One of the world's biggest oil companies is working on hundreds of low-carbon energy projects, from algae engineered to bloom into biofuels and cells that turn emissions into electricity.
The work by Exxon Mobil Corp. includes research on environmentally-friendly technologies in five to 10 key areas, according to Vice President of Research and Development Vijay Swarup. While any commercial breakthrough is at least a decade away, Exxon's support for clean energy suggests the world's most valuable publicly-traded oil company is looking toward the possibility of a future where fossil fuels are less dominant.
While Exxon has discussed some of its research before and runs advertisements about its work in algae, the remarks from Swarup are the first indication of the breadth of the oil company's interests in alternative energies. It's part of the $1 billion a year Exxon spends on research worldwide and the $8 billion it has spent since 2000 researching, developing and deploying low-carbon technologies.
“These areas are massively challenging, and if we can solve those, they will have huge impacts on our business,” said Swarup in a phone interview. “We bring more than money. We bring the science, the commitment to research.”
Exxon didn't disclose the exact amount it's spending on the green technologies. The broader investments it has made since the beginning of the century also include things like managing methane emissions from oil wells, on co-generation and on making its plants more efficient.
Wider Adoption of Renewables
The company joins a growing list of oil majors hedging against the wider adoption of renewables, which could displace some 8 million barrels of crude demand a day, according to Bloomberg New Energy Finance. Some companies, like France's Total SA, have made acquisitions to enter the business. Others, like Royal Dutch Shell Plc, are using experiences from running offshore rigs to develop wind farms in the North Sea.
Based in Irving, Texas, Exxon said its approach is different because its focusing on science, Swarup said. It has joined with about 80 universities and is collaborating with smaller companies on research.
Projects it's working on include:
Algae biofuels: Exxon is planning to harvest algae in ponds or oceans around the world and process it into a biofuel for regional distribution. Swarup expects that it will first be blended with diesel and jet fuel, but the goal is to eventually sell a 100 percent algae-derived fuel.
Biodiesel made from agricultural waste. The company is working with Renewable Energy Group Inc. to use microbes to convert inedible crop residue like corn husks into biofuels. The two companies began their collaboration in 2016 and recently extended their joint research program.
Carbonate fuel cells: Most fuel cells generate electricity by reacting chemically with natural gas or hydrogen. These ones use carbon dioxide. Exxon and FuelCell Energy Inc. are researching how the devices can be used in carbon capture and storage and to generate electricity at the same time. It's building a pilot plant within a few months and is working on the engineering of the facility now.
Process intensification: Exxon is working with Georgia Institute of Technology to develop a more efficient way of refining crude oil into plastic. It involves using a membrane and osmosis rather than heat. Exxon is targeting carbon dioxide emission reductions by as much as half with the process.
“We are still 10 plus years away” for both the algae biofuels and carbonate fuel cells to be deployed at scale, according to Swarup, who said the company's been focusing research on algae for eight years.Swarup's biggest priority is finding and developing projects that can be scaled to Exxon's global reach. The company operates on six continents and had revenues of $198 billion last year, bigger than the combined economies of Qatar and Kuwait, two members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries.
“The common denominator when we're looking at from a research standpoint is that we understand our role as a corporation and that is scalable solutions,” Swarup said.
“Oil and gas companies tend to consider other elements of an investment beyond just the short-term revenue potential,” said Rick Wheatley, executive vice president of new growth at Xynteo Ltd., a consultancy that advises Shell, Statoil ASA and Eni SpA on sustainability and long-term planning. “They may be more likely to see technologies as pieces that can be combined into larger products or solutions and therefore have higher tolerance for early stage and experimental ideas.”
http://news.bna.com/deln/DELNWB/split_display.adp?fedfid=123316805&vname=dennotallissues&fn=123316805&jd=123316805
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Enterprise Mulls Seaway Tariff Hike, Completes Pipe Portion of Midland-to-Sealy Pipeline
Nov 6, 2017 | Natural Gas Intelligence
By Charlie Passut
Enterprise Products Partners LP said it may consider raising tariffs of its Seaway Pipeline, one week after a competitor, TransCanada Corp., told federal regulators that it wants to increase the temporary discounted spot rate for light crude from Cushing, OK, to Houston and Port Arthur, TX.
Meanwhile, the Houston-based partnership said it recently completed construction of the pipeline portion of its Midland-to-Sealy crude oil pipeline, and Hurricane Harvey delayed the commissioning schedule for its propane dehydrogenation (PDH) facility at Mont Belvieu, TX, by about four weeks.
During an earnings call to discuss 3Q2017 on Thursday, senior vice president Brent Secrest said Enterprise is "evaluating the tariffs we have right now" on the 850,000 b/d Seaway system, which runs from Cushing to the Gulf Coast.
"We're lower than our competitor," Secrest said, referring to TransCanada. "Ultimately, I think we benefit because of our presence on the water."
CEO Jim Teague added that Enterprise has "the right partner" in Enbridge Inc., "because he has the pipe out of Canada and he is positioned to bring Canadian crude into Seaway down to the Gulf Coast." Calgary-based Enbridge is a 50/50 joint venture partner with Enterprise on Seaway.
Last week, Marketlink LLC, a TransCanada subsidiary, submitted a tariff filing with FERC where it proposed raising the temporary discounted spot rate for light crude to $3/bbl, up from $2.50/bbl. The increase would take effect on Dec. 1. Marketlink told the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [IS18-18] that it would leave the spot rate for heavy crude unchanged, at $3/bbl. TransCanada launched an open season for the 700,000 b/d Marketlink on Wednesday.
Secrest added that Enterprise has a marketing contract on Seaway that ends in January, but it would not be renewed.
"There's a lock-up tariff that if we want to participate, we'll participate that way," said CFO Bryan Bulawa. "There is probably an opportunity to sell it long term to third parties as capacity rolls off.
"The issue with Seaway is there is more capacity that's coming on line. In terms of excess capacity, there's probably not a whole lot for another year or two. There is lock-up space obviously, and at the end of the day if Enterprise chooses to participate in that, we'll participate as we offer dock services to people."
Teague said Enterprise was beginning commissioning activities for the Midland-to -Sealy pipeline, and that the company expects it to enter limited service later this month. He said construction of supporting pump stations and storage facilities -- both in Midland and Sealy, TX -- are continuing. The pipeline is expected to enter full service in 2Q2018.
The CEO added that Enterprise was also "in the final stages of commissioning" at its PDH facility at Mont Belvieu, "and [we] expect initial production of polymer grade propylene later this month."
The partnership transported 5.3 million b/d of natural gas liquids, crude oil, refined products and petrochemical pipeline volumes in 3Q2017, a 6% increase from the year-ago quarter (5 million b/d).
Enterprise reported net income of $611 million (28 cents/unit) in 3Q2017, compared to net income of $635 million (30 cents/unit) in the year-ago quarter. Adjusting for the estimated impact of Hurricane Harvey, net income would have been $646 million (30 cents/unit).
http://www.naturalgasintel.com/articles/112341-enterprise-mulls-seaway-tariff-hike-completes-pipe-portion-of-midland-to-sealy-pipeline
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Illinois' First Fracking Permit Returned by Kansas Company
Nov 6, 2017 | Associated Press (In The New York Times)
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The first company to obtain a permit for fracking in Illinois announced Friday it won't use it, citing market conditions and the state's "burdensome and costly" regulations.
Wichita, Kansas-based Woolsey Companies Inc. was given permission in September by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to drill near the southeast Illinois community of Enfield.
"The process we have gone through to receive a permit was burdensome, time consuming and costly due to the current rules and regulations of the state of Illinois, and it appears that this process would continue for future permit applications," Woolsey vice president Mark Sooter said in a statement.
Fracking relies on high pressure chemical and water injections to release oil and gas from deep-rock formation.
The Illinois Legislature in 2013 passed a law regulating fracking. At the time, the law was considered one of the most stringent in the nation. But oil prices soon dropped, and companies that secured leases to frack put their plans on hold.Continue reading the main story
Department of Natural Resources spokesman Ed Cross said a new permit would be required if Woolsey decided to revive the Illinois wells.
"They'd have to start the whole process over," said Cross.
Two other energy development companies registered for hydraulic fracturing in Illinois, though neither applied for a permit.
Opponents of fracking say they consider Woolsey's decision not to drill in Illinois a victory for their side.
Jessica Fujan of Food and Water Watch told the State Journal-Register in Springfield that Woolsey's decision reflected growing public awareness of fracking's dangers.
"We've learned a lot since Illinois passed this law," said Fujan, noting an Illinois Senate subcommittee on energy plans to hold a hearing on fracking rules later this month. "We're going to pursue further restrictions on fracking and an outright ban, if possible."
Critics of fracking express concern about its impact on the environment and public health from spills and leaks. Others say around-the-clock noise, lights and fumes from drilling rigs make their homes unlivable.
The industry says fracking is safe and that drilling companies take steps to minimize the disturbances.
https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2017/11/03/us/ap-us-fracking-illinois.html?_r=0
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U.S. Goal May Be Simply to Avoid Spotlight at Bonn Climate Talks
Nov 6, 2017 | BNA Daily Environment Report
By Dean Scott
The 190-plus nations that convene in Germany Nov. 6 for the annual climate summit will be keeping a wary eye on the U.S., which essentially will be at the table for a deal from which President Trump has vowed to withdraw.
On the eve of the summit, Trump's Environmental Protection Agency administrator, Scott Pruitt, has decided not to attend, an agency spokeswoman told Bloomberg Environment Nov. 3. His absence will be a relief for many negotiators as Pruitt was the Trump administration's most vocal proponent of the U.S. withdrawing from the Paris pact, but State Department negotiators will still attend.
The U.S. is being particularly cagey about what it will do at the two-week climate summit in Bonn, which will focus on implementing the 2015 Paris Agreement. Negotiators will be seeking progress on procedures to ensure that nations transparently report their greenhouse gas emissions and design a 2018 process to gauge global progress on climate change, which is called in United Nations parlance a facilitative dialogue.
The summit will be the first high-level interaction between Trump negotiators and their counterparts since he announced his plans June 1 to withdraw from the Paris Agreement. That's be a four-year process—the U.S. technically cannot get out of the agreement until after the next presidential election in 2020—and Trump at least for now is sending negotiators to the table.
The Bonn talks, known as the 23rd Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, isn't a do-or-die summit like the 2015 talks that produced a landmark global climate pact, or even as critical as next year's summit in Katowice, Poland, when negotiators aim to wrap up transparency rules and convene the 2018 review of whether nations are doing enough to brake rising global temperatures.The success of the Bonn talks, which will be overseen by the island nation of Fiji, will hinge on how much progress negotiators make on those procedural issues.
Low Profile for U.S
U.S. State Department negotiators are likely to elect to keep a low profile and stay out of the limelight as much as possible at the Nov. 6–17 summit, and the administration's selection of longtime career diplomat Tom Shannon to head the U.S. team in Bonn seems to have quelled some nervousness among participants.
Others tapped for the negotiating team are longtime climate negotiator Trigg Talley; John Thompson, who was recently detailed to the White House National Security Council; and Judy Garber, the State Department's acting assistant secretary for Oceans, Environment, and Science.
“In a normal year, this would be what we'd roughly call a process Conference of the Parties, but what makes this year not normal is the continuing reverberations” from Trump's announced withdrawal, Andrew Light, a former Obama administration climate negotiator, told Bloomberg Environment.
That fact can't be ignored, he said, particularly after “a terrible, horrible season for hurricanes, wildfires,” and other severe weather events, said Light, now a senior fellow in the World Resources Institute's global climate program.
Current and former State Department officials said to not expect fireworks with Shannon at the helm. “On one hand, he's not going to do anything that's contrary to this administration,” one former State official said. But Shannon worked as an adviser to Secretary John Kerry, a longtime backer of climate action “and has really come to understand that climate change, as an issue of international diplomacy, has really increased in his time, “ the official said.
Expect Flare-ups
There will be plenty of efforts in Bonn meant to fill what many see as a U.S. climate vacuum under Trump. For the first time in years the talks won't have a U.S.-sponsored center touting its climate progress. In its place will be a U.S. Climate Action Center backed by a group of nine states, more than 100 cities, and nearly 1,800 businesses and investors dubbed the We Are Still In coalition.
The pavilion is partly backed by Bloomberg L.P. and Bloomberg Philanthropies, the charitable organization founded by Michael Bloomberg, founder of Bloomberg LP. Bloomberg BNA is an affiliate of Bloomberg L.P.
Oregon Gov. Kate Brown (D) and Washington Gov. Jay Inslee (D) also are to attend as a signal to other nations that the U.S. remains committed to tackling climate change. They'll be joined by nearly a half-dozen Democratic senators led by Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.), the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, who are to arrive this weekend with a similar message.
Business groups and climate advocacy groups are crossing their fingers for a quiet summit with minimal controversy, although some flare-ups are possible given simmering resentment among many nations over the U.S. withdrawal. “It's more of an administrative meeting [and] we hope it will kind of be a boring, business-as-usual outcome—and that would be a good thing,” said Nature Conservancy President and CEO Mark Tercek.
There's always the possibility there will be “some noise” in connection with the U.S. position “and that's good too,” Tercek said. “I think U.S. citizens should understand that we really have kind of isolated ourselves in an extreme position [away] from the rest of the world.”
Beyond progress on transparency rules and the 2018 facilitative dialogue, negotiators also could see renewed focus on whether to revisit compensation for vulnerable developing nations being hard hit by storm surge, rising seal levels, and other climate impacts.
Market Mechanisms
Business groups also want to see progress on carbon trading and other market mechanisms, which were included in Article 6 of the Paris pact so that could pave the way for international emissions trading. Some day that could allow links between the European Union's emissions trading system and other trading efforts in Quebec and California—or even fledgling carbon trading now underway in China.
Norine Kennedy, who will be closely watching the issue in Bonn for the U.S. Council for International Business, told Bloomberg Environment that U.S. companies want to ensure negotiators don't create any hurdles to emissions trading. a free and open trading of emissions credits.
“Our objective here is to make sure that articles don't preclude or foreclose the kinds of carbon market arrangements any country might reach agreement on,” said Kennedy, USCIB's vice president for strategic international engagement, energy, and environment.
“The idea is to let a thousand flowers bloom in this regard: we need all the cost-effective options we can get” if companies are going to help countries make good on the emissions reductions they pledged to the Paris deal, Kennedy said. “The way to get there is to make all options available—not take options off the table.”
http://news.bna.com/deln/DELNWB/split_display.adp?fedfid=123316799&vname=dennotallissues&fn=123316799&jd=123316799
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Pruitt Opts Out Of U.N. Climate Talks, Sends Staff
Nov 6, 2017 | E&E News PM
By Jean Chemnick
U.S. EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt won't be attending the U.N. climate talks that start Monday in Bonn, Germany, the Trump administration confirmed today.
The meeting was on Pruitt's schedule last summer, worrying negotiators and advocates that the administration's most vocal foe of the Paris climate accord would distract from this year's task of negotiating the deal's implementation.
The former Oklahoma attorney general came out swinging against U.S. participation in Paris long before President Trump announced his intention to withdraw in June. In television appearances, Pruitt dismissed the 2015 agreement by nearly 200 countries as "a bad deal for America," and "an America second, third or fourth kind of approach."
The U.S. delegation in Bonn will comprise career officials from the State Department and other agencies, with some Democratic governors and senators arriving separately to emphasize that some U.S. officials still see climate action as a priority. The National Security Council's international energy adviser George David Banks will also attend to host a fossil fuels and nuclear event.
While Bloomberg News first reported Pruitt wouldn't go to Germany, E&E News has learned some of his top political aides would attend. EPA senior policy adviser Mandy Gunasekara, who attended climate summits as a staffer for Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), will make the trip with Brittany Bolen, deputy associate administrator in EPA's policy office. Vice President Mike Pence may also have a staffer at the talks.
The U.S. presence in the former West German Parliament building is expected to be muted compared to the days of the Obama administration.
"The U.S. used to be so much at the center of the conversation, and now it's going to be like, 'So wait, they're even still here?'" said Jake Schmidt, international climate director for the Natural Resources Defense Council.
Myron Ebell of the Competitive Enterprise Institute and a leader of the Trump transition effort at EPA said the low-key U.S. participation in Bonn shows Trump is serious about withdrawing from the Paris Agreement by fall 2020.
"Sending only career civil servants to lead the U.S. delegation should signal loud and clear to the world that President Trump is not interested in the Paris process or in negotiating a new deal," he said.
He added, "I hope all the Democrats going to Bonn get to enjoy some unseasonably warm weather."
https://www.eenews.net/eenewspm/2017/11/03/stories/1060065621
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Trump Administration Issues Report That Climate Change is Real
Nov 6, 2017 | BNA Daily Environment Report
By Joe Ryan
The Trump Administration released a sweeping federal climate report concluding that the Earth is warming at an alarming rate due to human activity.
The Earth is undergoing its warmest period “in the history of modern civilization,” fueled primarily by rising levels of carbon dioxide, according to the Nov. 3 study. The congressionally mandated report, released by the U.S. Global Change Research Program, was initiated under President Barack Obama in 2015.
The conclusions about melting glaciers, diminishing snow cover, ocean acidification and other results of a warming planet are hardly new. The central premise, that humans are to blame contradicts previous statements of President Donald Trump and many high-ranking members of his administration, who have questioned the scientific findings regarding climate change.
The White House declined to say whether Trump agreed with the report's conclusions. A spokesman issued a statement saying the administration supports rigorous scientific analysis and debate.
“In the United States, energy related carbon dioxide emissions have been declining, are expected to remain flat through 2040, and will also continue to decline as a share of world emissions,” Principal Deputy Press Secretary Raj Shah said in the statement.
Senators’ Letter
Scientists had expressed concern that the White House would either alter the report's findings or block its release. On Wednesday, nine Democratic senators sent a letter to Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, calling on the administration to refrain from political interference. In the end, the report was issued as the scientists wrote it.
“I am quite confident to say that there has been no political interference in the scientific messages in this report,” David Fahey, a research physicist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and coordinating lead author of the study, said on a conference call.
It would not have been easy for the Trump administration to suppress or doctor the report, said Rachel Licker, a senior climate scientist for the Cambridge, Massachusetts-based Union of Concerned Scientists. The study is mandated by Congress under a 1990 law signed by President George H.W. Bush. It also underwent a rigorous review process including public comments and multiple federal agencies.
The report comes as the Trump administration has aggressively promoted fossil fuels and moved to dismantle federal programs to fight climate change. Friday's report does not necessarily signify that will change, Licker said in an interview.
“This is a report that does not prescribe any policy action,” she said. “It does not tell America what to do. That's up to policy makers in the administration.”
http://news.bna.com/deln/DELNWB/split_display.adp?fedfid=123316797&vname=dennotallissues&fn=123316797&jd=123316797
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Trump Admin Report Clearly Sows Humans Changing Climate
Nov 6, 2017 | E&E News PM
By Scott Waldman
The most comprehensive survey of climate science to come out of the Trump administration, released today, finds that humans are transforming the world at an unprecedented pace through the burning of fossil fuels.
That's basic climate science, and long established by those in the field. Still, no one expects the latest update to the National Climate Assessment to sway the administration, since most of its key findings are not new and have been rejected by many top officials, including the president himself.
The congressionally mandated report finds that temperatures have warmed by 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit in the last 115 years, the warmest period in the history of modern civilization.
For a government document backed by dozens of detailed scientific studies, the assessment is blunt in stating humans are the primary drivers of climate change. It comes as world leaders gather in Bonn, Germany, to discuss mitigation strategies that will head off some of the most dire climate change effects.
"This assessment concludes, based on extensive evidence, that it is extremely likely that human activities, especially emissions of greenhouse gases, are the dominant cause of the observed warming since the mid-20th century," the assessment concludes. "For the warming over the last century, there is no convincing alternative explanation supported by the extent of the observational evidence."
Today's release included two volumes of the National Climate Assessment and a draft of the State of the Carbon Cycle Report and was produced by more than two dozen leading climate scientists. It links human activity to ocean acidification, shrinking sea ice and rising sea levels. Global average sea level has risen by about 7 to 8 inches in the last century, with 3 inches coming just the last 25 years.
Twenty-five Atlantic and Gulf Coast cities are experiencing daily tidal flooding, according to its findings. The rate of rise could have devastating consequences by the end of the century, as sea levels are expected to rise at least a foot and, at the upper end of estimates, by as much as 8 feet.
It paints a stark image of the greenhouse gases now accumulating in the atmosphere and driving the warming of the planet, stating that "there is no climate analog for this century at any time in at least the last 50 million years." Extreme weather is becoming more severe and more common, according to the report.
Critics and environmentalists were concerned that the administration would seek to stifle the reports, which are required under a 1990 law that both Democratic and Republican administrations have followed. Instead, largely ignoring the findings seems a far more likely outcome for policymakers.
The White House responded to the report by repeating a favorite talking point of those who doubt climate science. The climate "has changed and is always changing," said Principal Deputy Press Secretary Raj Shah. He pointed to half a sentence in the report that acknowledges uncertainty in how sensitive the climate is to greenhouse gas emissions and touted the reduction of carbon dioxide in the U.S., which is largely driven by a switch from coal to natural gas.
"The Administration supports rigorous scientific analysis and debate and encourages public comment on the draft documents being released today," he said in a statement. "To address climate change as well as other risks, the U.S. will continue to promote access to the affordable and reliable energy needed to grow economically, and to support technology, innovation and the development of modern and efficient infrastructure that will reduce emissions and enable us to address future risks, including climate related risks."
President Trump set off on a trip to Asia today instead of heading to Germany, and EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt plans to head to a chemical industry conference at a South Carolina resort (see related story). The Trump administration is sending a delegation to Germany to speak on the benefits of fossil fuels and nuclear energy.
But there was no political interference in the scientific findings of the report, said David Fahey, the report's lead author and director of the Chemical Sciences Division at NOAA Earth System Research Laboratory. He said there was substantial interaction between the report's authors, the White House and the 13 government agencies that responded to it.
"The word 'interference' might have been a threat, but it never materialized that this report says what the scientists wanted to say, even down to the confidence and the likelihood statements, so in that sense, it's an excellent example of an open scientific assessment," he said.
The report was focused solely on scientific findings and not on policy suggestions, the report's authors said. Fahey said the report clearly states that anyone who claims there is uncertainty in the science around whether humans are the primary drivers of climate change is wrong.
Researchers from NOAA, NASA and the Department of Energy contributed to its findings. None of the men selected to head those agencies during the Trump era is a scientist, though they were headed by professional scientists in the past. What's more, virtually all the leaders of the key agencies that produced the report, along with Trump's EPA administrator, have joined the president in rejecting basic climate science. The report lays bare the claims of politicians who say there are uncertainties in the science.
But their likely reception of the reports may follow along the lines of a former Obama administration official who called it "deceptive" in an opinion piece for The Wall Street Journal. Steve Koonin, a New York University physicist and former undersecretary for Energy who Pruitt frequently cites as a reason to conduct a comprehensive review of climate science through a "red team, blue team" process, focused his critique of a report on the uncertainties it lays out, such as the rate of sea-level rise.
Koonin acknowledged that much of the report is right but claimed it was misleading in a few places.
"It reinforces alarm with incomplete information and highlights the need for more-rigorous review of climate assessments," he wrote.
In fact, the researchers acknowledge the uncertainties and said they should be used as a road map for where to focus scientific research in the future. For instance, Fahey said the modeling used to make future climate projections is still evolving and needs to improve, something with which most climate modelers would agree. As a result, there is a wide range of results for some findings, such as the possible sea-level rise, with the higher end of the scenarios being eight times greater than the less likely scenarios. In addition, the uncertainties are further driven by whether humans will take significant action to lower emissions.
"The reason these are in this list is because they do have serious impacts, and if there were any chance of some of these things happening, we would definitely want to know, and there is definitely some chance of these things happening," he said.
Environmental groups said the report was a clear indication that the administration must stop denying science and instead craft policy that addresses the risks to humanity laid out by the latest findings.
"The National Climate Assessment is only further proof that the Trump administration can no longer attempt to misrepresent climate science of the country's highest caliber as 'fake news,'" said Ken Berlin, president and CEO of the Climate Reality Project. "The American people deserve to know the truth about the reality staring us square in the face, and I urge the Trump administration to seriously consider scientists' findings and the input of the American people."
Reporter Hannah Northey contributed.
https://www.eenews.net/eenewspm/2017/11/03/stories/1060065627
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Climate Change to Affect 10 Million Americans by 2075
Nov 6, 2017 | BNA Daily Environment Report
By Christopher Flavelle
Ten million Americans will be “substantially affected” by climate change by 2075, causing government disaster spending to jump, the Congressional Budget Office projected Nov. 2. But, instead of trying to cut carbon emissions, the federal government should make coastal residents bear more of the financial risks for living there, the office said.
The five-fold increase in people affected will result from rising seas, more intense hurricanes and more development along the coast, the budget office said. It predicted that federal disaster spending will grow to $39 billion annually in current dollars, from $28 billion now.
But trying to curb emissions might not have much impact over that time period.
“A coordinated global effort could lessen hurricane damage between now and 2075, but the result would be uncertain,” the independent budget analysts wrote. “Sea level rise is relatively insensitive to changes in emissions in the next few decades.“
Nor is greater federal spending on protective measures, such as sea walls or expanded beaches, necessarily a cost-effective solution. The report noted that while past mitigation projects have reduced disaster costs, it's hard to know which types of projects will save money, or how much. Moreover, there's a risk that such projects “would encourage development in vulnerable areas.“
A more effective way to cut federal spending, according to the report, would be to push individuals and local officials to carry more of the cost of their decisions about where to build. It suggests higher flood insurance premiums and making it more difficult to get federal disaster assistance.
“To the extent that households, businesses, and state and local governments in coastal areas do not bear the full cost of hurricane damage, such growth is subsidized by U.S. taxpayers,” the budget office wrote. “Shifting costs would increase incentives for private and public entities to take measures to limit expected damage.“
http://news.bna.com/deln/DELNWB/split_display.adp?fedfid=123316802&vname=dennotallissues&fn=123316802&jd=123316802
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81 Lawmakers Urge Zinke To Keep BLM Methane Rule
Nov 3, 2017 | E&E News PM
By Kellie Lunney
Eighty-one House and Senate Democrats are calling on Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke not to suspend or delay implementation of an Obama-era rule regulating methane waste on public lands.
"The administration has a statutorily required obligation to prevent the waste of this valuable resource on public lands, a resource that belongs to the taxpayers," the lawmakers wrote.
"The American people deserve to get a proper return on this natural gas resource, and any attempt to roll back this rule would represent a giveaway to industry polluters," they said.
The Bureau of Land Management rule is aimed at curbing heat-trapping emissions from oil and gas flaring, venting and leakage on public lands. It's been controversial since it was finalized last November.
After the Senate failed to reverse the rule in May through a disapproval resolution, the Trump administration has sought to delay its implementation. In June, Zinke sidelined key provisions of the rule, indefinitely delaying deadlines for measuring flared gas, upgrading equipment and controlling leaks.
The matter has been tied up in litigation for months.
"Given the paucity of information provided by BLM in its Federal Register notice, and the great public interest in this rule, we respectfully request the public comment period be extended an additional 60 days, to a total of 90 days, and that public hearings especially in the Western U.S. be added to ensure adequate opportunity for public involvement," the lawmakers wrote.
They added, "We also ask that you ensure the social cost of methane used to evaluate the benefits of the rule conforms to a science-based approach and reflects the October 4, 2017 decision in the Northern District of California District Court."
The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California in early October said the administration acted unlawfully when it froze parts of the BLM rule.
The agency unveiled a separate proposal at that time to delay standards until January 2019. But the court's order means the rule will take effect now.
The department, however, plans to keep trying to ax the rule.
"As part of President Trump's America-First Energy Strategy and executive order, the department has reviewed and flagged the Waste Prevention rule as one we will suspend, revise or rescind given its significant regulatory burden that encumbers American energy production, economic growth and job creation," Interior spokesman Alex Hinson said in an email.
He added, "The rule is expected to have real and harmful impacts on onshore energy development and could impact state and local jobs and revenue. Small independent oil and gas producers in states like North Dakota, Colorado and New Mexico, which account for a substantial portion of our nation's energy wealth, could be hit the hardest."
https://www.eenews.net/eenewspm/2017/11/03/stories/1060065625
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Trump Administration Clears Climate Report But Key Reviewer Raises Doubts
Nov 6, 2017 | Inside EPA
By Lee Logan
The Trump administration has released a final climate science report finding it “extremely likely” that human activities are the “dominant cause” of climate change, a position at odds with the administration's general stance, but a former Energy Department (DOE) adviser who is expected to run EPA's controversial climate science review is already criticizing the draft.
Steven Koonin, the former DOE science adviser who EPA is considering to run its contentious “red team, blue team” review of climate change science, charges that the administration's just-released Climate Science Special Reportmis-characterizes some climate-related damages.
The report is “misleading in more than a few important places,” Koonin, who is now with New York University, writes in a Nov. 3 op-ed in the Wall Street Journal.
The CSSR -- a 600-page, multi-volume document that has been in development since early 2016, including rounds of scientific review -- finds that the past 115 years is the warmest period “in the history of modern civilization.
“This assessment concludes, based on extensive evidence, that is extremely likely that human activities, especially emissions of greenhouse gases, are the dominant cause of the observed warming since the mid-20th century. For the warming over the last century, there is no convincing alternative explanation supported by the extent of the observational evidence,” the report says.
The report is the first of two volumes in the statutorily required National Climate Assessment that is due next year.
However, Koonin seeks to question three findings related to climate damages outlined in the report, including data on sea-level rise, hurricanes and extreme heat.
He claims that the report finds significant levels of sea-level rise since 1993, but fails to mention that “recent rates are statistically indistinguishable from peak rates earlier in the 20th century.”
He also claims that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration “recently stated it has been unable to detect any human impact on hurricanes.”
Also, he claims the CSSR buries data showing that heat waves today “are no more frequent than in 1900.”
'Red Team' Plan
While Koonin does not question whether human-released GHGs cause climate change, his article appears to suggest that claims of climate-related damages are overblown.
He argues that the problems he identifies in the Journal article require changes to the report to “fully and accurately” describe the trends at issue. Additionally, he uses the occasion to tout his “red team, blue team” approach to reviewing climate science.
The rhetoric aligns somewhat with EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt, who has said he does not accept that carbon dioxide is the “primary contributor” to global warming. He also repeatedly mentions that it is impossible to precisely measure humans' impact on climate change.
Pruitt has warmly embraced Koonin's “red team” climate science review, and EPA is considering hiring Koonin to lead the effort.
Ultimately, Koonin and Pruitt's scientific debate could have policy implications if they succeed in increasing public doubt about mainstream scientific findings on climate change and blunting calls to address the issue by reducing GHGs or adapting to climate-related harms.
Environmentalists and scientists have sharply criticized their strategy, arguing that climate science reports are exhaustively peer-reviewed and that the plan would only serve to politicize the issue and give undue weight to claims from skeptics that anthropogenic climate change does not exist or is overly hyped.
https://insideepa.com/daily-news/trump-administration-clears-climate-report-key-reviewer-raises-doubts
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