• EPA Report Faults Open Market Emissions Trading
  
• Water Infrastructure Facing Funding Deficit
  
• Silvery Minnow Decision Will be Challenged
  
• Research Chimps Headed for Sanctuaries
  
• California Governor Vetoes Electronics Recycling Bill
  
• Millions Enjoy Hunting, Fishing, Birdwatching
  
• $1.5 Million Helps Promote Solar Roofs
  
• EPA Urges Consumers to Switch to Efficient Lights
  

EPA Report Faults Open Market Emissions Trading

The IG initiated its investigation at the joint request of the New Jersey Chapter of the Sierra Club and Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER). The investigation found that the EPA's open market trading program lacked safeguards, fostered questionable trades and accepted invalid credits.

The open market trading program was created to provide polluters with greater flexibility in meeting Clean Air Act requirements. Industries earn emission credits by reducing their emissions below federal requirements, and can then trade or sell those credits to companies that are having trouble meeting emissions limits.

Unlike traditional cap and trade programs, open market trading allows polluters to trade emission credits between sectors, sources and time periods without limit. For example, electric utilities could keep emitting smokestack emissions in return for promising to implement a drive to remove older, high polluting cars from the road.

One key weakness of the program is the absence of a "quantification protocol," a mechanism to ensure that trades between sectors are of equivalent value.

"Instead of an apple for apple trade, EPA runs a program that trades an apple for the promise of a future guava," explained PEER executive director Jeff Ruch.

For the past two years, the EPA has been trying to encourage states to adopt open market trading. But the two states with the most developed markets, New Jersey and Michigan, have failed to get their programs off the ground.

New Jersey abandoned its program last month, while Michigan's plan has been pending EPA approval since spring. Many of Michigan's credits have been generated by plant closures, a method the IG report calls invalid, reflecting no actual improvement in pollution control.

The IG report recommends that the EPA develop and propose federal regulations for open market trading that will ensure that credits earned by shutting down plants are not allowed to be traded. The IG also said that the credits should be based on EPA or state approve emissions quantification protocols.

But PEER's Jeff Ruch said the EPA's comments on the IG report suggest that the agency does not plan to accept any of the report's major recommendations.

"EPA will ignore this report just as they have ignore four previous IG reports and numerous pleas from their own specialists," stated Ruch. "Until these problems are addressed, EPA's trading plans will remain a dangerous scam that threaten to undermine real progress toward clean air."

Criticisms of open market trading are detailed in a PEER white paper written by federal employees, titled "Trading Thin Air." PEER is a national alliance of local state and federal resource professionals, working to protect the environment.

The OIG report and Trading Thin Air are posted at: http://www.peer.org/press/279.html

Water Infrastructure Facing Funding Deficit

The "Clean Water and Drinking Water Infrastructure Gap Analysis" estimates the current and future funding needs of the nation's water pipes and plants. "With the aging of the nation's infrastructure, the clean water and drinking water industries face a significant challenge to sustain and advance their achievements in protecting public health and the environment," the report states.

The EPA found that the nation's unmet needs for clean water - in funding, operations and maintenance - will reach $270 billion over the next 20 years. For drinking water, the gap approaches $265 billion for the same period.

"This report looks at infrastructure in the broad sense - everything it takes to deliver clean, safe water to America's homes and businesses and then remove and treat the waste water that results," said EPA Administrator Christie Whitman. "From the simplest pipe to the most complex treatment system, we looked at the entire picture."

The size of the gap can be reduced if revenues at water utilities grow. Assuming a three percent annual real growth in revenues, for example, the gap shrinks by almost 90 percent on the clean water side and by about 80 percent on the drinking water side.

"The actual gap may end up somewhere in between these numbers - and there are an enormous number of considerations that will go into determining where the gap ends up," Whitman noted. "The important thing about this report is that it enables us to engage the discussion with a better understanding of what the dimensions of the challenge really are."

For fiscal year 2003, the Administration has already proposed the largest combined request for the state drinking water and clean water revolving loan funds in history: $2.1 billion. Whitman said that meeting the challenge will financing from both the public and private sectors, and the development of new technologies and innovations.

The Water Infrastructure Network (WIN), an industry coalition, says the EPA report supports in long held belief that the federal government must be a central component of a long term sustainable solution to the nation's water and wastewater infrastructure funding needs.

"Simply put, we face a looming crisis as pipes and systems age and remain in desperate need of upgrade and repair," said Ken Kirk, chair of WIN and executive director of the Association of Metropolitan Sewerage Agencies. "Municipalities now shoulder 90 percent of these infrastructure costs, but, as EPA's Gap Analysis demonstrates, they cannot continue to foot this massive infrastructure bill alone. Without a serious, long term commitment from the federal government, the massive need over the next 20 years will only become greater and the nation will have passed over the opportunity to stem a looming environmental and public health crisis."

During the Water Environment Federation's 75th Annual Conference in Chicago on Monday, Whitman called for a national forum next year that will bring together experts and stakeholders to discuss innovative approaches on how to best meet water infrastructure challenges.

The "Gap Analysis" is available at: http://www.epa.gov/owm/featinfo.htm

Silvery Minnow Decision Will be Challenged

Last month, Chief U.S. District Judge James Parker ruled that the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation must release water from Heron Reservoir to keep the Rio Grande flowing for the endangered silvery minnow. The water is owned by the city of Albuquerque, which pays the federal government for thousands of acre feet of water each year.

Federal regulators had argued that there was no way to keep enough water flowing in the Rio Grande to protect the fish during the current drought. But environmental groups argued that the Bureau of Reclamation had not considered using water from the Heron Reservoir.

Senators Jeff Bingaman, a Democrat, and Pete Domenici, a Republican, say they will work with Albuquerque Mayor Martin Chávez to find ways to keep the endangered fish alive without threatening future water supplies for communities along the Rio Grande.

"Judge Parker's order puts future water supplies for several New Mexico communities at risk. That's the bad news," Bingaman said. "The good news is there are options available for consideration that will protect water supplies while still trying to preserve the endangered minnow."

The lawmakers plan to explore the potential for federal legislation that would override or alter Parker's decision. They have also discussed the option of convening the so called God Squad, a panel of six high level federal officials and one appointed New Mexico representative, that could overturn the Parker order.

The God Squad can be called to action by a federal agency or a governor. New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson, a Republican is said to be considering whether to tap the panel.

The senators have also acknowledged that there is a need to step up efforts for the minnow's survival in the long term, saying they are committed to establishing a viable habitat for the minnow in locations of the Rio Grande that have year round flow.

The Rio Grande silvery minnow, once one of the most abundant and widespread of the desert fishes in the Rio Grande Basin, was listed as endangered in 1994. The minnow once ranged from Espanola, New Mexico, to the Gulf of Mexico, and was found in the Pecos River from Santa Rosa, New Mexico, downstream to its confluence with the Rio Grande.

The silvery minnow has vanished from the Pecos River, and from the Rio Grande downstream of Elephant Butte Reservoir and upstream of Cochiti Reservoir.

This year, with drought conditions limiting the water available to the river and to reservoirs that serve human communities, the fish's remaining habitat in the Rio Grande is threatening to run dry.

Research Chimps Headed for Sanctuaries

The now defunct Coulston Foundation center in Alamagordo, New Mexico, had received millions of dollars in federal funding to keep and raise chimpanzees and monkeys for federal research projects. An animal protection group, In Defense of Animals (IDA), waged an eight year campaign to shut the center down, citing inhumane conditions and other problems.

Several federal agencies became involved, the center lost customers, and earlier this year, the foundation lost the Alamagordo center to a bank foreclosure.

The Center for Captive Chimpanzee Care, a Florida sanctuary, has now agreed to retire the Coulston Center's 266 chimpanzees and 61 monkeys from all research uses.

"We are deeply gratified that after eight years of work, we have obtained justice for the chimpanzees who have suffered so long at the hands of The Coulston Foundation," said IDA president Dr. Elliot Katz.

On Monday, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) awarded a grant for a new sanctuary for chimpanzees once used in medical research. Chimp Haven of Shreveport, Louisiana will receive $19 million contract to build the sanctuary, which is expected to cost a total of about $35 million.

"The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is pleased to see the federal government beginning to pay its debt of gratitude to chimpanzees who have endured years of medical research," said Dr. Andrew Rowan, HSUS senior vice president for research, education and international issues.

"We were strong supporters of the CHIMP Act of 2000, which mandates a national sanctuary system for chimpanzees no longer used in research," added Rowan. "Today, we are very encouraged that this sanctuary system will become a reality and that Chimp Haven was chosen to run that system. Chimp Haven is an organization made up of professionals who are very committed to doing what is best for the chimpanzees."

The nonprofit Chimp Haven Inc. has pledged $6 million in matching funds to build "a sanctuary system for all chimpanzees retired from federal biomedical facilities." NIH said the sanctuaries "will provide lifetime care for federally owned or supported chimpanzees that are no longer needed for biomedical research."

California Governor Vetoes Electronics Recycling Bill

The bill was introduced by state Senator Byron Sher, a Palo Alto Democrat concerned about the millions of discarded computer monitors and television sets that are sent to landfills or set aside for eventual recycling each year. The measure would have added a $10 fee to all new purchases of monitors and TVs beginning on January 1, 2004.

California has already made it illegal to send such electronic items to state landfills because of the potential for toxic materials in the sets, including lead, mercury and cadmium, to pollute soil or groundwater. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that about 220 million pounds of old computers and other electronics are discarded in the United States each year.

On Monday, the deadline for Davis to sign or veto the electronics recycling bill, the governor opted to reject the measure. Environmental groups say the governor's decision represents the influence of California's high tech sector, concentrated in Silicon Valley's research and manufacturing facilities.

In vetoing the bill (SB 1523), Davis said he is "willing to sign legislation that challenges industry to assume greater responsibility for the recycling and disposal of electronic waste."

The governor said the current bill "is not the most efficient or cost effective approach for California," because it would require the state to hire 64 new people, "at a time when the Legislature has directed the Administration to cut 7,000 positions."

"I believe that building a state bureaucracy to address this problem is not the best solution for managing electronic waste," Davis added. "We should compel industry to solve this problem."

The nonprofit group Californians Against Waste, which led a statewide campaign in support of the bill, said that "with the exception of Apple Computer, California's high tech companies are failing to support a meaningful solution to the toxic e-waste problem."

"The sad reality is that obsolete and toxic computers and televisions will continue to pile up in California with no place to go," said Mark Murray of Californians Against Waste. "Some will be stockpiled. Most will continue to be illegally disposed."

"Without statewide leadership on this issue, local governments are going to be forced to require local electronics retailers to take these toxic devices back at their stores," Murray added. "More than two dozen California cities and counties have already said as much."

Millions Enjoy Hunting, Fishing, Birdwatching

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) report, "2001 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation," shows that more than 34 million Americans fished, 13 million hunted and 66 million observed wildlife last year. These recreationists spent more than $108 billion pursuing their activities.

"This National Survey is created in a partnership effort with the U.S. Bureau of Census, and State fish and wildlife agencies, and has become one of the most important sources of information on fish and wildlife recreation in the United States," said UFSWS Director Steve Williams. "It is a useful tool that quantifies the human economic impact generated by wildlife based recreation. Federal, state, and private organizations use this detailed information to manage wildlife, market products, and look for trends."

Wildlife related recreation expenditures accounted for 1.1 percent of the gross domestic product in 2001. Of the total amount spent, $28.1 billion was trip related, $64.5 billion was spent on equipment and $15.8 billion was spent on other items.

America's 34 million anglers spent $35.6 billion in pursuit of their hobby. More than 28 million people went freshwater fishing, while nine million people went saltwater fishing. About 13 million Americans age 16 or older hunted, spending more than $20 billion on their activities and equipment.

More than 66 million adults participated in feeding, observing, and photographing wildlife and spent $38.4 billion. Almost 22 million people, or 33 percent of this total, took outings of one mile or more away from home to participate in these activities. Almost 63 million, or 95 percent, enjoyed wildlife related activities around their homes.

Some 54 million enthusiasts fed birds and other wildlife around the home, while more than 42 million observed wildlife and 14 million photographed wildlife around the home. Almost 13 million people maintained plants or natural areas for the benefit of wildlife around the home, and 11 million visited public parks or natural areas to enjoy wildlife within a mile of home.

The U.S. Bureau of Census interviewed 80,000 households in the United States to count participants in wildlife associated activities. From this initial phase, 30,000 sportsmen and sportswomen and 15,000 wildlife watchers were selected for detailed interviews about their participation and expenditures in 2001.

The 2001 Survey is the tenth in a series that began in 1955. The 2001 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife Associated Recreation is posted at: http://federalaid.fws.gov/

$1.5 Million Helps Promote Solar Roofs

The grants will be awarded to 30 entities in 19 states. The DOE has obtained one million preliminary pledges to install solar energy systems as a result of the Million Solar Roofs Initiative (MSRI).

"The President's National Energy Plan calls for an increase in support for the development of renewable energy resources, such as solar energy," said Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham. "The Million Solar Roof Initiative will prove that investment in renewable energy and energy efficient technologies can reduce our dependence on foreign oil, conserve natural resources, and create markets for American products around the world."

The Million Solar Roofs Initiative was announced before the United Nations Session on Environment and Development in June 1997. Under the program, the DOE is establishing partnerships with business, government and community based organizations at the local, regional and national levels to promote the development of solar energy.

The grants awarded to MSRI partnerships will promote the installation of solar energy systems in: Arizona; Arkansas; California; Colorado; Florida; Georgia; Hawaii; Kentucky; Massachusetts; Mississippi; Montana; Nevada; New York; North Carolina; Pennsylvania; Rhode Island; South Carolina; and Vermont.

The new MSRI partners boost the total number of partnerships to 67 and the number of pledges to build solar roofs to more than one million. The new partnerships will combine the DOE grants with private funds, allowing them to conduct a variety of activities ranging from working with local and regional home builders to construct solar roofs on new homes to working with local lending institutions to develop financing options.

Other partnership activities include developing and setting up marketing and consumer education plans and working with local officials to develop standard building codes and practices for solar installations. Funds also will be used to develop training programs for inspectors and installers.

EPA Urges Consumers to Switch to Efficient Lights

The EPA says the initiative will help illustrate the impact of a consumer's energy choice and the benefits of using energy efficient light bulbs and fixtures.

"Change starts with simple everyday actions," said EPA Administrator Christie Whitman. "ENERGY STAR puts the power of change in the hands of all Americans. If everyone across the country changed just one room in their home to ENERGY STAR lighting, we could keep one trillion pounds of greenhouse gases out of the air."

ENERGY STAR is a voluntary program managed by EPA and the U.S. Department of Energy. The ENERGY STAR label allows consumers to identify energy efficient appliances, electronics, office equipment, lighting, heating and cooling equipment, buildings and homes.

From October through December, EPA is partnering with more than 140 manufacturers, retailers, state governments and utilities throughout the United States to make finding and buying energy efficient lighting easier. Local, regional and national promotions include special offers and rebates from major retail chains and regional utility companies to help consumers save on compact fluorescent light bulbs, fixtures and ceiling fans with lighting.

Nationwide promotions and in store lighting workshops will be held through a national home improvement chain. Local events where customers can exchange older technology halogen floor lamps for discounts on more energy efficient ones will also take place.

A typical household spends about $90 a year, or 10 percent, of its annual electricity bill on lighting. ENERGY STAR labeled light bulbs, fixtures and ceiling fans with lighting help the environment and benefit consumers with greater energy savings and fewer bulb changes.

Just 10 percent of a standard bulb's energy is converted into visible light, while the other 90 percent is wasted as heat. By comparison, today's compact flourescent light only wastes 30 percent of its energy as heat.

There are more than 40 types of ENERGY STAR qualified bulbs that last at least 6,000 hours, while using 75 percent less energy without sacrificing quality.

For more information about ENERGY STAR, visit: http://www.energystar.gov