EnviroPolitics Blog

Chris Christie: You got a problem with that?

Blunt, direct, confrontational.

Some of the words editorial writers and political pundits use to question how New Jersey’s new governor, Chris Christie, is going about business.

Is Christie concerned about his ‘tone’?

For the answer, check out this Star-Ledger video:

Hold onto your hats. It’s going to be an interesting four years.

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Our most recent posts:
Who’s on NJ-DEP’s Science Advisory Board?
EPA adopts final greenhouse gas emissions rule
NJDEP Commissioner briefs state lawmakers
Environmental bills this week in NJ Legislature
Don’t worry, shale gas will rock your world

Chris Christie: You got a problem with that? Read More »

Who’s on NJDEP’s Science Advisory Board?

Sixteen science experts from the academic and business communities were named yesterday by Commissioner Bob Martin to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s new Science Advisory Board.

They will provide independent guidance to the department on key environmental issues.

Martin said that the 16, all of who have volunteered their services, are “some of the top minds in the state, experts who can take a thorough look at specific environmental issues and offer solid advice to guide me and the department.’’

Four new standing scientific committees
Several dozen other persons were named today to four new standing scientific committees that will supplement the work of the Science Advisory Board in the areas of : Ecological Processes, Public Health, Water Quality and Quantity, and Climate and Atmospheric Sciences.
A high percentage of those selected come from the academic community. Included are Rutgers University, Seton Hall University, Clarkson University, Drexel University, Kean University, Montclair State University, Monmouth University, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Rider University, Stevens Institute of Technology, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and William Paterson University.

Advisors to complement DEP scientists
A DEP news release says the advisory board will complement work already being done by DEP scientists and will provide an “independent voice and peer review on scientific and technical matters.” Issues related to global warming, clean air and water, contaminated soils, wind power and preservation of natural areas, will be among the many topics they will tackle.
A total of 109 applications for the Science Advisory Board were received by an Aug. 7, 2009 deadline. From that group, all of the persons appointed to the board have advanced degrees and extensive training, expertise and experience in scientific and technological fields related to all aspects of environmental protection, according to the department.

Rutgers’ Judith Weis to chair the Advisory Board
Martin named Judith Weis of Rutgers University, Newark, as chairwoman of the board. A professor of biological sciences, with a Ph.D. and Master’s Degree in biology, her research focuses on estuarine ecology and ecotoxicology.

The other members of the advisory board, including their field of expertise and current affiliations, include:

Clinton Andrews, Ph.D., P.E.: Rutgers University, urban planning.
Raymond Ferrara, Ph.D.: Omni Environmental, environmental engineering.
John Gannon, Ph.D.: DuPont, microbiology.
Paul Lioy, Ph.D.: Environmental and Health Sciences Institute, environmental science.
Robert Laumbach, M.P.H., M.D.: UMDNJ, medical doctor.
Michael Gallo, Ph.D.: UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, toxicology, pathology.
Nancy Rothman, Ph.D.: New Environmental Horizons Inc., physical organic chemistry.
Peter Lederman, Ph.D. and P.E.: Peter & Associates, chemical engineering and P.E.
Robert J. Lippencott, Ph.D.: TRC Environmental, environmental science.
Jonathan Husch, Ph.D.: Rider University, geology.
John Dyksen, M.S., P.E.: United Water Co., environmental engineering.
Mark G. Robson, Ph.D., M.P.H.: Rutgers University, environmental and occupational health/agricultural and plant science.
David A. Vaccari, Ph.D., P.E.: Stevens Institute of Technology, environmental science, chemical engineering.
Emile D. DeVito, Ph.D.: New Jersey Conservation Foundation, conservation biology.
Anthony J. Broccoli, Ph.D., M.S.: Rutgers University, atmospheric and environmental science.

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NJDEP Commissioner briefs state lawmakers
Don’t worry, shale gas will rock your world
Information on BP’s oil disaster in the Gulf
In the gulf oil spill disaster, an opportunity?

Who’s on NJDEP’s Science Advisory Board? Read More »

EPA adopts final greenhouse gas emissions rule

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced a final rule to address greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the largest stationary sources, while shielding millions of small sources of GHGs from Clean Air Act permitting requirements.

The agency described the rule as a “phased-in, common-sense approach will address facilities like power plants and oil refineries that are responsible for 70 percent of the greenhouse gases from stationary sources that threaten American’s health and welfare.” EPA’s phased-in approach will start in January 2011, when Clean Air Act permitting requirements for GHGs will kick in for large facilities that are already obtaining Clean Air Act permits for other pollutants. Those facilities will be required to include GHGs in their permit if they increase these emissions by at least 75,000 tons per year (tpy). In July 2011, Clean Air Act permitting requirements will expand to cover all new facilities with GHG emissions of at least 100,000 tpy and modifications at existing facilities that would increase GHG emissions by at least 75,000 tpy. These permits must demonstrate the use of best available control technologies to minimize GHG emission increases when facilities are constructed or significantly modified. Under the new emissions thresholds for GHGs that begin in July 2011, EPA estimates approximately 900 additional permitting actions covering new sources and modifications to existing sources would be subject to review each year. In addition, 550 sources will need to obtain operating permits for the first time because of their GHG emissions.

In April 2010, EPA set the first national GHG tailpipe standards for passenger cars and light trucks. When GHG emissions limits for these vehicles go into effect in January 2011, EPA is also required to address GHG emissions from stationary sources under the Clean Air Act’s permitting programs, which it is doing in the outlined plan.

The final rule addresses a group of six greenhouse gases: carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6).

Related documents:

Fact Sheet (PDF) (6pp, 33k)
Final Rule (PDF) (515pp, 688k)
Timeline Outlining Permitting Steps under the Tailoring Rule (PDF) (1pg, 79k)
Summary of Clean Air Act Permitting Burdens With and Without the Tailoring Rule (PDF) (2pp, 445k)
EPA Issues Final ‘Tailoring’ Rule for Greenhouse Gas Emissions

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Our most recent posts:
NJDEP Commissioner briefs state lawmakers

Environmental bills in the NJ Legislature

Don’t worry, shale gas will rock your world

Information on BP’s oil disaster in the Gulf

In the oil spill disaster, a huge opportunity?

del.icio.us Tags: greenhouse gas,EPA,global warming

EPA adopts final greenhouse gas emissions rule Read More »

NJDEP Commissioner briefs state lawmakers

New Jersey’s Environmental Protection Commissioner Bob Martin appeared before the Senate Environment and Energy Committee this morning to report on what the agency is up to and where it’s headed.
Martin reviewed major staff changes at his department and ticked off a list of recent activities and accomplishments, including:

DEP’s assumption of oversight of the cleanup of tritium leaking from the Oyster Creek nuclear plant in Lacey Township
“Adamant” opposition to offshore drilling
Continued opposition to offshore LNG facilities
Formal petition calling on the EPA to investigate and take action to curb air emissions at RRI’s Portland power plant in Pennsylvania which blow over to New Jersey’s Warren County
Keeping state parks open this summer and maintaining critical functions at the department despite budget cuts
Continued opposition to Army Corps of Engineers dredging of the Delaware River. Martin said that, if Pennsylvania wants the river dredged, it should accept the resulting dredge spoils. Under the current plan, all spoils will be dumped in New Jersey.
Working on legislation to help the financing of offshore wind energy projects. Martin said the only way the economics for such projects makes sense is if New Jersey also gets the manufacturing (turbines) associated with the project.
Stakeholder meetings already held or pending on

      — Coastal access
      — Water Quality
     — CAFRA rules
     — Barnegat Bay and Oyster Creed nuclear generating plant
     — Highlands

The commissioner listed the department’s three short-term priorities as:

Retrofitting diesel engines
Environmental justice issues
“Dying” Barnegat Bay and Oyster Creek nuclear plant

In response to a question from a member of the committee, Martin said he expects the state will hold a one-week bear hunt in December. He noted that the number of bears “harvested” during that week will be closely monitored and the hunt could be stopped if it appeared to be resulting in over-harvesting .
Martin is scheduled to make a similar presentation this afternoon before the Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee.

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Don’t worry, shale gas will rock your world
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In the oil spill disaster, a huge opportunity?
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NJDEP Commissioner briefs state lawmakers Read More »

Environmental bills this week in NJ Legislature

Thursday will be an active day for environmental legislation at the New Jersey Statehouse, as DEP Commissioner Bob Martin appears before two of
three committees that will be considering more
than a dozen bills affecting the environment and energy. Here’s the lineup: SENATE ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY (10 AM Room 10) Honorable Bob Martin, the Commissioner of Environmental Protection, has been invited to address the committee and discuss the State’s environmental priorities for 2010. Bills for consideration: A-917 Chivukula, U.J. (D-17); Lampitt, P.R. (D-6) Requires State to use energy-efficient outdoor lighting fixtures. S-463 Smith, B. (D-17); Buono, B. (D-18) Concerns net metering and authorizes licensing of local renewable energy collaboratives by the BPU. S-987 Allen, D.B. (R-7) Exempts residential electric vehicle charging systems from real property taxation. S-1406 Smith, B. (D-17); Bateman, C. (R-16) Establishes "New Jersey Property Assessment Clean Energy (NJ PACE) Municipal Financing Program." S-1765 Smith, B. (D-17); Bateman, C. (R-16) Requires EDA to establish a "High Performance Green Building Demonstration Project." S-1780 Beach, J. (D-6) Requires State to use energy-efficient outdoor lighting fixtures.
ASSEMBLY AGRICULTURE AND NAT. RESOURCES (2 PM Room 8) Bills for consideration: A-828 Albano, N.T. (D-1); Milam, M.W. (D-1) Establishes conflict resolution procedures through Department of Agriculture for complaints against commercial fishing docks and fish processing facilities. A-2282 DeCroce, A. (R-26); Bramnick, J.M. (R-21) Creates alternate voting members on county agriculture development boards. AR-63 Amodeo, J.F. (R-2); Albano, N.T. (D-1) Urges FDA and Interstate Shellfish Sanitation Conference to work collaboratively to improve shellfish safety.
ASSEMBLY ENVIRONMENT AND SOLID WASTE (2 PM, Room 9) Honorable Bob Martin, the Commissioner of Environmental Protection, has been invited to address the committee and discuss the State’s environmental priorities for 2010. Bills for consideration: A-624 Moriarty, P.D. (D-4) Provides for State income tax deduction to private well owners for water testing costs. A-1052 Quijano, A. (D-20); Cryan, J. (D-20); Chivukula, U.J. (D-17) Requires State entities to purchase biofuels in place of fossil fuels when it is reasonable, prudent and cost effective to do so. A-1851 Gusciora, R. (D-15); Jasey, M.M. (D-27); Greenstein, L.R. "Historic Property Reinvestment Act"; provides credits against certain taxes for certain costs of rehabilitating historic properties. A-2217 McKeon, J.F. (D-27); Chiusano, G.R. (R-24); McHose, A.L. (R-24); Extends expiration date of special appraisal process for Green Acres and farmland preservation programs from 2009 to 2014 for lands in Highlands Region. A-2501 Chivukula, U.J. (D-17) Requires post-construction restoration of optimal soil conditions under the "Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Act."

Environmental bills this week in NJ Legislature Read More »

Don’t worry, shale gas will rock your world

By some estimates, there’s 1,000 trillion cubic feet recoverable in North America alone—enough to supply the nation’s natural-gas needs for the next 45 years.

The new techniques of horizontal drilling and hydrofracturing–to literally blast the gas out out of rocks thousands of feet below ground–makes the extraction of shale gas suddenly economical.

This newly accessible energy supply will be a game changer. Shale gas will revolutionize the energy industry—and change the world. It will prevent the rise of any new cartels. It will alter geopolitics.

It will lessen world dependence on the output of dangerous countries. It will bring the U.S. and China closer together.

And it will slow the transition to renewable energy.

These are the conclusions of Amy Myers Jaffe, the Wallace S. Wilson Fellow for Energy Studies at the James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy at Rice University.

Her ebullient prognosis, How Shale Gas Is Going to Rock the World, appears, not surprisingly, in today’s edition of the Wall Street Journal. The drill-baby-drill editorial department there must be in terrible state of anxiety over the political damage to offshore drilling caused by the disastrous eruption of the BP rig in the Gulf of Mexico.

With thousands of new gallons of crude adding daily to the widening pollution damage–and no remedy currently in sight–Ms Jaffe provides what must be for the WSJ a welcome opportunity to divert attention to the next great reason not to invest in non-polluting energy sources like wind and solar.

We love the blog format that many online newspapers have adopted, since it allows for a variety of responses from readers. The writer gets to have his/her say but readers no longer have to silently accept it. And we all benefit from the exchange.

While Ms. Jaffe quickly dismisses potential environmental harm from hydrofracturing, reader Jeffrey LaMarca responds with this:

The problem is that fracking not only carries risks of contamination in the event of accidents (which are inevitable) but that we have little clue as to the long-term consequences of injecting millions of gallons of toxic chemicals into the ground at high pressure and creating underground explosions and fractures. Pointing out that the fracking is taking place 1000+ feet underground is like saying that it’s fine to dump all our garbage and waste into the ocean so long as it’s 1000+ miles offshore.

The feeling of euphoria at having found a cost-free solution to a problem is invariably followed years later by the realization that the costs are huge and often irreversible. Shale gas has potential but how about a sober look as opposed to the unabashed cheerleading of this article written by a Houston oil guy.

What do you think? Use the comments block below to share your views. If one isn’t visible, activate it by clicking on the tiny ‘comments’ line.

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Like this? You’ll love our daily newsletter–
EnviroPolitics – Try it free for 30 days!
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Our most recent posts:
Information on BP’s oil disaster in the Gulf
In the oil spill disaster, a huge opportunity?
Pittsburgh: A good place to live and to lawyer
NJ union pension fund sues to remove coal boss
NJDEP Commissioner Martin shuffles his deck

Don’t worry, shale gas will rock your world Read More »

In the oil spill disaster, a huge opportunity?

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