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Impact of Air Quality Regulations
by Duane330＠aol.com 26 Mar '09

26 Mar '09

E.P.A. SCIENCE GRANTS MEASURE PROGRESS IN ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMS THAT PROTECT HUMAN HEALTH EPA has awarded 10 EPA Science-to-Achieve-Results research grants totaling $5 million to universities, state departments of public health and one research institute to measure progress in environmental programs that protect human health. Using health outcomes data provides a new way to determine program success in reducing the incidence of environmentally-related diseases, such as asthma, and will help environmental managers evaluate the effectiveness of programs in protecting human health. Two grants were awarded to Johns Hopkins researchers in Region 3. Under one of the grants, _ "Statistical Models for Estimating the Health Impact of Air Quality Regulations_ (http://cfpub.epa.gov/ncer_abstracts/index.cfm/fuseaction/display.abstractDe… /0) , researchers will develop evidence of the gains in public health that have followed the implementation of costly regulatory policies. The other grant also to Johns Hopkins titled: _"Longitudinal Indicators of Policy Impact on Pollution, Exposure and Health Risk_ (http://cfpub.epa.gov/ncer_abstracts/index.cfm/fuseaction/display.abstractDe…) " will develop state level indicators of environmental pollution, population exposure, and population health risks. For more information on the grants, go to _http://www.epa.gov/ncer/indicators_ (http://www.epa.gov/ncer/indicators) **************Feeling the pinch at the grocery store? Make dinner for $10 or less. (http://food.aol.com/frugal-feasts?ncid=emlcntusfood00000001)

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Lead, dioxin and mercury
by Duane330＠aol.com 26 Mar '09

26 Mar '09

EPA ISSUES THE MOST RECENT INFORMATION ON TOXIC CHEMICAL RELEASES EPA is making the most recently reported data available on toxic chemical releases into the environment through its Toxics Release Inventory for 2007. The data shows overall decrease of five percent in releases since 2006. (Releases to air decreased seven percent and releases to water decreased five percent). The report also shows a 40 percent increase in the release of persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic chemicals (PCBs) like lead, dioxin, and mercury. Overall releases increased one percent. For more information on the TRI reporting change, go to _epa.gov/tri_ (http://www.epa.gov/tri) For additional information, go to _TRI 2007 Public Data Release_ (http://www.epa.gov/tri/tridata/tri07/index.htm) , and the _TRI Explorer tool_ (http://www.epa.gov/triexplorer) . **************Feeling the pinch at the grocery store? Make dinner for $10 or less. (http://food.aol.com/frugal-feasts?ncid=emlcntusfood00000001)

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Earth Hour. Saturday @ 8:30 pm
by Duane330＠aol.com 24 Mar '09

24 Mar '09

Turn out. Take action. Be part of this historic event. March 28, 2009, 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm, local time World Wildlife Fund is asking individuals, businesses, governments and organizations around the world to turn off their lights for one hour – Earth Hour – to make a global statement of concern about climate change and to demonstrate commitment to finding solutions. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> For more information, see the following web-site..... _http://www.earthhourus.org/main.php_ (http://www.earthhourus.org/main.php) **************A Good Credit Score is 700 or Above. See yours in just 2 easy steps! (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100126575x1220085203x1201389322/aol?redir=htt… %3D62%26bcd%3DMarchfooterNO62)

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Longview to get More Tax Breaks from State of WV
by Paula Hunt 24 Mar '09

24 Mar '09

from the Charleston Daily Mail : http://www.dailymail.com/Business/200903220265 (Please click on the link above if the story below has a bunch of gibberish in it. Sometimes cutting and pasting doesn't work well in e mails. -Pjh) Monday March 23, 2009 State approves more power plant bonds Longview factory is one of largest private investments in W.Va. history by George Hohmann Daily Mail Business Editor CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- The state Economic Development Authority has given preliminary approval to a $45 million tax-free bond issue to help finance the Longview power plant under construction at Maidsville, near Morgantown. The allocation, approved Thursday, is the latest of several approved for the plant. The authority said in April 2007 that it would issue up to $600 million in bonds to help finance the $1.83 billion project. In November 2007 the authority approved a $17.2 million bond issue. A $43.3 million bond issue was approved last July and a $40.8 million bond issue was approved in December. Longview is one of the largest private investments in the history of West Virginia. It is the first coal-fired plant to be built in the state since 1993. Ground for the 695-megawatt plant was broken in May 2007. It is scheduled to begin producing power next year. Also during its regular monthly meeting, the authority agreed to buy 32 acres in The Highlands business park, east of Wheeling, for $5 million from the Ohio County Development Authority. .... (see full story for the rest) Contact writer George Hohmann at <http://www.dailymail.com/Business/contact/ohfvarff+qnvylznvy+pbz+return=/Bu…>busin...(a)dailymail.com or 304-348-4836.

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Fwd: looking for standing witnesses on Hatsfield Ferry Power Plant
by James Kotcon 05 Mar '09

05 Mar '09

I met Lisa Marcucci a few years back working on the Nemacolin and Robinson Township power plants in PA. Anyone know anyone who could fit the description? Jim Kotocn >>> "Frank Young" <frankly(a)mtparty.org> 3/5/2009 7:52 PM >>> "Standing witnesses should be those using the Monongahela River for drinking water sources -- fishing and consuming fish caught in the Mon River -- individuals recreating on the Mon River on a regular basis." Hi All, > Environmental Integrity Project has been working with Earthjustice on a possible challenge to the Hatfield's Ferry Power Plant NPDES permit. If we proceed with a legal challenge, we need standing witnesses for the case. Earthjustice is interesting in identifying residents living in Masontown, Carmichaels and other Mon Valley communities. > Standing witnesses should be those: > -- using the Monongahela River for drinking water sources -- fishing and consuming fish caught in the Mon River -- individuals recreating on the Mon River on a regular basis > > Could any of you indentify any folks who fit this description -- and whom you think we could contact for further discussion? If you could email me their contact info, I will work with Earthjustice in contacting them. > > Many thanks, > Lisa > > > -- Lisa Graves Marcucci > Environmental Integrity Project > PA Coordinator, Community Outreach > 123 Oakwood Drive > Jefferson Hills, PA 15025 > 412-655-0261 > 412-897-0569 (cell) > lisagmarcucci(a)gmail.com <mailto:lisagmarcucci@gmail.com> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ From: Terri Davin <terri(a)coalfieldjustice.org> To: Coalwatc <coalwatch@lists.coalfieldjustice..org> Sent: Wednesday, March 4, 2009 3:20:47 PM Subject: [Coalwatch] looking for standing witnesses on Hatsfield Ferry Power Plant ------- Original Message -------- > Subject: looking for standing witnesses > Date: Tue, 3 Mar 2009 14:29:54 -0500 > From: Lisa Graves-Marcucci <lisagmarcucci@gmail..com> > To: Mountain Watershed Association <mwa(a)mtwatershed.com>, Citizens Coal Council <ccc(a)citizenscoalcouncil.org>, Raina Rippel <raina(a)coalfieldjustice.org> > > > > Hi All, > Environmental Integrity Project has been working with Earthjustice on a possible challenge to the Hatfield's Ferry Power Plant NPDES permit. If we proceed with a legal challenge, we need standing witnesses for the case. Earthjustice is interesting in identifying residents living in Masontown, Carmichaels and other Mon Valley communities. > Standing witnesses should be those: > -- using the Monongahela River for drinking water sources -- fishing and consuming fish caught in the Mon River -- individuals recreating on the Mon River on a regular basis > > Could any of you indentify any folks who fit this description -- and whom you think we could contact for further discussion? If you could email me their contact info, I will work with Earthjustice in contacting them. > > Many thanks, > Lisa > > > -- Lisa Graves Marcucci > Environmental Integrity Project > PA Coordinator, Community Outreach > 123 Oakwood Drive > Jefferson Hills, PA 15025 > 412-655-0261 > 412-897-0569 (cell) > lisagmarcucci(a)gmail.com <mailto:lisagmarcucci@gmail.com> > > > > _______________________________________________ The Coalwatch Listserv exists to allow for the open discussions and strategies around justice issues in the coalfields. Messages to the coalwatch listserv are private and confidential. Do NOT forward e-mails posted to this listserv unless specifically allowed to. Coalwatch mailing list Coalwatch@lists..coalfieldjustice.org http://lists.coalfieldjustice.org/listinfo.cgi/coalwatch-coalfieldjustice.o…

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Fwd: FYI
by Dfvet＠aol.com 02 Mar '09

02 Mar '09

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News from Virginia & Pennsylvania
by duane330＠aol.com 19 Feb '09

19 Feb '09

FROM PIEDMONT ENVIRONMENTAL COUNCIL OF VIRGINIA Victory in the US Fourth Circuit! We've just won a case in front of the US Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals that strikes a blow to the federal government's fast-tracking, environment-be-damned approach to transmission line siting under the NIETC process. The ruling makes it possible for a state utility commission to deny a transmission line project, without giving the utility a second bite at the apple at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Ruling in PEC's favor, the court overturned FERC's "expansive interpretation" of its own siting authority, and found that FERC violated Council on Environmental Quality regulations related to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The decision restores a semblance of federal-state balance in the overall transmission line siting process. Although it is unlikely to influence the Dominion/TrAILCo transmission line case, the decision could impact all future transmission line cases. Court Rules: State Can Deny a Project The Fourth Circuit ruling makes it possible (once again) for a state utility commission to consider a transmission line project, weigh the pros and cons, and then make a decision to deny a permit, without fear of federal reprisal. Under FERC's prior interpretation, a utility was virtually guaranteed two shots at getting their project approved. If the state wouldn't say 'yes', the utility could try again at the federal level. 9th Circuit Case Still Pending This lawsuit was20the first of two filed by PEC relating to the Department of Energy's National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors. The second, which seeks to overturn the DOE’s designation of multi-state corridors for transmission line siting, is pending before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco. This 4th Circuit ruling validates many of the arguments we've made over the past few years. Thanks for your support and continued donations to our Energy and Transmission campaign. We're working on energy efficiency and renewable bills down in Richmond, moving forward with our Virginia Supreme Court appeal, and playing an active role in the state and national discussion on transmission. Very best, Bri West, Piedmont Environmental Council, pecnews(a)pecva.org >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> GASPalerts Action and News from Group Against Smog and Pollution JOIN OUR LIST February 19, 2009 Pittsburgh Healthy School Bus Fund helps reduce kids' exposure to toxic diesel exhaust The Allegheny County Partnership to Reduce Diesel Pollution, a comprehensive campaign led by GASP and Clean Water Action, held a press conference on Tuesday to recognize local school bus owner W.L. Roenigk as he unveiled his newly retrofitted schoo l buses. Read our press release News Coverage from the press conference: Healthy School Buses Unveiled For Pittsburgh Students Cleaner bus air in pipeline for schoolchildren -- Tribune Review, 2.18.09 Pittsburgh school buses to be made to run cleaner 50 school buses to be retrofit Other recent school bus press: Districts largely uninterested in funds for retrofitting buses -- Post Gazette, 2.17.09 Write a letter to the Post Gazette or Pittsburgh Tribune Review editors to let them know that cleaning up school buses is a priority to you. Why aren't more school districts and school bus contractors taking advantage of local funding? Let us know if you submit a LTE. Take Action! Tell the Board of Health to protect children's health by making it easier for local school districts to clean up their school buses If you've already taken this action -- Thank You! If not please do so today. The Allegheny County Board of Health has allocated $500,000 from the Clean Air Fund to retrofit school buses in the county with emission reduction technology. In its current form, the program requires most school districts which apply to match 25%. This appears to be a deterrent and the fund is not being used. Ask Board of Health members to remove the match by writing to boh(a)achd.net. Please copy gasp(a)gasp-pgh.org. Click here to le arn more about the Allegheny County Diesel School Bus Retrofit Program. In the news Pollution link to asthma in womb "Traffic pollution causes genetic changes in the womb which increase a child's risk of developing asthma, research suggests." New Diesel Vehicle Idling Restrictions Will Keep Air Cleaner, Reduce Fuel Consumption "Pennsylvanians -- particularly those vulnerable to air pollution such as children and the elderly -- will breathe easier, thanks to a new measure taking effect today that limits engine idling by heavy-duty diesel vehicles." DEP APPEALS COURT RULING INVALIDATING PENNSYLVANIA'S MERCURY RULE "HARRISBURG - Environmental Protection acting Secretary John Hanger said today the commonwealth has filed an appeal with the Pennsylvania Supreme Court seeking to overturn a recent state court opinion that declared Pennsylvania's Mercury Rule "unlawful, invalid and unenforceable." " Volunteers Needed! Website Redesign GASP is looking for volunteers to work on our website redesign. If you are interested please contact Lee at lee(a)gasp-pgh.org. Nominate YOUR Environmental Hero! This year, GASP is celebrating its 40th year of working to clean up the air in southwestern PA. We'd like to celebrate by recognizing 40 "Environmental Heroes" for the good work that they've done for the environment in the greater Pittsburgh area. Click here to nominate someone or find o ut more information. Become a member of GASP GASP is a membership organization. In addtion to grants from private foundations and government agencies, we depend on donations from individuals to help us conduct education and advocate for clean air and a healthy environment. Learn more about GASP membership. We appreciate your participation on the GASPalerts email list. Working together, we can make a difference in our region's environment. We won't trade or sell your address with other organizations or inundate you with mailings. Thank you. Sincerely, Group Against Smog and Pollution

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Status of TrAILCo transmission line
by duane330＠aol.com 17 Feb '09

17 Feb '09

The link at the bottom of this email leads you to the recent PSC final order reaffirming without signiificant change -- except as requested by TrAILCo -- the August 1, 2008 order approving construction of the TrAILCo transmission line. ?It is aptly summarized in the "Activity Description" section prepared by the Commission and italicized below. Commission Final Order?...... - that the Sierra Club Petition for Reconsideration is denied;? - ?that Mr. Hildebrand's Petition for Reconsideration is denied;? - that the TrAILCo Petition for Reconsideration is granted as described in this Order;? - that the sixth ordering paragraph of the Final Order, regarding installation of a static VAR compensator, is rescinded;? - that TrAILCo notify the Commission within 30 days of the date the MVAR described in this order is installed and operational at the Meadowbrook substation;? - that TrAILCo may proceed with a phased approach to construction and complying with the pre-construction conditions of the Final Order, as described in this Order;? - that the eleventh ordering paragraph of the Final Order is revised;? - that the H-P Petition to Intervene Out of Time and Petition for Reconsideration are denied;? - that Ms. Stahl's Petition for Reconsideration is denied;? - that the Sierra Club Petition for a Continuing Prudence Review is denied;? - that Mr. Hildebrand's Petition for Additional Hearing is denied;? - that exept as modified, the Order of August 1, 2008 remains the final order of the Commission in this matter;? Case Final. Removing from open docket. Click here to view associated document >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> It is my understanding that this decision can be appealed to the WV Supreme Court of Appeals within 30 days of the PSC final ruling...... Duane Nichols

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10.75 percent of Longview to Siemens
by duane330＠aol.com 06 Feb '09

06 Feb '09

First Reserve sells 10.75 per cent stake in power plant holding company to Siemens AllAssets USA Energy specialist private equity firm First Reserve is to sell a 10.75 per cent equity interest and pro-rata funding obligation in Longview Intermediate Holdings to Siemens Financial Services, Inc. The company is an indirect parent of the Longview Power project – a pulverised coal-fired generating facility currently under construction in West Virginia. Financial details were not disclosed. The Longview plant, which secured $1.1bn of construction financing in February 2007, expects to begin commercial operation in early 2011, the firm said. Mark McComiskey, managing director at First Reserve, said, “SFS's investment in the facility highlights the significant market opportunity that both partners see in the project as well as Siemens' confidence as a leading member of the construction consortium in the timely and successful completion of the project. We are delighted to have them as partners in this project.” Johannes Schmidt, CEO equity and project finance at SFS, added, "Longview Power is an excellent opportunity for us to comply with our mission: to invest in new highly efficient and, thus, environmentally friendly energy projects. We value First Reserve Corporation as one of the world's leading energy-focused investors. Together we will implement the most efficient energy project in its class." First Reserve invests exclusively in the energy industry, having invested approximately $12.5bn in equity. The firm has invested in over 100 platform acquisitions and First Reserve portfolio companies have completed approximately 300 add-on transactions. The firm typically targets companies with enterprise values of up to $10bn. First Reserve sells 10.75 per cent stake in power plant holding ...

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Re: [MVCAC] Longview Power
by James Kotcon 03 Feb '09

03 Feb '09

Paula, et al. The article says the sale is subject to the FERC approval, "expected within 60 days". I think we need to go after the funding, and challenge this before FERC. At least make them prove the benefits, verify the congestion issues, assure that the environmental impacts of their water use are considered, etc. We have let Longview have too much of a free ride on financing issues, so let's do our homework. Whaddya Tink? JBK >>> Paula Hunt <pjhunt(a)xemaps.com> 2/2/2009 7:43 PM >>> First Reserve sold "a 10.75% equity interest and pro-rata funding obligation in Longview Intermediate Holdings B, LLC" to Siemens Financial Services. Please see their news release below. It seems like a million companies will own part of this thing by the time it is al through (if it is ever through). I don't think Longview still has all the funding it needs. - paula >News Release for: longview power ><http://www.pehub.com/30192/first-reserve-selling-longview-stake-to-siemens/>First >Reserve Selling >Longview<http://www.pehub.com/30192/first-reserve-selling-longview-stake-to-siemens/> >Stake to Siemens Siemens Financial Services, Inc. Joins Roster of Longview Power Plant Financial Backers Posted : Mon, 02 Feb 2009 12:04:08 GMT Author : First Reserve Corporation; Siemens Financial Services Category : <http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/pg/0.html>Press Release GREENWICH, Conn. and ISELIN, N.J., Feb. 2 CT-Siemens-Longview Multi-Billion Dollar Energy Infrastructure Project GREENWICH, Conn. and ISELIN, N.J., Feb. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- First Reserve Corporation ("First Reserve") and Siemens Financial Services, Inc. announced today the execution of definitive agreements for the sale of a 10.75% equity interest and pro-rata funding obligation in Longview Intermediate Holdings B, LLC ("Holdings") to Siemens Financial Services, Inc. ("SFS"). Holdings is an indirect parent of the Longview Power project ("Longview"), a supercritical, pulverized coal-fired generating facility currently under construction in West Virginia. Closing is subject to Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approval and is expected within 60 days. Terms of the investment were not disclosed. "SFS' investment in the facility highlights the significant market opportunity that both partners see in the project as well as Siemens' confidence as a leading member of the construction consortium in the timely and successful completion of the project. We are delighted to have them as partners in this project," said Mark McComiskey, Managing Director at First Reserve Corporation. Johannes Schmidt, CEO Equity & Project Finance at SFS added, "Longview Power is an excellent opportunity for us to comply with our mission: To invest in new highly efficient and thus environmentally friendly energy projects. We value First Reserve Corporation as one of the world's leading energy-focused investors. Together we will implement the most efficient energy project in its class." The Longview plant, located in Maidsville, West Virginia, broke ground in the second quarter of 2007 and expects to begin commercial operation in early 2011. The project is being constructed by a consortium of Siemens Power Generation, Inc. and Aker Kvaerner Songer, Inc. Foster Wheeler North America Corp. is supplying the supercritical boiler to the project. About GenPower Holdings, L.P. GenPower, LLC and First Reserve, a leading global private equity firm, formed GenPower Holdings, L.P. in October 2006 to pursue the development, ownership, acquisition and operation of power generation facilities in the United States and abroad. Longview Power is the first major investment by the joint venture. For more information on GenPower Holdings, L.P. and Longview Power, LLC, please visit our website at <http://www.genpower.net/>www.genpower.net. About First Reserve First Reserve is the world's leading private equity firm in the energy industry. For more than 25 years, it has invested solely in the global energy industry, and has developed an unparalleled franchise, utilizing its broad base of specialized energy industry knowledge as a competitive advantage. First Reserve invests strategically across a wide range of energy industry sectors, developing a portfolio that is diversified across the energy value chain, backing talented management teams and building value by building companies. Further information is available at <http://www.firstreserve.com/>www.firstreserve.com About Siemens Financial Services (SFS) Siemens Financial Services (SFS) is an international provider of financial solutions in the business-to-business area. With about 1,900 employees and an international network of financial companies coordinated by Siemens Financial Services GmbH, Munich, we support Siemens as well as non-affiliated companies, focusing on the three sectors of energy, industry and healthcare. We finance infrastructure, equipment and working capital and act as a competent manager of financial risks within Siemens. By leveraging our financing expertise and our industrial know-how we create value for our customers and help them strengthen their competitiveness. For more information see: <http://www.siemens.com/finance>www.siemens.com/finance. Siemens Financial Services, Inc. (SFS Inc.) is a leading provider of business-to-business financial services in the United States. SFS is a committed business ally that combines deep industry expertise with integrated financing solutions to enhance the efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness of its customers. The company, based in Iselin, NJ, enables business expansion for thousands of customers in the healthcare, energy, and industrial sectors by providing customized solutions that range from equipment financing and working capital to project and export finance, and insurance solutions. Further information on Siemens Financial Services in the United States: <http://www.usa.siemens.com/financial>www.usa.siemens.com/financial About Siemens Siemens AG (NYSE: SI) is a global powerhouse in electronics and electrical engineering, and operates in the industry, energy and healthcare sectors. For more than 160 years, Siemens has built a reputation for leading-edge innovation and the quality of its products, services and solutions. With 428,000 employees in 190 countries, Siemens reported worldwide sales of $116.6 billion in fiscal 2008. With its U.S. corporate headquarters in New York City, Siemens in the USA reported sales of $22.4 billion and employs approximately 69,000 people throughout all 50 states and Puerto Rico. For more information on Siemens in the United States, visit <http://www.usa.siemens.com/>www.usa.siemens.com Siemens CONTACT: Sonja Ernst (732) 590-6603 sonja.ernst(a)siemens.com First Reserve Corporation CONTACT: Caroline Harris (212) 279-3115 ext. 222 charris(a)cjpcom.com SOURCE First Reserve Corporation; Siemens Financial Services

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