24 May 2010

Grassley works for an accounting of government, industry actions before Gulf Coast oil spill

By Grassley Press

WASHINGTON - Tuesday, May 18, 2010 - Senator Chuck Grassley has asked government regulators and industry for information related to the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

Grassley has asked for an accounting of how the federal Minerals Management Service responded to previous critical reports from the agency's Inspector General; conflicts of interest on the Interior Department board charged with examining safety procedures for offshore drilling; the government's handling of the regulation that requires written certification that blowout preventers are capable of shearing drill pipes in emergency situations; communications between BP and Transocean that may shed light on why the oil rig exploded; and how operating under the flag of foreign governments may shield industry from regulation.

"I'm asking some of the countless questions about what's behind the Gulf Coast oil spill on behalf of the public and taxpayers," Grassley said.  "It's a matter of accountability and understanding how the system works, or doesn't, going forward, especially with regard to the regulators' cozy relationship with industry."

Grassley said he's conducting his review as part of his constitutional responsibility for oversight and as Ranking Member of the Committee on Finance, which has jurisdiction over the oil-spill liability trust fund and tax incentives for deep water drilling.

Click here to read Grassley's letter to Interior Secretary Ken Salazar.

Click here to read Grassley's letter to BP Chairman and President Lamar McKay.

Click here to read Grassley's letter to Transocean, Ltd. President and CEO Steven Newman.

Click here to read Grassley's letter to Halliburton Co. Chairman, President and CEO David Lesar.

-30-

17 May 2010

More Than $6 Million to Iowa for Wetlands Conservation

By Grassley Press

WASHINGTON- Chuck Grassley today said that the U.S. Department of Agriculture awarded $6,106,608 to Iowa through the Natural Resources Conservation Service's (NRCS) Wetlands Reserve Program.

These funds will be used to add 75,000 acres to the approximately 2.2 million acres already enrolled in the program throughout the United States and Puerto Rico.

"I'm glad to see the USDA encourage stewardship and help Iowans preserve their wetlands," Grassley said.

According to the Department of Agriculture, the NRCS provides technical and financial support to landowners in efforts to restore wetlands.  The NRCS seeks to encourage long-term wetland functionality and use as wildlife habitat.

Each year, thousands of local Iowa organizations, colleges and universities, individuals and state agencies apply for competitive grants and loans from the federal government.  The funding is then awarded based on each local organization or individual's ability to meet criteria set by the federal entity.

-30-

17 May 2010

Common Sense On: Enrolling in the Conservation Stewardship Program

By Sen. Tom Harkin
By Senator Tom Harkin


Iowa's farmers and landowners have a deep connection, commitment and respect for our state's land, water and resources.  To help them meet the challenges of conserving Iowa's rich natural heritage for future generations, I have long believed that our U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs should reward agricultural producers not just for what they grow, but for how they grow it.

That is why as Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, I worked so hard to author the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) in the 2002 farm bill and then to improve and strengthen it in the current farm bill, the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008.  In order to protect the environment and conserve productive farm land for years to come, CSP provides financial incentives to farmers and ranchers who maintain and adopt sound conservation practices.  Earlier this week, USDA announced that the signup period for CSP will begin June 11, 2010 and I encourage producers in Iowa - and across the country - to consider applying for this program.

What is CSP?

CSP is a voluntary program delivered by the USDA's Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) that financially rewards producers who conserve resources in a comprehensive manner by:

•    Adopting and carrying out new, additional conservation activities; and
•    Improving, maintaining and managing existing conservation activities.

The program is designed to recognize and reward producers for adopting and maintaining sound stewardship on their land and to provide financial incentives for increasing conservation efforts.

CSP is offered to support conservation on private and tribal agricultural land and non-industrial private forest land in all 50 states and the Caribbean and Pacific Islands areas.  The program provides equitable access to all producers, regardless of operation size, crops produced or geographic location.

What are the basic features of CSP?

CSP offers participants five-year contracts that provide annual payments to producers who install and adopt additional conservation activities and improve, maintain and manage existing conservation activities as specified in the CSP contract and conservation stewardship plan.

How do I apply for CSP?

Potential applicants are encouraged to use the CSP self-screening checklist to determine if the new program is suitable for their operation.  The checklist highlights basic information about CSP eligibility requirements, contract obligations and potential payments.  It is available from local USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service offices or on the NRCS web site at http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/new_csp/csp.html.

If the program seems right for you and your operation, download and fill out the Conservation Stewardship Program Application  (available at http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/new_csp/special_pdfs/Blank_CSP_CCC1200.pdf), and deliver it in to your local NRCS office.  To find your nearest office please visit http://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app.

For more information on enrolling in CSP please visit http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/new_csp/csp.html.

###
11 May 2010

Illinois Health Dept recommends water well testing for private wells near Coyne Center Co-Op.

By Melaney Arnold

SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Dept of Public Health (IDPH) is advising residents who obtain their drinking water from private wells in the Coyne Center Co-Op (Rock Island) area to test their water for possible groundwater contamination.  Routine testing of the Coyne Center Co-Op community water supply wells by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) indicates contaminants could be present in the area's private wells.

The contaminant xylene was detected at levels lower than the Illinois Groundwater Standard.  Although the contaminant's levels were lower than the standard, this is the same groundwater that serves private wells and it is possible the levels of the contaminants may be highter in private wells.

Residents with private wells located within the area south of 106th Avenue, north of 127th Avenue, east of U. S. 67 and west of Mill Creek, are encouraged to have their water tested for volatile organic compounds by a private laboratory.

For a list of laboritories certified to analyze drinking water for volatile organic compounds, interpretation of test results, contaminant health effects nformation, and recommendations for individuals who regularly consume well water, contact John Smet (john.smet@illinois.gov), Illinois Department of Public Health, Peoria Regional Office, 5415 North University, Peoria, IL 61614; phone (309) 693-5360.  You may also contact Paul Guse, Rock Island County Health Dept, 2112 - 25th Ave, Rock Island, IL 61201; phone (309) 793-1955 or email pguse@co.rockisland.il.us.

The risk of adverse health effects depends on the levels of contaminants in the water and the length of exposure.  Long-term exposure to these chemicals may result in an increased health rist to the liver and kidneys.

No violations of State of Illinois or federal drinking water standards have occured at Coyne Center Co-Op.  For more information concerning the community water supply, contact Dean Studer at (217) 558-8280 or email dean.studer@illinois.gov.

 

10 May 2010

Braley Votes for "Cash for Caulkers" Bill

By Rick Martin

Washington, DC - Congressman Bruce Braley (D-Iowa) voted today for legislation that will provide incentives for American-made, energy-saving products. Braley co-sponsored the Home Star Energy Retrofit Act, which has also been called "Cash for Caulkers". The bill passed in the House today by a vote of 246-161.

"This is common-sense legislation that will create jobs and save energy," Braley said. "My 'Cash for Clunkers' program was wildly successful and put middle-class Americans back to work. This program will do the same, while cutting back families' energy bills and reducing our nation's dependence on foreign oil."

The Home Star Energy Retrofit Act creates a two-year, short-term jobs program that will provide rebates to families who purchase energy-efficient products. The Act will also do the following:

  • Create nearly 170,000 clean-energy, American jobs
  • Save American families $9 billion over the next 10 years
  • Reduce the nation's dependence on foreign oil

The Home Star Energy Retrofit Act has received bipartisan support, and has been endorsed by a broad range of business, labor, environmental, and consumer groups, including the National Association of Manufacturers, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and the National Association of Home Builders.

# # #

10 May 2010

Braley Introduces Bill to Hold BP Accountable for Historic Environmental Disaster

By Amanda Crawford

The Big Oil Company Bailout Prevention Act raises BP liability cap to $10 billion

Washington, DC - Congressman Bruce Braley (D-Iowa) introduced legislation today with Congressman Rush Holt (D-NJ) that will hold British Petroleum accountable for the oil spill off the Gulf Coast. While BP has indicated they will be responsible for all clean-up costs, The Big Oil Company Bailout Prevention Act goes further to protect taxpayers from paying for effects of the spill.

Currently, the responsible party in an oil spill must pay for all the economic damages up to $75 million, including lost revenues from fishing and tourism, natural resources damages, or lost local tax revenues. This bill would raise the liability cap to $10 billion. It also eliminates the current $500 million cap on natural resource damages.

"With estimates that this could be the most costly oil spill in American history, taxpayers need to rest assured they will not foot the bill," Braley said. "While BP has promised to pay for all clean-up costs, we, in Congress, have an obligation to make sure they follow through, and also take responsibility for other economic damages. This legislation makes sure that if big oil companies are responsible for the disaster, big oil companies pay for the clean-up and damage."

The Big Oil Bailout Prevention Act also contains the following provisions:

  • It eliminates the $1 billion per incident cap on claims against the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund
    • Allows community responders to access the funds for preparation and mitigation up front, rather than waiting for reimbursement later.
  • If damage claims exceed the amount in the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund (currently $1.6 billion), it allows claimants to collect from future revenues, with interest.

# # #

10 May 2010

Upcoming Programs at the Wapsi River Center

By Lisa Gerwulf

Woodland Terrarium Program Planned

On Saturday, May 15 at 10:00 A.M. the Wapsi River Environmental Education Center will host a Woodland Terrarium program.  Come join AmeriCorps naturalist Amy Newman in a plant-tastic project!  Learn how to create a terrarium and take home your own "garden under glass".  All materials will be provided by the Friends of the Wapsi Center, Inc., but if you have an interesting glass container; feel free to bring it.  The whole family is invited to attend, but supplies are limited to 15 terrariums.  To register for your terrarium, please call (563) 328-3286.

The Wapsi River Environmental Education Center can be found 6 miles south of Wheatland or 1 mile northwest of Dixon, Iowa by taking County Road Y4E.  Then turn north at 52nd Avenue and follow the signs for about 1 mile.

Iowa's Native Snakes Program Planned

Also, on Saturday, May 15 at 1:00 P.M. the Wapsi River Environmental Education Center will host a Native Iowa Snakes program.  Come learn all about Iowa's different species of snakes from Katie van der Linden, AmeriCorps naturalist.  There will be many different live specimens available for viewing.

The Wapsi River Environmental Education Center can be found 6 miles south of Wheatland or 1 mile northwest of Dixon, Iowa by taking County Road Y4E.  Then turn north at 52nd Avenue and follow the signs for about 1 mile.

** ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS, PLEASE CALL (563) 328-3286. **

06 May 2010

Luther College Grad Embraces Central Iowa's Habitat Challenges

By Andy Hauck
New Regional Rep was Integral to Success of February's National Pheasant Fest in Des Moines

Des Moines, Iowa - May 5, 2010 - Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever announce Jared Wiklund as the organization's new Regional Representative for central Iowa. A graduate of Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, Wiklund has been with "The Habitat Organization" since January 2010 as a public relations and marketing intern at Pheasants Forever's national office in Saint Paul, Minnesota.

Wiklund will work to start new Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever chapters in central Iowa and assist existing chapters with raising and expending funds on wildlife habitat and conservation education. He will also work with local, state, and federal natural resource agencies on wildlife habitat initiatives. In addition to serving as a point person for local Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever chapters, Wiklund will assist in Pheasants Forever's Reload Iowa campaign, created last year to raise $11.5 million to establish and improve 1 million acres of wildlife habitat on private and public land in the state.

During his four month internship, Wiklund's wildlife habitat and hunting pieces appeared in the organization's signature publication, the Pheasants Forever Journal of Upland Conservation, at www.PheasantsForever.org, and in the form of press releases. Wiklund also helped market and publicize Pheasants Forever's recent National Pheasant Fest, which drew more than 20,000 hunters and conservationists to the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines this past February. He was Master of Ceremonies for the event's Bird Dog Parade kickoff, and also did online video reporting from the show floor for the 11,000-plus viewers on Pheasants Forever's Facebook page.

"Wiklund has an enthusiasm for the outdoors that is guaranteed to rub off on others," says Pete Berthelsen, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever Senior Field Coordinator, "Our tools to improve habitat for wildlife are only as good as the passionate people who oversee them, and Jared has a spirit that matches perfectly with our chapters and members in Iowa."

A native of Duluth, Minnesota, Wiklund has had a strong connection to the outdoor world since an early age. He particularly enjoys hunting pheasants, deer and turkey, as well as fishing. "Next to my wife, hunting is what I love the most," says Wiklund, "After attending college in Iowa and hunting throughout the state, I recognize the hardships standing in the way of conserving wildlife habitat there. Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever chapters and members, and for that matter, all Iowans, can count on me to work tirelessly in the name of conservation."

Wiklund earned a B.A. in environmental studies and exercise science from Luther College, and is nearing completion on a Master's degree in sustainable natural resources from Oregon State University. His previous conservation experience also includes work as an assistant to the fisheries specialist with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, an internship with Northeast Iowa Resource and Conservation, Inc., and a stint as an environmental guide for the Alaska Center for the Environment in Anchorage, Alaska. He and his wife, Kari, will make their residence in Ankeny, Iowa. Wiklund can be reached at (515) 423-4747 and JWiklund@pheasantsforever.org.

Pheasants Forever has conserved, restored or permanently protected more than 1 million acres for pheasants, quail and other wildlife since the creation of Iowa's first Pheasants Forever chapter in 1984. Today, Iowa is home to 100 Pheasants Forever chapters, 3 Quail Forever chapters and 19,000 Pheasants Forever and/or Quail Forever members. Visit www.IowaPF.org for more info.

Pheasants Forever and its quail division, Quail Forever, is dedicated to the conservation of pheasants, quail and other wildlife through habitat improvements, public awareness, education and land management policies and programs.
-30-
03 May 2010

Tree Planting Tips

By Stephanie L. Bolmer
There are a few simple tips to remember when planting your tree on Arbor Day or any other day:

Prepare the perfect hole for planting.

•       Dig the hole two to three times the width of the root ball. Do NOT dig deeper than root ball depth. Make the sides of the hole slant gradually outward.
•       For bareroot trees, neatly cut away any broken or damaged roots. Soak the roots for a few hours prior to planting to allow them to absorb water.
•       Container-grown trees should have the plastic or metal containers completely removed. Carefully cut through any circling roots. Remove the top half of pressed peat/paper containers.
•       Balled and Burlapped ("B&B") trees should have all of the ropes cut. Pull the burlap at least one third of the way down; slit remaining burlap to encourage root growth. If in a wire basket, cut away the top of the basket.

Plant the Tree.

•       Gently place the tree in the hole.
•       Partially backfill with the soil from the hole.
•       Water to settle the soil
•       Finish back-filling the hole.
•       Tap the soil gently, but do not step on the root ball.

A Few More Pointers

While you may have finished planting, Arbor Day aficionados should remember these final touches:

•       Remove tags and labels.
•       Do not stake unless the tree has a large crown or if the planting is situated on a site where wind or people may push the tree over. Stake for a maximum of one year.
•       Prune only the damaged branches.
•       Soak the soil well, making sure no air pockets form between roots. Wait until next year to fertilize.
•       Spread two to three inches of mulch over the planting area, but do not place it up against the trunk.
•       Be sure the root ball has plenty of water throughout the year.

Anyone with questions regarding choosing the right tree or proper planting and maintenance is advised to contact an ISA Certified Arborist.

For additional information on planting and other tree care topics and to find a local ISA Certified Arborist, visit www.treesaregood.org.

The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), headquartered in Champaign, Ill., is a nonprofit organization supporting tree care research and education around the world. As part of ISA's dedication to the care and preservation of shade and ornamental trees, it offers the only internationally-recognized certification program in the industry. For more information, contact a local ISA Certified Arborist or visit www.isa-arbor.com.
03 May 2010

City of Rock Island reduces fuel consumption by 8%

By Jennifer Fowler

The City of Rock Island reduced fuel consumption by 8%, or by 17,460 gallons, from Fiscal Year 08-09 to Fiscal Year 09-10. At an average of $2 per gallon, this equates to an estimated $35,000 in savings.

"I'm proud of the City staff and want to thank them for this achievement. Reducing fuel costs was an important way for us to save money, as well as help the environment," stated City Manager John Phillips.

In the third quarter of 2008, Mr. Phillips issued a challenge in the City employee newsletter. "It is my goal to reduce fuel consumption by 10%. With the cooperation and support of all our employees who drive City vehicles, I am confident this can be accomplished." The newsletter went on to address many ideas from the Green Team on how to reduce fuel consumption from planning trips, accelerating and decelerating smoothly, and not allowing idling for gas engines unless needed for other uses.

Mr. Phillips notes, "I knew that reducing fuel consumption by 10% would be a hard goal to achieve, and may be unattainable. I set my sights high and am pleased with the results."

In 2008, the City purchased a fleet of 24 hybrid vehicles (21 Honda Civics and 3 Ford Escapes). These vehicles, along with a concerted effort from all City departments, helped reduce fuel consumption.

Fuel consumption:

  • 08-09 - 220,305 gallons used

  • 09-10 - 202,845 gallons used

Miles traveled:

  • 08-09 - 1,667,367 miles

  • 09-10 - 1,578,933 miles

###

Pages

Subscribe & Listen to Reader Podcasts

On Stands Now

 

Tagged Content

Two Ways to Subscribe

1. Subscribe to free weekly e-mail content updates.

You'll get both the current official narrative challenge and What's Happenin' in the Quad Cities.
(Did you know we publish a new Amy Alkon Advice Goddess, Real Astrology, Red Meat cartoon and RCR Crossword every week?) 

* indicates required

View previous campaigns.

2. Get 12 monthly issues mailed first class for $48

Get 12 issues mailed monthly for $48 per year.

Get the printed Reader edition mailed to you (or anyone you want) first-class for 12 months for $48.
$24 goes to postage and handling, $24 goes to keeping the doors open!

Click this link to Subscribe now.