Freshwater Land Trust Seeking Input From the Public
The Freshwater Land Trust is seeking accreditation from the national Land Trust Accreditation Commission. The land trust accreditation program recognizes land conservation organizations that meet national quality standards for protecting important natural places and working lands forever. The Freshwater Land Trust is pleased to announce it is applying for accreditation. A public comment period is now open. Please visit: http://freshwaterlandtrust.org for more information.
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Check out BEN Publisher, Pat Byington's latest Earth Day commentary in the Birmingham News and his past commentaries on Recycling and Cancer Risk
Earth Day - http://www.bamanews.com/2008/04/lets-play-birmingham-news-earth-day.html
Recycling - http://www.bamanews.com/2007/11/bham-news-recycling-commentary-by-pat.html
Cancer Risk - http://www.bamanews.com/2006/10/bham-news-op-ed-cancer-risk-and.html
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1. ADEM Commission Lowers Cancer-Causing Pollutants - After a year long effort, the Alabama Environmental Management Commission, the board that governs the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM), voted 3 to 1 to establish stronger standards for more than 50 cancer causing pollutants.
The new rule passed by the Commission will change the cancer risk level used to calculate human health criteria from one cancer per 100,000 residents to one cancer in a million. The stronger, "more protective of health" regulation will bring Alabama in line with neighboring states - Mississippi, Florida and Georgia.
Cindy Lowry, executive director of the Alabama Rivers Alliance stated, "This is an important step toward cleaner water in Alabama, which will reduce the risk of harmful health effects to aquatic species and citizens around the state.
According to the Huntsville Times, ADEM has said that about 1900 businesses and municipal sewage treatment plants are permitted to release carcinogens into state waterways.
2. Governor Signs Solid Waste/Recycling Legislation Into Law - This week, Governor Bob Riley celebrated Earth Day signing Alabama's most comprehensive solid waste law in nearly two decades.
The Solid Wastes and Recyclable Materials Management Act, sponsored by Rep. Frank McDaniel of Albertville, passed both houses of the Alabama Legislature earlier this month. The new law imposes a statewide tipping fee of $1 a ton on solid waste disposal which will adequately fund ADEM's solid waste regulatory activities, and provide funds to clean up illegal dumps and support statewide and local recycling efforts.
According to a December 2007 Birmingham News story, records showed that solid waste volume rose in Alabama from 2.79 million tons in 1995 to 4.39 million tons in 2007, a 57% increase. The rise in solid waste volume occurred despite an early 1990s state legislative goal to reduce solid waste by 25%.
For information about this new law and the Governor's Earth Day signing ceremony, visit http://governorpress.alabama.gov/pr/pr-2008-04-22-01-recycling-video.asp
3. Statewide Water Planning Resolution Passes - Led by State Senator Kim Benefield and Representative Greg Canfield, both the House and Senate passed a resolution, earlier this month, that establishes the Alabama Permanent Joint Legislative Committee on Water Policy and Management to develop the Alabama Water Management Plan. This action is the first step toward a comprehensive water policy in Alabama.
The committee's primary charge, to develop a Alabama Water Management Plan, will be taken up during the 2009 legislative session. The committee itself is made up of legislators only, but there will be subcommittees consisting of citizen and industry experts.
4. Estuarium At Dauphin Island Re-Named After George Crozier - Here is a well deserving honor. This past weekend, through a resolution by the Dauphin Island Sea Lab's Board of Directors, the Estuarium at Dauphin Island changed its name to the George F. Crozier Estuarium at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab.
Dr. Crozier served as Executive Director of the Sea Lab from 1977 to 2007. Check out our "Take 5" interview with George that was conducted this winter.
http://www.bamanews.com/2007/12/take-5-with-ben-dr-george-crozier.html
5. BEN Notes - Alabama Wildlife Center Seeking Executive Director, Ruffner Mountain Seeking Educator, Legacy Grants (Friday, April 25 Deadline) &Scholarships, Environmental, Leadership Program Seeking Applications, Waterkeeper's Online Auction, 2008 Gulf Guardian Awards Applications, TVA Energy & Climate Change Public Hearings, Raindrop Festival, Energy Summit in Tuscaloosa, ADEM Regulatory Update
Alabama Wildlife Center Seeking Executive Director - The Alabama Wildlife Center is seeking a new Executive Director. To access a detailed job description visit, http://www.awrc.org/jobs.htm
Ruffner Mountain Seeking Educator - Ruffner Mountain Nature Center is seeking an Education Director. To learn how to apply, make a request application procedures at info@ruffnermountain.org or visit http://www.nrca.info/services/nonprofit_jobs.asp . Ruffner's job description is about 5-6 job descriptions down the list.
Legacy Grants (Friday, April 25 Deadline) &Scholarships - Please check out Legacy's Competitive and Mini-Grant applications (the deadline is Fri. April 25th!) at http://www.legacyenved.org . You can also find Legacy's Scholarship application at the same website. The scholarship deadline is May 2.
Leadership Program Seeking Applications - The Environmental Leadership Program is now accepting applications for the 2009 Southeast Fellowship class. Learn more about this exciting opportunity at http://elpnet.org/southeastnetwork/apply.php
Waterkeeper's Online Auction - Check out Waterkeeper Alliance's Earth Day Online Auction at http://waterkeeper08.charitybuzz.com/viewLots.do
2008 Gulf Guardian Awards Applications - The Gulf of Mexico Program is currently soliciting entries for the 2008 Gulf Guardian Awards Program. The entry deadline is May 1st. Go online to http://www.epa.gov/gmpo to apply.
TVA Energy & Climate Change Public Hearings - TVA is seeking public comments on their Energy Efficiency, Climate Change and Renewable Draft Plans. The plans can be accessed at http://www.tva.gov/abouttva/board/draft_plans.htm The Alabama meeting will be on April 28th at the Huntsville Marriott (at the Space Center) from 6PM to 8 PM.
Raindrop Festival - Please join the Hulsey Little River Trust, April 25-26 at the 2008 Raindrop Festival at Bottletree in Birmingham - For more info visit http://www.friendsofshane.blogspot.com
Energy Summit in Tuscaloosa - "Energy Summit of 2008" Hosted by Congressman Artur Davis - 9:30 to 11:30 at the Child Development Resource Center, 651 5th Ave. East in Tuscaloosa, Alabama - For more info call 205-254-1960.
ADEM Regulatory Update - On May 22nd ADEM will be holding a "Regulatory Update" in Montgomery at the new Renaissance Hotel and Conference Center - For additional info call 334-260-4510 or visit http://www.adem.state.al.us
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