North America ECA: Alaska Senator Protests
U.S. Sen. Mark Begich urges US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to take 'hybrid' approach to cruise ships in Alaskan waters. The senator is leading an effort with Hawaii’s senators urging the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to adopt a phased-in approach for cruise ships forced to meet stricter standards for air emissions under the North American Emission Control Area, or ECA. Under the ECA, cruise ships will be required to burn more expensive, cleaner-burning fuel in specific geographic areas in the U.S., including all of Alaska’s Inside Passage through the Gulf of Alaska and up to the major cruise ports of Whittier and Seward.
Obama’s Statement, One-Year Anniversary of the Deepwater Horizon Spill
One year ago today [April 20], the Deepwater Horizon oil platform exploded, killing eleven men and ultimately releasing an estimated 4.9 million barrels of oil in the Gulf of Mexico. That catastrophic event deeply affected the lives of millions of Americans, from local fishermen to restaurant and hotel owners and small businesses throughout the region. From the beginning, my administration brought every available resource to bear, amassing the largest oil spill response in our nation’s history. At the height of the response, approximately 48,000 men and women worked tirelessly to mitigate the worst impacts of the spill. While we’ve made significant progress, the job isn’t done. Nearly 2,000 responders are actively working in the Gulf to aid in the ongoing recovery efforts.
EPA Grant to Reduce Port Pollution, Camden, N.J.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded $1.1m to upgrade 48 pieces of cargo handling equipment at the South Jersey Port in Camden, N.J. Older diesel engines generate significant amounts of fine particles, hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide, which are released into the air and can contribute to severe respiratory ailments and trigger asthma. The grant will provide for the installation of improved engines on port vehicles including fork lifts, lift trucks, front end loaders and other types of port equipment. EPA’s commitment advances one of the Agency’s priorities, environmental justice, ensuring that everyone enjoys the same degree of protection from environmental and health hazards.
Obama’s Statement on Latest Spill Containment Efforts
“Today, I’ve spoken with National Incident Commander Admiral Thad Allen, as well as Energy Secretary Steven Chu, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson, and senior White House advisors John Brennan and Carol Browner regarding the ongoing efforts to stop the BP oil spill. From the beginning, our concern has been that the surest way to stop the flow of oil – the drilling of relief wells – would take several months to complete. So engineers and experts have explored a variety of alternatives to stop the leak now. They had hoped that the top kill approach attempted this week would halt the flow of oil and gas currently escaping from the seafloor. But while we initially received optimistic reports about the procedure, it is now clear that it has not worked.
