European Environment Agency http://tinyurl.com/36xrnuv Key messages • Forests cover a large part of Europe but the distribution of such ecosystems varies significantly acrossnthe continent. They fulfil multiple functions for society, providing economic, social and environmental benefits, including serving as a key reservoir of biodiversity. • Old growth natural and semi-natural forests are the most valuable … Continue reading »
Posted on May 27, 2010 …
10 Messages for 2010 – Urban Ecosystems
European Environment Agency http://tinyurl.com/38bflhd Key messages • In Europe, where the overwhelming majority of people live in urban areas, tackling the interlinked challenges between biodiversity and its network of towns and cities is crucial to help halting biodiversity loss. • Urbanisation can be an opportunity or a threat for biodiversity. Seizing the opportunity demands that … Continue reading »
Cost Estimate : S. 3373 Air and Health Quality Empowerment Zone Designation Act of 2010
Congressional Budget Office http://www.cbo.gov/ftpdocs/115xx/doc11537/s3373.pdf [Summary] S. 3373 would authorize the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to create air and health quality empowerment zones in various regions of the country. Certain entities within those zones would then be eligible for federal grants to fund the replacement or retrofitting of vehicles or engines to reduce pollution. This legislation … Continue reading »
Cost Estimate : S. 3374 Cleanfields Investment Act
Congressional Budget office http://www.cbo.gov/ftpdocs/115xx/doc11538/s3374.pdf [Summary] S. 3374 would authorize the Environmental Protection Agency to provide grants to nonprofit organizations, units of local government, and other eligible entities for locating renewable energy facilities (including renewable energy manufacturing facilities) on brownfield sites. This legislation would authorize the appropriation of $50 million annually over the 2011-2015 period for … Continue reading »
Earthquake Risk, Insurance, and Recovery : Issues for Congress
Congressional Research Service http://opencrs.com/document/R41109/ [Summary] This report examines earthquake catastrophe risk and insurance in the United States in light of recent developments, particularly the devastating earthquakes in Haiti and Chile. It examines both traditional and non-traditional approaches for financing recovery from earthquake losses as well as challenges in financing catastrophe losses with insurance. The report … Continue reading »
Managing Disaster Debris : Overview of Regulatory Requirements, Agency Roles, and Selected Challenges
Congressional Research Service http://opencrs.com/document/RL34576/ [Summary] After a disaster, when a region turns its attention to rebuilding, one of the greatest challenges to moving forward may involve how to properly manage debris generated by the event. Options include typical methods of waste management–landfilling, recycling, or burning. The challenge after a major disaster (e.g., a building or … Continue reading »
FEMA’s Disaster Declaration Process : a Primer
Congressional Research Service http://opencrs.com/document/RL34146/ [Summary] The Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (referred to as the Stafford Act – 42 U.S.C. 5721 et seq.) authorizes the President to issue “major disaster” or “emergency” declarations before or after catastrophes occur…
Federalism Issues in Surface Transportation Policy : Past and Present
Congressional Research Service http://opencrs.com/document/R40431/ [Summary] In recent years, state and local government officials, through their public interest groups have lobbied for increased federal assistance for surface transportation grants and increased flexibility in the use of those funds… Congressional attention to federalism issues in surface transportation policy tends to increase during reauthorizations of the federal highway … Continue reading »
Outer Continental Shelf Moratoria on Oil and Gas Development
Congressional Research Service http://opencrs.com/document/R41132/ [Summary] Moratoria provisions for the outer continental shelf (OCS), enacted as part of the Department of the Interior appropriations over 26 years, prohibited federal spending on oil and gas development in certain locations and for certain activities. These annual congressional moratoria expired on September 30, 2008. While the expiration of the … Continue reading »
Asian Carp and the Great Lakes Region
Congressional Research Service http://opencrs.com/document/R41082/ [Summary] Four species of non-indigenous Asian carp are expanding their range in U.S. waterways, resulting in a variety of concerns and problems. Two species–bighead and silver carp–are of particular note, based on the perceived degree of environmental concern. Current controversy relates to what measures might be necessary and sufficient to prevent … Continue reading »
