WASHINGTON
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has proposed a series of changes to make it easier for agricultural producers and rural small businesses to apply for renewable energy and energy efficiency funding. USDA remains focused on carrying out its mission, despite a time of significant budget uncertainty. Today's announcement is one part of the Department's efforts to strengthen the rural economy. "These changes are intended to help agricultural producers and rural small businesses throughout America," Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said. "They will streamline and simplify the application process and give businesses more time to do what they do best: innovate, create jobs and serve their rural communities. The proposed changes would affect applications for loans and grants through USDA Rural Development's Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).
They would:
• Reduce paperwork, especially for projects under $80,000;
• Implement a more objective and uniform system to score applications;
• Authorize funding for refurbished and retrofitted renewable energy systems;
• Reduce certain reporting requirements.
• Establish a quarterly application period for applicants seeking only guaranteed loans. This change is intended to make the program more appealing to lenders and to ensure that funds are available year-round.
REAP is one of USDA's most popular renewable energy and energy efficiency programs. From the passage of the 2008 Farm Bill through the end of Fiscal Year 2012, REAP funded more than 6,800 renewable energy and energy efficiency projects, feasibility studies, energy audits and renewable energy development assistance projects. In 2012, for example, USDA Rural Development provided ARC Technology of Whitewater, Kan., a $9,945 REAP grant to assist with installing a 12.2 kilowatt solar array. As a direct result of the USDA grant, the company expects to save approximately $1,300 per year on its electric bill and see a return on its investment in only two years. USDA is accepting comments on the proposed rule through June 11, 2013. For details on how to submit comments, or for additional information, see Page 22044 of the April 12 Federal Register http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2013-04-12/pdf/2013-07273.pdf. President Obama's plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and resulted in stronger rural communities. Under the President's leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way - strengthening America's economy, small towns and rural communities. USDA's investments in rural communities support the rural way of life that stands as the backbone of our American values. President Obama and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack are committed to a smarter use of Federal resources to foster sustainable economic prosperity and ensure the government is a strong partner for businesses, entrepreneurs and working families in rural communities. USDA has made a concerted effort to deliver results for the American people, even as USDA implements sequestration - the across-the-board budget reductions mandated under terms of the Budget Control Act. USDA has already undertaken historic efforts since 2009 to save more than $700 million in taxpayer funds through targeted, common-sense budget reductions. These reductions have put USDA in a better position to carry out its mission, while implementing sequester budget reductions in a fair manner that causes as little disruption as possible.
Washington, Apr 15 (EFE).- Two people were killed and 22 others injured Monday in two explosions at the finish line of the Boston Marathon, municipal police told CNN and ABC.
The blasts happened within seconds of each other, according to a Boston Herald reporter who was among the 26,000 competing in the race.
The explosions occurred shortly before 3:00 p.m. as dozens of runners were crossing the finish line near Copley Square, packed with thousands of spectators and friends and family of the competitors.
Runners still on the course were called in after the explosions and authorities evacuated two hotels in the vicinity.
President Barack Obama ordered federal agencies to provide authorities in Massachusetts with whatever help they needed in dealing with the emergency and investigating the cause of the explosions.
Settlement requires company to conduct third party audits to reduce threat of accidental chemical releases, purchase emergency equipment for first responders
WASHINGTON
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Justice announced a Clean Air Act (CAA) settlement with Tyson Foods, Inc. and several of its affiliate corporations to address threats of accidental chemical releases after anhydrous ammonia was released during incidents at facilities in Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, and Nebraska, resulting in multiple injuries, property damage, and one fatality. “Exposure to anhydrous ammonia can cause serious health issues, and in extreme cases, even death,” said Cynthia Giles, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “Today’s settlement with Tyson Foods will ensure the proper safety practices are in place in the future to protect employees, first responders, and communities located near processing facilities from the threat of dangerous chemical releases.” “This settlement will protect workers at Tyson facilities throughout Kansas, Iowa, Missouri, and Nebraska that use anhydrous ammonia, and make the communities surrounding these 23 facilities safer. It will also provide emergency response equipment for first responders to chemical releases,” said Ignacia Moreno, assistant attorney general for the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “The requirements of this agreement, which include comprehensive third party audits, will help mitigate the impact of releases of anhydrous ammonia by ensuring compliance with the Risk Management Program under the Clean Air Act.” Under the terms of the consent decree, Tyson is required to conduct third-party audits of its current compliance with the CAA’s Risk Management Program requirements at all 23 facilities in Kansas, Iowa, Missouri, and Nebraska. The third-party auditors must have expertise in ammonia refrigeration systems, be recognized experts in risk management program compliance, and be approved by EPA. Tyson must correct any violations discovered in the audits and certify the completion of the work. Tyson has also agreed to test certain piping used in its refrigeration systems at the 23 facilities to identify any problems that may have led to accidental releases and to replace any non-compliant piping. Under the consent decree, Tyson will pay a $3.95 million penalty. Tyson has also agreed to implement a supplemental environmental project to purchase $300,000 worth of emergency response equipment for first responders in communities with significant environmental justice concerns in which Tyson operates facilities. The equipment will assist responses to emergencies involving chemicals that are regulated pursuant to the CAA Risk Management Program, including anhydrous ammonia. Anhydrous ammonia is a poisonous gas and considered an extremely hazardous substance under the CAA. Exposure to vapors can cause temporary blindness and eye damage, as well as irritation of the skin, mouth, throat, respiratory tract and mucous membranes. Prolonged exposure to anhydrous ammonia vapor at high concentrations can lead to serious lung damage and even death. Tyson Foods, Inc. is headquartered in Springdale, Ark. and is the world’s largest processor and marketer of chicken, beef and pork. The proposed settlement lodged in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri, is subject to a 30-day public comment period and final court approval. More information: http://www.epa.gov/enforcement/waste/cases/tysonfoodsinc.html