Friday, March 30, 2012

Mississippi River Basin Water Resource News for the Week

The Budget, the Recess and Reconciliation
House members have been sent off to their various home districts for the next two weeks after voting yesterday to adopt the Paul Ryan (R-WI) budget (see various stories under "Federal Budget," below). Although the House Budget Resolution will never be considered by the Senate, some of its provisions may very well influence deficit reduction discussions on Capitol Hill in the weeks and months to come. Specifically, the Resolution instructs six House committees (Agriculture, Energy and Commerce, Financial Services, Judiciary, Oversight and Government Reform, and Ways and Means) to engage in what's being called a “shadow reconciliation” process when their members return from Spring recess. Resolution instructions direct those committees to collectively (by April 27) come up with $261 billion in spending cuts over ten years from mandatory Federal programs. Following the committees' work, their recommendations will be voted on by the House, likely in early May; a vote (and passage) that will pressure Senate Democrats to respond.  That response would come either before the November general election or during the subsequent lame duck session, when Congress will have a scant seven weeks to come up with a budget-cutting agreement that will make moot the automatic sequestration (across-the-board spending cuts) scheduled to kick in on January 1 under terms of the August  2011 deficit reduction agreement.  For more background on the Federal budget and sequestration, see the lead-in to our overview of the President's Fiscal Year budget proposal, here.

Notable @UpperMiss Twitter Postings for the Week 

Agriculture -
  • Many now questioning whether rewards of using increasingly more crop chemicals are worth the risks http://reut.rs/HaxnEZ
  • Minnesota Dept of Agriculture commissioner promotes water quality certification initiative http://bit.ly/H0LstP
  • USDA conservation staff to go mobile and add Web tools; will be more accessible to customers http://bit.ly/H0LMsH
  • Nature Conservancy's Global Freshwater Program director urges use of water-efficient agriculture http://bit.ly/H0LVw6
  • Commission on Sustainable Agriculture and Climate Change releases report on best sustainable farming policy measures http://bit.ly/GXKR6w
Farm Bill-
  • National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition releases its 2012 Farm Bill policy platform http://bit.ly/H3F0Si
  • Yale Environment 360: Can reforming the 2012 Farm Bill help change US agriculture?  http://bit.ly/GKlLZ9
  • Former Agriculture Secretaries support attaching conservation compliance to crop insurance premium subsidies http://bit.ly/H1w7U0
  • Senate Ag Committee Chair Stabenow hopes Farm Bill is completed by committee and ready for Senate by early May http://on.wzzm.com/HaOCb5
  • House Ag committee hears testimony from two panels of producers from Illinois, Ohio, Indiana, Iowa, and Minnesota http://1.usa.gov/GHiFDX
  • Farmers offer wish lists for upcoming Farm Bill at House hearing http://bit.ly/HaNKmO
  • Overhauling the Farm Bill: The Real Beneficiaries of Subsidies - Daniel Imhoff - The Atlantic http://bit.ly/Hamyo9 via @InvasiveNotes
  • Op-ed: Iowans should support Farm Bill's Conservation Reserve Program http://dmreg.co/GQaOcL via @DonEWG
  • Farm Bill process in the House is complicated by the budget reconciliation process http://bit.ly/H3aPZ3
  • House Agriculture Committee posts witness testimony & other info for this week's Arkansas Farm Bill field hearing http://1.usa.gov/GZ6I0M
  • Signs of life for Farm Bill: Senate Ag Committee Could Markup by End of April http://t.co/lx4X4h9a via  @ChrisClaytonDTN
Water Quality -
Water Resource Management (Floodplains, Dams, Navigation, Wetlands, Flooding, etc.) -
In the States -
  • Environmental Council of the States decries potential EPA budget cut impact on states http://bit.ly/HkC5nd (Word doc of press release)
  • Minnesota setting health standards for emerging contaminants in water supplies/drinking water http://bit.ly/HiM39Q
Forestry -
  • New Sustainable Forestry report: Forests of the United States: Understanding Trends and Challenges http://bit.ly/GYFFTs
Biodiversity, Wildlife and Invasives -
  • Free iPhone/iPad app based on USGS guide allows users to quickly look up a plant to see whether it's invasive http://bit.ly/GGgeXP
  • 'Bio-bullet' under development would arguably kill Asian carp, leave other fish unharmed; concerns raised http://trib.in/GTzEWu
  • Minnesota Reps Kline and Peterson seek bill to manage MN cormorant population http://bit.ly/H1vzNS
Gulf Coastal Area-
Resource Extraction -
  • TN state lawmakers set aside further consideration of a bill to ban mountaintop mining http://tnne.ws/HkJ8LB
Federal Budget -
  • The House Budget Plan: A different vision for Energy and Agriculture than current policies http://bit.ly/GHV5xs
  • Ryan (GOP House) Budget would reduce Ag farm spending by $33 Billion over 10 years http://bit.ly/GQrE83
  • FY2013 Republican Budget Resolution cuts $179.4 Billion total from farm bill programs, including SNAP, over 10 years http://bit.ly/H3aDsK
  • House approves 2013 budget resolution from Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan (R-WI) http://bit.ly/HmdnCS
  • House unanimously rejects budget proposal based on Obama's 2013 plan http://bit.ly/GXM7Kx
  • Senate Finance Committee Chair Baucus (D-MT) determined to defeat House Budget proposal because of deep farm bill cuts http://bit.ly/GYRbhN
  • House Ag Committee Ranking Member Peterson statement: Republican Budget Creates Uncertainty for Rural America http://bit.ly/H1u8z3
Events-
  • Registration Now Open 2012 Ohio Stormwater Conference; June 7-8; Toledo http://bit.ly/GRNjRC
  • EESI Briefing slides/video: Conservation, Energy Security and Jobs with Biomass Crops? A Question for the Next Farm Bill http://bit.ly/yQV2Uq
  • 2012 Upper Mississippi River Conference and 2nd Annual Youth Summit; Sept 26-28; Moline, IL http://bit.ly/lp0jXH
  • Natural Resources Leadership Academy; June 18-22 and 25-29; Corvallis, Oregon http://bit.ly/twag9i
  • Pre-registration open for 4th Annual Chapter Mtg: Midwest-Great Lakes Society for Ecological Restoration; May 4-6 http://bit.ly/HktpMK
e-Newsletters, Publications and Journals -
Other news-
  • Call for Environmental Conservation papers re: Politics, science and policy of reference points for resource management http://bit.ly/GUoWQ5
  • Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change releases Special Report on managing climate change risks http://bit.ly/HkLJoO (PDF)
  • Planet Under Pressure conference message: urgent action needed to face threats to water, food, bio & other resources http://bit.ly/HhmXbj (PDF)
  • Scientific American: Is Human Impact Accelerating Out of Control? http://bit.ly/GWVC8d
  • U of NC study: Since 1974 conservatives' trust in science has plummeted from the highest to now the lowest http://bit.ly/H1wMVm (PDF)
Political Scene -
  • Washington Post: Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker’s recall: Big money pours into big-government fight http://wapo.st/GQAM0o
  • Joe Walsh's (D-IL) decision to run for reelection guarantees him toughest battle of his career http://politi.co/GYKxrB
  • Kansas House poised to pass new legislative district map this week http://bit.ly/H3au8E
  • Poll: Former WI governor Tommy Thompson continues to look like GOP’s best bet for state’s open Senate race http://bit.ly/GYWM7B
Last Word - From a new Etch A Sketch ad capitalizing on its new-found political popularity
at No comments:

Monday, March 26, 2012

U.S. Congressional Hearings for the Week Relevant to Mississippi River Basin Issues

Here is the current schedule for this week's U.S. House and Senate hearings that are relevant to Mississippi River Basin water and natural resource issues, along with links to the respective hearing web page (or relevant committee or subcommittee page, if hearing details are not yet posted):
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Thursday, March 22, 2012

Mississippi River Basin Water Resource News for the Week-Early Edition

Early Edition
Your FNB ("Friendly Neighborhood Blogger") will be out of the "electronic office" tomorrow, which accounts for this earlier than usual edition of the "Mississippi River Basin Water Resource News for the Week."  But it is chock-full of news stories none-the-less.  Enjoy!

Notable @UpperMiss Twitter Postings for the Week
Agriculture -
  • Editorial: Iowa should follow MO lead to reduce nutrient pollution; improve Iowa waterways http://dmreg.co/GHhXGK
  • UW Water Resources Institute evaluating characteristics of different biofuel crops and their ecological impacts http://bit.ly/GHSRvf
  • Iowa State U research provides 5 measures that show promise for reducing nitrate loss from farmland http://bit.ly/GHhEvx

Farm Bill-
  • Bipartisan group of senators introduce bill calling for tighter farm payment limits http://1.usa.gov/GN4cJj
  • House Agriculture Committee announces witness list for March 23 IL field hearing on Farm Bill http://1.usa.gov/GHiFDX
  • House Ag Committee Ranking Member Peterson (D-MN): GOP budget plan "all but guarantees" no Farm Bill this year http://bit.ly/GD2x8x
  • Ryan’s budget proposal puts pressure on House Ag Committee to cut crop insurance subsidies when writing farm bill http://bit.ly/GHTBAk
  • Commodity title remains most contentious Farm Bill piece; making it difficult for Senate Agriculture Committee to agree http://bit.ly/GBHp5j
  • Crop insurers dismiss Environmental Working Group crop insurance study http://bit.ly/wsMle5 (EWG study here: http://bit.ly/FRw5zd)
  • Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R-GA): Senate will pass farm bill this summer that cuts $23 billion over 10 years http://ohne.ws/yEdckW

Water Quality -

  • March 28 meeting set to announce partnership for pollutant reduction plan to restore Hinkson Creek MO water quality http://1.usa.gov/GD2721
  • Environmental organizations sue coal companies over contaminated water From West Virginia mines http://huff.to/GJdUtS
  • 2 WV coal mines targets of federal lawsuit alleging violations of Federal Water Pollution Control and Clean Water acts http://bit.ly/GGH4Ol
  • TN Clean Water Network files 60-Day Notice of Intent to Sue in Federal Court vs Teknor Apex over water pollution http://bit.ly/GD1uW2 (PDF)
  • ConocoPhilips refinery (Roxana, IL) plans to defend itself "vigorously" against air/soil/water pollution lawsuit http://bit.ly/GGGFvk and http://bit.ly/GGGQXv

Water Resource Management (Floodplains, Dams, Navigation, Wetlands, Flooding, etc.) -
  • Supreme Court rules unanimously against EPA in wetlands enforcement case http://bit.ly/GFjOOH (PDF file)

Forestry -
  • Happy World Forestry Day everyone (March 21).  Go hug a tree today!  http://bit.ly/GErx1g
  • Northern Forest Futures Project: a window on tomorrow’s Northeast and Midwest forests and trends  http://bit.ly/xu5DBD

Biodiversity, Wildlife and Invasives -

Gulf Coastal Area-

  • Revised LA hurricane protection- coastal restoration plan to give new priority to major hurricane protection features http://bit.ly/GHSCkV
  • Southern Louisiana marshlands lose more than foot against the sea; 2 inches in last 16 months http://wapo.st/xgsfO9

Resource Extraction -

  • Tennessee Senate delays vote on mountaintop removal coal mining ban legislation http://bit.ly/GD1iG4
  • Jindal administration tries to broker deal between Louisiana landowners and oil/gas industry over “legacy lawsuits" http://bit.ly/GD1UM6

Federal Budget -

Events-
  • Water Protection Network holds its Annual Meeting in Saint Louis,  MO http://bit.ly/A7EXv5
  • EPA Water Quality Standards Basic Course: April 30 - May 4, Washington DC http://bit.ly/GB3vn1
  • March 28 meeting set to announce partnership for pollutant reduction plan to restore Hinkson Creek MO water quality http://1.usa.gov/GD2721
  • MN DNR Stream Habitat Program - May and July, 2012 Workshop offerings viewable here: http://bit.ly/GDbdux

e-Newsletters, Publications and Journals -

Other news-
  • EPA releases “Identifying and Protecting Healthy Watersheds: Concepts, Assessments, and Management Approaches”  http://1.usa.gov/iiWqi4

Political Scene -
  • Poll: Sen. Dick Lugar (R-IN) is barely leading his GOP Senate primary opponent, state Treasurer Richard Mourdock http://bit.ly/zDTRyE
  • Illinois US House primaries: Democrats Jackson Jr., Duckworth and Schneider win big; Bustos headed to victory  http://bit.ly/GD1sgY
  • MO State Auditor Schweich no longer considering entering the GOP primary for US Senate http://bit.ly/GD1Jk1
  • Dems add 5 of their new nominees in IL to program for top congressional challengers and open seat candidates http://bit.ly/GHihW0

Last Word - "Always look on the broight soide of loife." - the Monty Python gang (click on the link for the related YouTube music video).
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Monday, March 19, 2012

U.S. Congressional Hearings for the Week Relevant to Mississippi River Basin Issues

Below is the current schedule for this week's U.S. House and Senate hearings that are relevant to Mississippi River Basin water and natural resource issues, along with links to the respective hearing web page:

at No comments:

Friday, March 16, 2012

Mississippi River Basin Water Resource News for the Week

EPA Sued Over Mississippi River Pollution and Associated Gulf of Mexico "Dead Zone"
On March 13, a coalition of environmental organizations filed two separate legal actions against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The lawsuits address nutrient (nitrogen and phosphorous) pollution in the Mississippi River Basin, and the associated, low-oxygen hypoxic zone or “dead zone” in the Gulf of Mexico. One of the lawsuits, challenges EPA’s denial of a 2008 petition asking EPA to establish numeric water quality limits (or standards) for and stream restoration plans relating to nitrogen and phosphorous pollution. A second lawsuit seeks to compel EPA to respond to a 2007 request (or "petition") that the agency update its wastewater treatment plant water quality standards to include provisions for the removal of nitrogen and phosphorous. For more details, including links to the two lawsuits and to over 20 related news releases and articles, see here.

Army Corps Developing Port and Inland Waterways Modernization Strategy - Comments Due by April 15
The Panama Canal expansion will almost triple the size of container vessels able to transit the canal. In anticipation of a projected 2014 completion of the canal expansion effort, on December 21, 2011, Congress directed the Army Corps of Engineers Institute for Water Resources (IWR) to submit a report by June 20, 2012 to the Senate and House Appropriations Committees “on how the Congress should address the critical need for additional port and inland waterway modernization to accommodate post-Panamax vessels.”

In response to that directive, the IWR is investigating the impacts of the Panama Canal expansion on future U.S. marine transportation system needs. Specifically, IWR is evaluating the costs associated with deepening and widening deep-draft harbors; ability of inland waterways and ports to enhance export initiatives benefiting the agricultural and manufacturing sectors; current and projected population trends that might predict regional port maintenance and expansion needs; availability of inland intermodal access; and environmental impacts resulting from the modernization.

The IWR study team will accept additional information and feedback through April 15 for consideration in its initial drafts of the strategy document. Interested persons can visit this U.S. Port and Inland Waterways Modernization Strategy web page for further information. 

Notable @UpperMiss Twitter Postings for the Week
Agriculture -
  • New report on the "complex and dynamic local food systems in Minnesota" http://bit.ly/wb4Zhq (PDF file)
  • USGS in Journal of Environmental Quality: herbicide atrazine poses little threat to rural groundwater http://bit.ly/w5fZ5k  (PDF)
  • Much of 6.5M acres in USDA's conservation reserve program will likely return to cropland after Sept 30 CRP  expiration http://bit.ly/y3AnJb
  • USDA's ERS releases updated map on direct payments & possible role for federal farm program environmental compliance http://1.usa.gov/AjEHci
  • USDA’s Economic Research Service releases “The Future of Environmental Compliance Incentives in U.S. Agriculture” http://1.usa.gov/xtAI9R
  • Construction starts on Iowa cellulosic ethanol plant http://bit.ly/zgOYy0 and  http://bit.ly/AxPhIq
  • Kane County Illinois Farm Bureau president: ethanol is responsible for holding corn prices up http://bit.ly/wFrBCy
  • GOP Presidential Candidate Romney's agriculture policy group is decidedly non-corn http://bit.ly/wITZDm
  • Farmgateblog: Farmland an investment like any other and its value can erode over time-literally http://bit.ly/w0oHpI
  • Value of Iowa farmland continues to grow at an average annual rate of > 20% http://dmreg.co/xAWvHR
Farm Bill-
  • Sen. Harkin (D-IA) hedges just a bit: "possibly a good chance" "outside chance"  "we could pass a farm bill this year" http://bit.ly/wc3M9k
  • Former NRCS official: we no longer have consensus that programs to support various agri commodities should be the same http://bit.ly/z1dWpq
  • Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE): If a Farm Bill passes the Senate, a bill will take place this year http://bit.ly/xDLQsO
  • Big city mayors send letter on Farm Bill priorities to House and Senate Ag Committee leaders http://bit.ly/w6FcvD (PDF file)
  • Commodity groups oppose linking conservation compliance to crop insurance but issue is missing from Farm Bill debate http://bit.ly/zFQ96t
  • 13 witnesses testify at Senate Agriculture Committee hearing on risk management/commodities and next Farm Bill http://bit.ly/y0Pn74
Water Quality -
  • EPA launches new nutrient pollution policy and data website for information on EPA & state nutrient control efforts http://1.usa.gov/wqewC5
  • Chicago and the Gulf Dead Zone: NRDC Lawsuits Address Downstream Damage http://bit.ly/xImUDc
  • Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development: Water pollution from agriculture costing $ billions/yr http://bloom.bg/wioehs
Water Resource Management (Floodplains, Dams, Navigation, Wetlands, Flooding, etc.) -
  • Army Corps U.S. Port and Inland Waterways Modernization Strategy environmental issues meeting synopsis http://bit.ly/w9w0m5 (PDF)
  • Two constructed Ohio wetlands, one planted & one left to nature, turn out the same after 15 years http://nyti.ms/wXc1wx
  • Feast-or-famine rainfall in TX and Lower Mississippi River valley in line with broad climate change projections http://bit.ly/ybSkdK
  • Louisiana Legislature prepares to vote on restoration plan that would cut Army Corps levees http://lat.ms/xWnKBK
  • Mississippi River breaks through eastern bank at Bohemia Spillway (LA), creating natural diversion http://bit.ly/yLzw0y
  • Cost rising for massive Army Corps Ohio River Olmsted Dam project project http://bit.ly/FPsKxz
In the States -
  • Coal industry backs WV bill removing WV water pollution provision requiring compliance with all water quality standards http://bit.ly/yt8c4u
Biodiversity, Wildlife and Invasives -
Gulf Coastal Area-
  • Senate passes bill to direct 80% of BP spill fines to improve Gulf Region environment & economy; similar to House-passed http://bit.ly/we2xo8
Resource Extraction -
  • MN Public Radio "primer" on the costs and benefits of frac sand mining in WI and MN http://bit.ly/yMru7p
  • Geologists say Iowa could be home to one of the world’s largest untapped pools of oil http://dmreg.co/AadQxh
  • Mailings to Ohio landowners from shale gas developers setting stage for Utica Shale leasing http://bit.ly/woMAHk
Federal Budget -
  • Congressional Budget Office releases March baseline update: 10-yr deficit accumulated by 2022 will fall by $186 B http://1.usa.gov/z9OPyR
  • GOP likely to unveil budget plan next week to cut 2013 federal spending below level 2 parties negotiated in 2011 http://on.wsj.com/xbA3dM
Events-
  • Free EPA Watershed Academy Webcast on Clean Water Act history and evolution; March 21, 1-3 PM EDT http://1.usa.gov/dCcmO0
  • March 26 DC EESI briefing: The Next Farm Bill: Conservation, Energy Security and Jobs with Biomass Crops? http://bit.ly/yQV2Uq
  • Urban Water Sustainability Leadership Conference; Oct 15-17, Cincinnati, OH http://bit.ly/yJQodd
  • Nebraska Concrete & Aggregates Assoc 1-day Pervious Seminar for April 26;  Omaha, NE http://bit.ly/xJspKC (PDF registration form)
e-Newsletters, Publications and Journals -
  • EDF's March 14 issue of Delta Dispatches is now available, with latest news on Gulf of Mexico coastal restoration http://bit.ly/x6mPUo
Other news-
  • Ecology and Evolution Journal article: Criteria for assessing climate change impacts on ecosystems http://bit.ly/xcmr2X
  • EPA proposes EVR-Wood Treating/Evangeline Refining Co site near Jennings, Acadia Parish, LA for superfund list http://1.usa.gov/whBnOW
  • EPA adds Rogersville, MO Compass Plaza Well TCE Site to superfund list http://1.usa.gov/zw4Bul
  • Europe's water resources 'under pressure' - threatening Europe's economy, productivity and ecosystems http://bbc.in/xRYDD6
Political Scene - 
  • Former MN state senator Tarryl Clark (D) decides to run in Dem primary in hopes of facing Rep. Chip Cravaack (R-MN-8) http://bit.ly/yi4kxN
  • Moderate Sen. Richard Lugar (R-IN) faces hostile Tea Party in battle to keep Senate seat http://bit.ly/Akp8hF
Last Word
"We could have saved the Earth but we were too damned cheap." - Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.
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Army Corps Developing Port and Inland Waterways Modernization Strategy

Click here to enlarge
Public Comment Period Open Through April 15
The Panama Canal expansion will almost triple the size of container vessels able to transit the canal. In anticipation of a projected 2014 completion of the canal expansion effort, on December 21, 2011, Congress directed the Army Corps of Engineers Institute for Water Resources (IWR) to submit a report by June 20, 2012 to the Senate and House Appropriations Committees “on how the Congress should address the critical need for additional port and inland waterway modernization to accommodate post-Panamax vessels.”

In response to that directive, the IWR is investigating the impacts of the Panama Canal expansion on future U.S. marine transportation system needs. Specifically, IWR is evaluating the costs associated with deepening and widening deep-draft harbors; ability of inland waterways and ports to enhance export initiatives benefiting the agricultural and manufacturing sectors; current and projected population trends that might predict regional port maintenance and expansion needs; availability of inland intermodal access; and environmental impacts resulting from the modernization.

The IWR study team will accept additional information and feedback through April 15 for consideration in its initial drafts of the strategy document. Interested persons can visit this U.S. Port and Inland Waterways Modernization Strategy web page for further information. 
at No comments:

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

UPDATED: Legal Action Filed Against EPA Over Mississippi River Pollution and Gulf of Mexico "Dead Zone"

On March 13, a coalition of environmental organizations filed two separate legal actions against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The lawsuits address nutrient (nitrogen and phosphorous) pollution in the Mississippi River Basin, and the associated, low-oxygen hypoxic zone or “dead zone” in the Gulf of Mexico.  One of the two separate lawsuits, filed with the U.S. District Court - Eastern District of Louisiana (lawsuit copy here) challenges EPA’s denial of a 2008 petition asking EPA to establish numeric water quality limits (or standards) for and stream restoration plans relating to nitrogen and phosphorous pollution.  A second lawsuit, filed with the U.S. District Court - Southern District of New York (copy here) seeks to compel EPA to respond to a 2007 request (or "petition") that the agency update its wastewater treatment plant water quality standards to include provisions for the removal of nitrogen and phosphorous.  Copies of both lawsuit filings and associated appendices can be found on this Natural Resources Defense Council web page.

The lawsuit filing was announced by the organizations on the morning of March 14 during an on-line media briefing. Below is a representative sampling of many of the articles published concerning the lawsuits.

March 13:
Iowa Environmental Council Press Release

March 14:
Bleeding Heartland Blog: "Environmental groups sue EPA over inaction on "Dead Zone" pollution"
Chicago Business article: "Environmentalists blame Chicago sewers for Gulf of Mexico pollution"
Prairie Rivers Network Press Release
U.S. News and World Report
Houma Today (Louisiana)
KMOX - CBS Television (Saint Louis, MO) 
Reuters
Des Moines Register
Daily Comet Thibodaux, LA

Blog posts by Natural Resources Defense Council staff:
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On Questioning, Certainty, Truth and Gasoline Prices

In September 2008, before becoming the current U.S. Energy Secretary, Steven Chu made an intriguing statement to a Wall Street Journal reporter, when he suggested that we might need to see a rise in the price of gasoline in the U.S. to the levels in Europe in order to foster more oil conservation. Chu, then the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Director, specifically speculated that having gasoline prices rise over 15 years would encourage energy efficiency, saying, "Somehow we have to figure out how to boost the price of gasoline to the levels in Europe."

But before a Senate committee during his nomination process less than four months later, he hastily retracted that statement in the face of political pressure.  I'm reminded of those happenings four years ago because, once again this week, Secretary Chu "walked back," as they say, from that 2008 statement, noting, "“I no longer share that view.”  As if the simple mention and exploration of new proposals or ideas are a threat to the very fabric of U.S. culture. As if to even question the status quo is anathema to our way of life. 

Well, it is in many circles.

In a society constantly striving for answers, we rarely stop to ask the truly relevant questions, particularly the question, “why.” Why have we always done things this way? Why must we do things like this in the future? Why we need more people, more projects, more money? Why we call this lifestyle; this approach sustainable, when it clearly is not?  Why this idea is impossible; unspeakable; unmentionable? 

The problem with accepting truth as it has been spoon-fed to us without our asking why, is that that truth becomes the very trap within which we live out lives in quiet desperation - without passion, care or concern. And we go through the motions. The first sign of threat to the institution and we retrench; retracting – or worse, never even asking - questions that might otherwise inspire creativity. The first crack in the wall of the organization and we’re off to design less demanding projects and take on less controversial pursuits; never daring or even thinking again to question the status quo. 

We cannot allow ourselves to be threatened by the question; by asking why. “Doubt is not a pleasant condition, but certainty is absurd,” Voltaire wrote. To question what appears to many to be “certain” lies at the very heart of being creatively human. 

To suppress questions, then, is not wise.  To discourage thinking and innovation is not human.  To accept things blindly as unquestionable is not sustainable in the long run. It is in doubt and in questions that we will find the beginnings of real wisdom, humanity, sustainability and life.  To question what has long been held as "truth" can be transformative if taken to heart by each of us and embraced within and by our institutions. And that means you and me.  And it means here and now.

So go ahead and question power. Because history has demonstrated time and again that we are probably working under a construct that is essentially wrong in any case, as, time and again, so-called truth after truth has fallen into the wastebasket of disproven falsehood. 
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Monday, March 12, 2012

U.S. House and Senate Conservation and Environmental Activity - The Week Ahead

The U.S. House is in recess for the week of March 12, and the Senate's committee activity is fairly light with respect to conservation and environmental issues this upcoming week. There will be one important hearing on the Farm Bill on the Senate side; that being the Senate Agriculture Committee's hearing on commodities and crop insurance this Wednesday, March 14 at 10 AM (EDT) in room 216 of the Hart Senate Office Building. Here is the link to that hearing's web page.
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Friday, March 9, 2012

Mississippi River Basin Water Resource News for the Week

Mississippi River Asian Carp Control Bill Introduced as More Carp Are Caught in Upper River Waters
On March 6, Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Al Franken (D-MN), and Representatives Keith Ellison (D-MN-5), Erik Paulsen (R-MN-3) and Tim Walz (D-MN-1) introduced legislation that would attempt to curb the invasion of Asian Carp in the Upper Mississippi River Basin. The bill, as introduced in the House (see on line here) is called the "Upper Mississippi Conservation and River Protection Act of 2012" or the "Upper Mississippi CARP Act" (the companion Senate bill has yet to be made available on-line). It seeks to stem the migration of the invasive Asian carp beyond Minneapolis by authorizing the Army Corps of Engineers to "take actions to manage the threat of Asian carp traveling up the Mississippi River in the State of Minnesota." The bill introduction follow closely on the heels of the March 1 catch of two Asian carp species - a silver carp and a bighead carp - in a seine net by commercial anglers in the Mississippi River's Pool 6 near Winona, Minnesota, approximately 120 land-miles downstream of St. Paul. Additional bill details and background on the Asian carp migration and control attempts can be read here.  And for additional news coverage of this issue, please see the several other links, below, under the "Biodiversity, Wildlife and Invasives" header.

Notable @UpperMiss Twitter Postings for the Week 

Agriculture -
  • USDA Secratary Vilsack on new Conservation Reserve Program Initiative to restore grasslands, wetlands, wildlife http://1.usa.gov/zzLzH3
  • USDA to offer higher farmer payments in attempt to slow exodus of millions of acres from conservation programs http://reut.rs/xooNXt
  • KC engineering firm settles with NW MO farmers over hexavalent chromium-tainted fertilizer use http://bit.ly/yCbqJd
  • American Soybean Association highlights some of its policy priorities for 2012-13 http://bit.ly/xcYfoS
  • U of MO Food and Agricultural Policy Research Inst: US farmers to have record 2012 corn crop; will bring down prices http://bit.ly/wHTo6G
  • High farm commodity prices and profits having a negative impact on South Dakota’s natural resources http://bit.ly/xxcz4R
Farm Bill-
  • House Ag Committee Chair Lucas: Farm Bill in doubt if we "don't sing off same sheet of music" http://bit.ly/x8oWl2
  • House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Peterson (D-MN-7) optimistic about chances for passing farm bill this year http://bit.ly/wemF1i
  • Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE) launches webpage for constituents interested in learning more about next farm bill http://bit.ly/A8Rkf8
  • Congressional Budget Office will come out with USDA "budget score" March 13; needed to work up Farm Bill $ limits http://bit.ly/xRKlw4
  • Farmers Union calls for reestablishing link between crop insurance and compliance with conservation requirements http://bit.ly/znvxGP (PDF)
  • American Farmland Trust one-pager on “Re-Linking Conservation Compliance and Crop Insurance” http://bit.ly/xqMU5J (PDF)
  • Union of Concerned Scientists releases policy brief on US food and farm policy with 2012 Farm Bill focus http://bit.ly/w8i5eU
  • Coalition urges Congressional focus on water quality & conservation in farm bill http://bit.ly/x1jJDW YouTube video: http://bit.ly/wP23f0
Water Quality -
  • Whitewater Watershed (MN) farmers take lead in water quality improvement through Farmer-Led Council http://bit.ly/Ad5F12
  • Farm Bureau concerned that new EPA-Corps Clean Water Act guidance will allow expanded definition of waters of the US http://bit.ly/x9xoFM
  • University of Louisiana - state DEQ partnership expected to help fill Gulf dead zone research needs http://tnsne.ws/Ac3hn6
  • MN-based driveway coating national leader to stop using coal-tar-based sealants to help curb stormwater pollution http://bit.ly/y37FdB
  • EPA to provide $15 million for training and technical assistance to small drinking and wastewater systems http://1.usa.gov/wlUv1t
  • Rep. Gibbs (R-OH) urges water leaders to support bill to create Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Authority bit.ly/yX3m7e
  • Over 160 water utility leaders address Congress on water infrastructure financing proposal http://bit.ly/yTGLjT
Water Resource Management (Floodplains, Dams, Navigation, Wetlands, Flooding, etc.) -
  • J of Soil & Water Conservation: Effects of 2011 Ohio and Mississippi river valley flooding on Cairo, IL area http://bit.ly/AEfXzH
  • Federal appeals court finds that Army Corps' shoddy shipping channel work was responsible for Katrina flood damages http://bit.ly/xsIvLR
  • Army Corps-Vicksburg receives $140 M more in funding for Mississippi River dredging, levee, channel and O&M projects http://bit.ly/yybKSz
  • Proposed MO River environmental project $17 M spending hike upsets those who say flood protection focus is needed http://bit.ly/wPyHPZ
  • Appeals court affirms 2008 EPA veto (to save wetlands, water quality, habitat) of Yazoo River, MS flood-control project http://bit.ly/wgG6XV
In the States -
  • Illinois sustainability and environmental groups hope state won't follow Iowa's lead on law protecting CAFOs http://trib.in/yn9xac
Forestry -
  • Cellulosic biofuel company (Virdia Inc) to build wood-to-ethanol plants in MS with state/fed help http://bloom.bg/wgsbW6
Biodiversity, Wildlife and Invasives -
  • Bill seeks to halt Mississippi R Asian carp spread by requiring inclusion of rivers N of IL in Federal carp strategy http://bit.ly/wzlnhV
  • Proposed new U of MN research center to focus on aquatic invasive species like zebra mussels and Asian carp http://bit.ly/yTY3Z7
  • Sens. Klobuchar & Franken, Reps. Ellison, Paulsen & Walz introduce Upper Mississippi River Basin Asian Carp legislation http://bit.ly/xk13e6
  • New bill in Congress requires inclusion of all rivers north of IL in strategy to keep Asian carp out of Great Lakes http://bit.ly/z6soLM
  • MN Lake advocates pressing for Legacy money to battle zebra mussels http://bit.ly/vZgDc6
  • MN Gov. Dayton: state working to stop Asian carp from advancing up Mississippi River into Minnesota bit.ly/xqEqfk
  • Hunter pressure causes MN to reassess its hunting/deer population goals http://shar.es/g8gN4
  • A few of the invasive species control measures being considered to stop migration in IL waterways (jpg figure) http://bit.ly/wxWL23
  •  Novel manufactured "dead zone" invasives control a possible barrier between Great Lakes-Mississippi watersheds http://bit.ly/x2tyOx
Gulf Coastal Area-
  • Mississippi River Delta Restoration Campaign (7 organizations) voices strong support for draft 2012 Coastal Master Plan http://bit.ly/zlZKTm
  • Urban Waters Federal Partnership launches Ambassadors Program; will have Lake Pontchartrain (New Orleans) component http://bit.ly/zRbp23
Resource Extraction -
  • With potential oil and gas boom on the horizon in southern IL state lawmakers want to update drilling law http://bit.ly/ziZiGF
Federal Budget -
  • Republicans are at odds over how deep discretionary spending cuts should go in Fiscal Year 2013 Federal budget http://bit.ly/wCGJKD
  • House Budget Committee Republicans intensify push to overcome differences and produce a 2013 budget resolution http://bit.ly/Avx8kF
  • Under increasing pressure from conservatives, House GOP leaders poised to lower budget levels significantly http://bit.ly/ylV30T
  • Agriculture Comm Ranking Member Peterson: agriculture repeatedly asked to bear disproportionate share of budget cuts http://bit.ly/y3osTn
  • House Agriculture Committee adopts letter outlining committee's USDA FY 2013 budget recommendations; cuts $23B/10 yr http://1.usa.gov/xqW6vI
Events-
  • Save the date - June 23 Tennessee Clean Water Network Annual Membership Meeting; Nashville http://www.tcwn.org/
  • EPA Webcast March 20: Low Impact Development?Green Infrastructure Design Competitions: Tools for Encouraging Innovation http://bit.ly/wEEzn7
  • Upper Midwest Invasive Species Conference; Oct. 29-31; La Crosse, WI http://bit.ly/yKKQjG - call for abstracts: http://bit.ly/A2zkEp
  • Call for abstracts: 2012 Kentucky Stormwater Association Annual Conference; August 8-10; Florence, KY; Inquiries to: vmeredith.hced@hcky.org
  • Nebraska Floodplain & Stormwater Managers Assoc 4th Annual Conference; July 12, Kearney, NE; call for abstracts: http://bit.ly/wXs3Z0 (PDF)
  • Clean Water Network develops a new Google "Power of Water Campaign Calendar" with events nationwide http://bit.ly/zeIRAF
  • Illinois RiverWatch schedules 11 workshops for new volunteers (covers entire state) http://bit.ly/xTp9TG
  • For DC friends: Washington DC's 20th Annual Environmental Film Festival; March 13-25; numerous venues http://bit.ly/w5KtKO
  • March 22 presentation examining the past and future of Upper Mississippi Riverfront in Minneapolis, MN; 4 PM CDT here: http://bit.ly/w4mKn3
  • Mississippi River Fund’s March 19 St. Paul, MN meeting ”Asian Carp: What Can We Do Now” http://bit.ly/wO9U5J
e-Newsletters, Publications and Journals -
Political Scene -
  • Missouri State Auditor Tom Schweich (R) eyeing US Senate run against vulnerable Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-MO) http://bit.ly/AwHS05
  • GOP efforts to recruit 4th candidate for possible run vs. Sen. McCaskill (D-MO) serve to highlight a weak GOP field http://bit.ly/z0WHuU
Other News -
  • European insurance think tank urges governments and insurers to take threat of extreme risk events more seriously  http://bit.ly/ArZdx1
Last Word - 
"I hate that people think compromise is a dirty word. It's not a dirty word." - Former First Lady, Barbara Bush, at a Southern Methodist University conference on the influence of the nation's first ladies. Refering to the current presidential campaign cycle, she went on to add, "I think it's been the worst campaign I've ever seen in my life." Source: Dallas Morning News 
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Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Mississippi River Asian Carp Control Bill Introduced as More Carp Are Caught in Upper River Waters

Yesterday (March 6), Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Al Franken (D-MN) and Representatives Keith Ellison (D-MN-5), Erik Paulsen (R-MN-3) and Tim Walz (D-MN-1) introduced legislation that would attempt to curb the invasion of Asian Carp in the Upper Mississippi River Basin. The bill, as introduced in the House (see on line here) is called the "Upper Mississippi Conservation and River Protection Act of 2012" or the "Upper Mississippi CARP Act" (the companion Senate bill has yet to be made available on-line). It seeks to stem the migration of the invasive Asian Carp by authorizing the Army Corps of Engineers to "take actions to manage the threat of Asian carp traveling up the Mississippi River in the State of Minnesota."  The bill introductions follow closely on the heels of a March 1 catch of two Asian carp species - a silver carp and a bighead carp - in a seine net by commercial anglers in the Mississippi River's Pool 6 near Winona, Minnesota, approximately 120 land-miles downstream of St. Paul. 

Specifically, the bill calls for the Army Corps to:
  • Conduct a study on the feasibility of temporary closure of the lock at the Mississippi River's Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam at Minneapolis to manage the threat of Asian carp traveling up the Mississippi River
  • Conduct a study on the feasibility of implementing control measures at the Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam to manage the threat of Asian carp traveling up the Mississippi River; and
  • Close the lock at the Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam if the Army Corps determines that closure of the lock is justified to manage the threat of Asian carp migration.
The House bill has been referred to the Natural Resources, and Transportation and Infrastructure committees for further consideration.  No action on the bill has yet been scheduled in either committee.

Background
Large numbers of several species of non-native, Asian carp have been progressively making their way upstream in the Mississippi River Basin for decades, since their release in the 1970s into the Lower Mississippi River from fish farming operations. Since then, bighead, silver and grass carp have been captured in the Mississippi River watershed from Louisiana to South Dakota, Minnesota and Ohio. In the Upper Mississippi River Basin, those carp species were first collected by scientists in the Mississippi River at Alton, Illinois, in 1993; in April 2011, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reported that a commercial angler caught a 27-pound bighead carp in the lower St. Croix River that forms the boundary between Minnesota and Wisconsin; and on March 1 of this year two Asian carp were caught in the Mississippi River near Winona, Minnesota.   For more detailed background on the issue of invasive carp in the Upper Mississippi River Basin, please see this 2011 article written in the Institute's Mississippi River Basin Blog. 

Under its Great Lakes and Mississippi River Interbasin Study (GLMRIS), the Army Corps is already exploring options and technologies to control aquatic nuisance species (ANS) that might be applied "to prevent or reduce the risk of ANS transfer between the Great Lakes and Mississippi River Basins through aquatic pathways" (ANS are nonindigenous species that threaten the diversity or abundance of native species or the ecological stability of infested waters, or commercial, agricultural, aquacultural or recreational activities dependent on such waters). Please see our initial article on GLMRIS here.
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Monday, March 5, 2012

U.S. Congressional Hearings for the Week Relevant to Mississippi River Basin Issues

Once more this week, it will be a U.S. Congressional week packed with hearings focused on conservation and environmental issues, both on and off Capitol Hill.  Here is a chronological listing of those hearings currently scheduled, along with links to the specific hearing web pages, where more details are available, and where the proceedings can sometimes be observed streaming live, on-line.

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Friday, March 2, 2012

Mississippi River Basin Water Resource News for the Week

Farm Bill Activity
There are quite a few links to Farm Bill-related activities throughout the week below on a variety of matters - - - a Senate Agriculture Committee conservation hearing, House Agriculture Committee plans for field hearings, Farm Bill priorities, position statements and letters from various players, and more. All of the news flowing from Capitol Hill is pointing to likely movement of a bill out of the Senate Agriculture Committee and on to the full Senate for its consideration sometime this spring.

Controversial St. Croix River Bridge Crossing Bill Passes House - Sent on to President
On March 1, the U.S. House approved the St. Croix River Crossing Project Authorization Act (S. 1134) under a suspension of rules (339-80 roll call vote to suspend the rules and approve the resolution). The House approval follows the Senate's passage of the same measure by unanimous consent on January 23. The Obama Administration has neither overtly supported nor expressed its outright disapproval of the bill, so it is expected that the measure will be signed into law by the President. For more details on the bill and the surrounding controversy, please follow this link.

Notable @UpperMiss Twitter Postings for the Week 

Agriculture -
  • USDA to unveil new farmer incentives for enrolling new grass & wetland acres into conservation reserve program http://wapo.st/AvmxVC
  • Environmental Working Group releases its analysis of farm conservation compliance issues http://bit.ly/wS7M52 (PDF file)
  • Herb Kohl (D-WI) - Senate Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee Chair - vows to support organic farming http://bit.ly/z6vyYD
  • Corn prices could fall 20% this year because of expanding production globally http://reut.rs/ylSIgf
  • Izaak Walton League of America video on crop insurance, farm conservation practices & conservation compliance http://youtu.be/7Og87dqczls
Farm Bill-
  • House Agriculture Committee Chair Lucas announces 2012 Farm Bill field hearings through March-April http://1.usa.gov/w0bKSR
  • Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Stabenow moved up dates of last 2 farm bill hearings to move the bill more quickly http://bit.ly/ySe8K5
  • 643 groups send letter to Senate and House Agriculture Committee leaders in support of Farm Bill conservation programs http://bit.ly/ydZYm4
  • Four commodity farm groups issue statement supporting crop insurance; urging Congress to pass new farm bill in 2012 http://bit.ly/Akgl8t
  • Several farm orgs write to Senate Agriculture Committee leaders to support Conservation Title supercommittee framework http://bit.ly/yBb8Dc
  • New Congressional Research Service report on 2012 Farm Bill: “Previewing the Next Farm Bill” http://bit.ly/yJEAnF (PDF)
  • Senate Agriculture Committee Member Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) lists her top Farm Bill priorities in op-ed http://bit.ly/xt1BPz
  • Senate Agriculture Committee has scheduled March 14 hearing to discuss potential change to crop subsidy system bit.ly/y0Pn74
  • ND Governor Dalrymple stresses to USDA the importance of preserving strong crop insurance program http://bit.ly/AnwJBX
  • Commentary on "2012 Farm Bill: Conservation and the Environment" http://bit.ly/y1MdOb
  • Environmental Working Group report: early progress reducing farm soil erosion has slowed and in some cases reversed http://politi.co/zLjglp
  • News coverage of Tuesday's Senate Ag Committee Farm Bill conservation hearing: http://bit.ly/xD8LD0
Water Quality -
  • EPA Region 7 to hold Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO) Meeting; March 13; West Point, NE; details: http://bit.ly/z0HeFl
  • Welch, WV settles Clean Water Act violations - will eliminate combined sewer overflows (cost=$16 - $23M) http://1.usa.gov/wFecqJ
  • Metropolitan Water Reclamation District: No tax hike needed to clean up Chicago River http://trib.in/Agg0bS
Water Resource Management (Floodplains, Dams, Navigation, Wetlands, Flooding, etc.) -
  • Interior Department announces new "National Water Trails System" program to "promote healthy, accessible rivers" http://on.doi.gov/wxkrov
  • ACS's J of Envirntl Sci & Technology report: 7 in 10 US counties at risk for fresh water shortages by mid-21st century http://bit.ly/xAGN5U
  • Army Corps begins "Port and Inland Waterways Modernization Study" bit.ly/AypASK (see related webinar under "Events')
In the States -
  • MN Pollution Control Agency seeks public comment on report re: Mississippi River's Fort Snelling-Lake Pepin stretch http://bit.ly/wAlumZ
  • Wisconsin governor signs legislation that loosens state rules on development in wetlands http://bit.ly/xDs0ge
Biodiversity, Wildlife and Invasives -
  • New Missouri aquatic invasive species rules took effect on March 1 for use of waders in trout areas http://bit.ly/wwxGvf
  • Ohio adds more strict fish consumption advisory limits in 10 waterways; relaxes 4 http://bit.ly/AD3cP7
Gulf Coastal Area-
  • Australian Broadcasting Corp story: Louisiana coastline "bears little sign" of BP oil well catastrophe http://bit.ly/x90Djz
  • Pearl River (coastal LA) health reassessed after 2011 chemical discharge that killed thousands of fish http://bit.ly/xc9xW1
  • Ducks Unlimited comments on Louisiana's 2012 Master Plan for a Sustainable Coast http://bit.ly/xHibYk
Resource extraction -
  • Globally, oil & gas industry expansion leading to large-scale "land grabbing" & threatening farming/water resources http://bit.ly/z5mdC9
  • Activists say TN  Scenic Vistas Protection Act will not stop mountaintop removal; Lt. Governor disagrees http://tnne.ws/wzHPJk
Events-
  • MN DNR Stream Habitat Program schedules two 2012 Workshops; on dams & ditching; May & July http://bit.ly/z85Vfx (PDF of flier)
  • March 13 listening session/webinar scheduled for Army Corps' "Port and Inland Waterways Modernization Study" http://bit.ly/A1GJlJ
  • White House to host conference on community-driven conservation; March 2; http://on.doi.gov/xKZfTm live streaming: http://on.doi.gov/dSbSQX
  • Registration open - 9th INTERCOL International Wetlands Conference; Orlando, FL; June 3-8; early bird rate thru Mar 16 http://bit.ly/wW2Dp3
  • Conference on economics of providing environmental services from agriculture; April 17-18; Resources for the Future, DC http://bit.ly/zXYPnq
  • Healthy Waters Initiative to Release Recommendations for Farm Bill Reauthorization; March 6; Washington DC http://bit.ly/zuOaZa
  • Webcast and DC seminar on Invasive Species: Impacts, Challenges, and Strategies for Management; March 7, 12:45 PM EST http://bit.ly/z5YBdR
e-Newsletters, Publications and Journals -
  • February edition of the "Mississippi River Basin Update" is now available for reading or downloading online bit.ly/wzM5yY
  • Great Lakes and Mississippi River Interbasin Study February newsletter (aquatic invasive species) http://bit.ly/yu2mrm (PDF)
  • Assoc. of State Flood Plain Managers Foundation Winter newsletter now available on-line http://bit.ly/d8Jugl
  • Association of State Floodplain Managers bimonthly "News & Views" http://bit.ly/AlYXVO - NOT the same as the above newsletter
Other news-
  • IA Governor Branstad elected Chair of the Midwestern Governors Association; sets forth agenda with heavy energy focus http://bit.ly/xPQnwB
  • Minnesota commission holds plan to build rural wind farm because of bat and bald eagle concerns http://bit.ly/AcQYio
  • American Water Works Environmental Grant Program water grants available in 10 states (8 Mississippi River Basin states) http://bit.ly/hcFzCG
  • Historic maps available online & browseable by date range and geographic area bit.ly/yAlrDR [a terrific historic geo-research tool]
Political Scene -
  • Sen. Dick Lugar (D-IN) is facing his first serious political challenge to reelection in decades http://politi.co/AsX1xJ
  • US House races in IL heating up with less than a month until the state’s primary http://bit.ly/AwFDjX
  • IL's 16th District has one of "ugliest" redistricting US House races; pitting 2 sitting incumbents vs each other 
  • http://politi.co/xfm5Ky
  • WI Governor Walker calls recall election targeting him a "distraction" & "frivolous" http://politi.co/AtuSS3
  • Former Senator Bob Kerrey (D) makes comeback US (Nebraska) Senate bid official http://bit.ly/x8blp8
Last Word - 
"Congress is becoming more like a parliamentary system — where everyone simply votes with their party and those in charge employ every possible tactic to block the other side." - U.S. Senator Olympia Snowe (R-ME), in a March 2, Washington Post opinion piece entitled "Why I'm Leaving." Well worth the read, by the way.
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Thursday, March 1, 2012

Controversial St. Croix River Bridge Crossing Bill Passes House - Sent on to President

This morning (March 1), the U.S. House approved the St. Croix River Crossing Project Authorization Act (S. 1134) under a suspension of rules (339-80 roll call vote to suspend the rules and approve the resolution). Today's House approval follows a Senate passage by unanimous consent on January 23. The Obama Administration has neither overtly supported nor expressed its disapproval of the bill, so it is largely expected that the measure will be signed into law by the President.

The long - debated and rather controversial measure, introduced in the Senate by Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), would permit “any federal agency to authorize and assist in the construction of a new bridge crossing” over the St. Croix River as long as “specified mitigation items” contained in a “2006 St. Croix River Crossing Project Memorandum of Understanding for Implementation of Riverway Mitigation Items” are included within the project conditions (the Memorandum of Understanding is available here; its Paragraph 9 being the relevant “mitigation” section).

The new bridge would replace an 80 year-old Stillwater Lift Bridge, which most agree was never intended to carry the level of traffic that it currently does, is gradually failing structurally, and needs to be replaced.

However, two issues have consistently been at the center of a running controversy regarding the bridge replacement project: its cost and appropriateness (the latter focused on the St. Croix River's Federal designation as a Wild and Scenic River). Bridge proponents, including Sen. Klobuchar and Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN-6), maintain that the new bridge represents a safe and efficient alternative to the lift bridge that it would replace. Its opponents argue that the project is not fiscally responsible and would be environmentally damaging, especially in light of what they say are readily-available, less costly alternatives (see, for example, this release from Rep. Betty McCollum (D-MN-4) and this from American Rivers, both in response to the Senate’s passage of the bridge replacement legislation). 

The St. Croix River originates in northeastern Wisconsin, flowing out of Upper St. Croix Lake. It joins the Namekagon River, and a few miles downstream of that confluence a considerably wider St. Croix River forms the boundary between Minnesota and Wisconsin (for approximately 130 miles until its confluence with the Mississippi River).
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