Tom Ewing’s Environmental Update

*  BOEM’s busy: publishing a “Call for Information and Nominations” (Call) from companies interested in commercial wind energy leases within the New York Bight, an area between Long Island and the New Jersey coast.  In addition, BOEM (Bureau of Ocean Energy Management) wants more general, public comments on issues within the Call area, issues that could affect BOEM’s decisions about specific sites, for example, fishing and navigation.  Also last week BOEM and DOI announced the proposed lease sale for two additional areas offshore Massachusetts for commercial wind energy, totaling nearly 390,000 acres.  Look for details this week in the Federal Register.  Also upcoming, a public seminar regarding auction details and to demonstrate, with examples, how the auction works.

*  Missouri’s Department of Natural Resources completed its draft plan to reduce nitrogen oxides (NOx) from mobile sources. The draft beneficiary mitigation plan outlines Missouri’s vision and goals for spending $41 million from the Volkswagen Trust. The department also has completed draft guidelines for implementing the plan.  The department developed the draft documents with advice from the VW Trust Advisory Committee and from Missouri citizens. Since October of 2017, the department has received comments and suggestions during meetings, via surveys and through emails and letters.  The department will accept public comments on the draft documents through May 4, 2018.  Proposed spending includes $12 million to replace older school buses (or engines); $6 million for government-owned trucks; and $4 million for transit vehicles.