James Husting, CGCS recognized by GCSAA for distinguished service to golf, profession 

Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) Class A member James C. Husting, CGCS have been selected as recipient of the 2010 GCSAA Col. John Morley Distinguished Service Awards. Jim was acknowledged at the 2010 GCSAA Education Conference during Celebrate GCSAA! presented in partnership with Syngenta, Feb. 9. Formerly the Opening Session and Welcoming Reception, Celebrate GCSAA! is hosted by GCSAA President Mark D. Kuhns, CGCS. Jim is most deserving of the Col. John Morley Distinguished Service Award,” Kuhns said. “He has made outstanding and significant contributions to the advancement of the golf course superintendent profession as well as to the game of golf. Their service to our profession has been invaluable.” 

Jim Husting, the certified golf course superintendent at Woodbridge (Calif.) Golf and Country Club, has been the industry's government relations liaison in California for 13 years. A 28-year GCSAA member, Husting served on the association's government relations committee from 1997-98 and again from 2008-09. He has played an instrumental part in keeping all the California chapters informed of government issues that affect California's golf industry. A past president of both the Sierra Nevada GCSA and the California GCSA, Husting established a government relations network of more than 300 industry professionals throughout the state who receive his action alerts. His government relations updates are also posted on the California GCSA's Web site.

Husting's efforts in Sacramento include helping obtain funding in support of research on pine pitch canker, fire ants, and sudden oak death syndrome; as well as a successful grassroots campaign to expand the triploid grass carp permit statewide as a non-chemical method of aquatic pest control in golf course waterways. Husting initiated the first economic impact study to research the financial impact of golf in California -- findings from which continue to serve as a tool for the golf industry to educate lawmakers on the value and substantial economic impact of golf to the state. He also worked with CGCSA Lobbyist George Steffes to develop a brochure to educate government officials regarding golf's positive impact on the environment.
 

La Quinta, CA….The La Quinta City Council honored the head golf course superintendents of the four Bob Hope Classic courses in the city at the council’s regular meeting February 16th.    They were recognized for their work during the Bob Hope Classic, a PGA Tour event, when the Coachella Valley was hit with more than three inches of rain. The ceremony acknowledged Willie Lopez, SilverRock Resort; Tim Putnam, La Quinta Country Club; Dean Miller, PGA West Director of Agronomy; Robert Durkee, PGA West Nicklaus Private Course and Jim Schmid, PGA West Palmer Private Course, as well as their crews.
The golf tournament was scheduled Wednesday, January 20th, through Sunday, January 24th.  The Hope lost a day of play on the 21st to the rains, but the superintendents and their crews at the four courses worked through the night and with the help of other course superintendents, crews and equipment from around the desert to prepare courses for play the following day. 

At La Quinta, Putnam’s crew could not pull all-nighters, as there are too many luxury homes lining the course.  Instead they started well before sunrise, and were assisted by 12 employees sent over by fellow superintendent Geoff Sanders from Classic Club in Palm Desert.   “They were ready with pumps and squeegees.  Geoff’s guys worked with my guys because we had so many other things to do as well.  We had to deal with debris from palms, a scoreboard broke away, and even four of the port-a-potties blew down toward the driveway from the winds,” Putnam said.  “We had a lot of challenges, but the rules officials and PGA Tour staff were very complimentary of the work we did.”
Lopez even got props from PGA Tour Pro Mark Brookes.  “He told us thanks for all of our hard work, and that we did a good job of getting the golf course ready to go,” said Lopez.
Durkee at the PGA West Nicklaus Private course had a crew of 27, along with 10 other volunteers.  He took half hour naps when he could, and his crew split shifts to get all of the work done.  “Hole #4 was under a foot of water.  We had key bunkers under water, and we needed to repair other bunkers,” Durkee said.  “We needed to clean up sand, move it, rebuild it, and level it off.  We were changing plans constantly. Rules officials arrived early in the morning—they were shocked at how well the golf course was put back together.”
“We did a lot of scrambling,” said PGA West Palmer course’s Schmidt.  “A lot of guys worked overnight.  They were willing to make the sacrifice to get it done.”
“It was a huge team effort,” said Miller.  “We had a lot of guys who didn’t go home for two days, just caught naps when they could, rotating people around.”
“The city is proud of the success of the tournament and special recognition goes out to the event organizers and especially these superintendents,” said La Quinta Mayor Don Adolph. “Thanks to their help, La Quinta was once again able to proudly display why it is such a great place to live, work and play in.”

Used Golf Course Equipment, powered by GolfYellowPages.com 

California GCSA Members: There is no charge to list your equipment for sale in the GolfYellowPages.com Classifieds (formerly Turffinder.com) 

Click here to register or list your Used Equipment For Sale

Mandatory Filing for Water Diversion and  Use requirements are approaching soon. Starting this year, it is mandatory to report all diversions of water to the State Water Resource Control Board. Attached is the bulletin announcement. Please pass this information along to all involved. These reports are due July 1st of this year for the diversion and usage for the year 2009. 
Forms can be found  @ Click HERE

There will be fines assessed for those that do not comply. 
For more information, you may contact me directly. 

James R. Fitzroy, CGCS
GCSAA President
James R. Fitzroy, CGCS, director/superintendent at Wollaston Recreational Facility/Presidents Golf Club in North Quincy, Mass., was elected president of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) at the association's annual meeting Feb. 12.
 
 
 
 
 
 

Robert M. Randquist, CGCS, director of golf course and grounds at Boca Rio Golf Club in Boca Raton, Fla., was elected vice president. 
Sanford G. Queen, CGCS, manager of golf operations for the city of Overland Park, Kan., was elected secretary/treasurer.

William H. Maynard, CGCS at Milburn Golf and Country Club in Overland Park, Kan., was elected to the GCSAA Board of Directors and Patrick R. Finlen, CGCS, director of golf course maintenance operations at The Olympic Club in San Francisco, was re-elected to another two-year term.

Peter J. Grass, CGCS at Hilands Golf Club in Billings, Mont., Keith A. Ihms, CGCS at Country Club of Little Rock in Little Rock, Ark., and John J. O'Keefe, CGCS, director of golf course management at Preakness Hills Country Club in Wayne, N.J., remain on the board with one year remaining in their two-year director terms. 

Mark D. Kuhns, CGCS, director of grounds at Baltusrol Golf Club in Springfield, N.J., will serve on the board for one year as immediate past president. 

David S. Downing II, CGCS, Signature Golf Group president, retires from the board after serving the last year as immediate past president.
 

GCSAA Chapter webcasts are a great way to provide education at your next chapter meeting. Schedule a live webcast or take advantage of nearly 50 ON DEMAND webcast titles. These 90 minute webcasts are presented by various GCSAA subject matter experts and are available for a flat fee of $300. 

Call 800-472-7878 Ext. 3649 for more information, or review the webcast form for chapters. 

We enjoyed meeting you at the 2010 Golf Industry Show in San Diego this February! 

Did You Know...
We have a network of more than 400 branches, including 90 Sunbelt Rentals at Lowe's locations, in 34 states and the District of Columbia committed to providing you with the equipment you need for any golf course construction or maintenance project, 24/7.

Call 1-800-508-4760 

Keep in mind these services, which may be new to you: 
24/7 service 
Golf course contstruction and maintenance equipment 
Immediate supply of consumable items 
Comprehensive performance guarantee covering satisfaction, on-time delivery, service and after-hours response 
AWP and Forklift Operator Training and Train the Trainer course 
Online rental capabilities allow customers to reserve equipment; call equipment off-rent; create and schedule reports; view, print and pay invoices; set up alerts for email or text notifications and much more

Please feel free to contact Kevin Grieder, Sunbelt Rentals National Strategic Accounts Manager, at 704-241-5268 or kevin.grieder@sunbeltrentals.com with any questions. 
 

GCSA of Southern California 
March 22, 2010 
GCSASC - "Affiliates AppreciationDay" 
Oak Creek Golf Club, Irvine, CA
Online Registration Form

GCSA of Northern California
NCGA - USGA Greens Section Conference 
March 15, 2010  07:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Location Palo Alto Hills Country Club, Palo Alto, California
Online Registration Site
 

San Diego GCSA 
March 10 - 11, 2010
Assistant Superintendent Training Meeting
Riverwalk Golf Course
Click here to sign up online 

Sierra Nevada GCSA
March 1, 2010 
GrassRoots Tournament and Meeting 
MacKenzie Course, Haggin Oaks Golf Complex 
Online Registration Form
 

GCSAA Webcast Series

GCSAA's live education webcasts will be 90 minutes long and will take place at the computer of your choice.  To increase the event's interaction, we recommend the use of a microphone, but you can ask questions and participate using the text chat feature. Visit the system check today to learn more about what's required and test your system, free of charge.

03/03/10   Nine Shrubs for the Front Nine      Virtual  10:00 am 
03/18/10   Fine Leaf Fescues for Your Secondary Rough: Effective Selection & Management    Virtual  12:00 pm 

GCSAA Education CD's are available for purchase in the GCSAA Online Store: Click here for link.

To register today, use our online shopping cart. From the details description page, select "Add to Cart" from the quick facts box to put your course in a shopping cart. 
When your cart is full, "View cart/Check out" will take you to the payment options. You may also complete and fax the registration form to (785) 832-4449.

Visit the GCSAA ON DEMAND Webcast Listing, Our ON DEMAND page has been categorized.....  ! 
Choose any of our recorded webcasts - view them when you want and as many times as you want. 

For Details; visit the GCSAA Webcast Address: >>>Here
Or call  (800) 472-7878 x 3649

Note: To take these online offerings, the Authorware Web player plug-in must be installed on your computer. 
This free plug-in can be downloaded from the Adobe Web site. 
Mac Users may note that this player often has functionality problems with that platform.
 
 

The IGCEMA is proud to announce it’s partnership with The Toro Company, John Deere and Jacobsen for the industries first ever Virtual Trade Show. These partnerships show the commitment these companies have to supporting our industry as well as the innovative ideas of the IGCEMA. The VTS will be the golf industries first of its kind and will begin on March 18th 2010. Having the trade show in this format allows for suppliers and customers to view products from all over the world. The opportunities are endless and there has never been a bigger stage at such an unbelievable price.

Here are the links for the show..
Sample:
http://ave2.veplatform.com/

Exhibitor’s
http://igcema.veplatform.com/uc/registration-exhibitor-form.php

http://igcema.veplatform.com/uc/registration-short-form.php

The live, three-day virtual event is scheduled for March 18-20 through the IGCEMA Web site . 

The inclusion of a major industry player such as Toro, Jacobsen and John Deere is vital to the event’s success now and in the future, said Stephen Tucker, IGCEMA founder and equipment manager at The Ritz-Carlton Members Golf Club in Bradenton, Fla. 

“In my opinion, having the 3 major manufacturer’s as  partner’s for the virtual trade show is a great step in the overall success of this platform,” Tucker said. “To have the major manufacturers back this project really lets us know that what we are doing is in line with the direction technology and our industry wants to go. Having major manufacturers support a project of this magnitude we feel will also help encourage other companies see the benefits of getting their products showcased around the world and to meet those customers who were not able to attend physical trade shows.” 

Attendance will be free for golf course superintendents and equipment managers, but registration will required. 

IGCEMA was founded in 2007 on the premise of expanding educational opportunities and enhancing the professional image of golf course equipment managers and technicians. The group has about 1,000 members worldwide. 

Providing educational opportunities for those who otherwise might rarely or never be exposed to the traditional trade show experiences was a critical element in the decision behind going with a virtual event. 

“Investment in education and professional development have always been a top priority at The Toro Company,” Bob VandenBoom, the company’s marketing manager for golf, said in a news release. “While a virtual trade show will not take the place of our involvement at key trade shows like the Golf Industry Show, it does clearly represent an opportunity for Toro to reach many of our valued customers who cannot attend the show in a very cost-effective and interactive way. It also provides more global access to exciting new product or service innovations that can save time, money or provide environmental sustainability benefits.” 

For more information, 
visit www.igcema.org .

Or
Blas Huezo at Barona Creek Golf Club
619.328.3994
bhuezo@barona.com

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC, March 3, 2009 – BASF Turf & Ornamentals today announced that FreeHand™ 1.75G herbicide and Drive® XLR8 herbicide have received full state registration in California.

FreeHand 1.75G herbicide combines a granular formulation of dimethenamid-P with pendimethalin for time-saving preemergent weed control. It is labeled for use in landscape ornamentals maintained areas (residential and commercial), as well as in container, liner and general grounds maintenance in specified noncrop areas.

Broad-spectrum Drive XLR8 herbicide features an innovative liquid formulation of quinclorac for postemergent control of the most prevalent weeds, including crabgrass, dandelions and clovers, and can be used on most tolerant cool- and warm-season grasses.
 

The Drive XLR8 liquid formulation offers easier mixing, handling and spraying. It has a use rate of 1.45 ounces per 1,000 square feet and is labeled for use on commercial and residential turf grasses, golf courses, sod farms and sports fields. Turf professionals can tank mix the liquid formulation with Pendulum® herbicide and other preemergent herbicides for annual grass control, as well as combine it with other postemergent broadleaf products to increase the spectrum of postemergent control.

For more information about BASF Turf & Ornamentals visit betterturf.basf.us and betterplants.basf.us.
 

Although symptoms can be striking, yellow patch causes only cosmetic damage and does not affect playability. It occurs on creeping bentgrass and annual bluegrass, and symptoms are limited to putting greens and collars.

Disease Characteristics

Yellow patch symptoms are readily identified by small- to medium-sized patches (6 to 12 inches in diameter), usually with yellow margins (Figure 1).

Sometimes margins are reddish brown. In severe cases, patches may be distributed uniformly over the putting surface (Figure 2).
 

Yellow patch is a cool season disease. In the Midwest, symptoms most often appear in 
early to mid-spring, but sometimes occur in mid-fall. Outbreaks will most likely occur in shaded sites and under cloudy, cool, wet conditions. In the spring, symptoms will readily disappear after a few days of warm, dry weather. Symptoms that occur in the fall may be visible for up to two weeks if turf is growing very slowly. No correlations have been made between the appearance of symptoms and the nutritional status of the turf.
Disease Control

Control of yellow patch with fungicides is normally not recommended because the disease has only cosmetic effects and symptoms are usually very short-lived. The symptoms shown in Figure 2 disappeared after a week of warm spring weather, without fungicide  application. There are several effective products for the rare cases where the fungicide option is warranted. Effective fungicides include strobilurin products (Heritage 50WG®, Insignia 20WG®, and Compass 50WDG®), DMI fungicides (Banner Maxx®, Bayleton 50WG®, and Eagle 20EW®), and polyoxin D (Endorse WP®).

 For other Turfgrass Disease Profiles.
 

Bottom line: Making sure that turf is receiving optimal nutrition is one the most important activities that turf managers carry out. If the correct nutrients are applied at the right times and in the right amounts, turf health is maximized, while run-off, negative environmental impacts, high costs and high clipping yields are minimized. There are several different tools that are useful in nutrient decision making. Analysis of turf tissues as a means of determining fertility requirements has been popular in the past, but is plagued by sampling errors and by the fact that it does not detect some parameters that are important in turf health. For 
this reason, analysis of soil chemistry is usually a more useful indicator. 

If tissues analyses are conducted, however, it is important to distinguish between two methods. NIRS (near infrared reflectance spectroscopy) provides a rapid and accurate analysis of tissue nitrogen, but is not accurate for any other nutrients, while conventional wet chemistry provides somewhat better estimates of a wide spectrum of nutrients in turf tissues. Tissue analyses by any method can be useful, especially for investigating specific problems, but should always be used in conjunction with – and not instead of soil analyses.
>>>Read Article

PACE INSIGHTS Volume 8 Number 1 
Copyright 2002, PACE Consulting, 1267 Diamond Street, San Diego, California, 92109 (858) 272-9897 Web Page: www.paceturf.org
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Pay close attention to avoid those slow, incremental changes. 

Have you ever noticed how the size of a putting green seemingly changes over a period of time? We all realize that putting greens do not actually grow or shrink. However, because of fast growth and frequent mowing, this concern about putting green size is real. 

At many courses, seasonal workers are employed to mow putting greens, and many of these employees may not have worked on a golf course before. Prior to mowing that first green, each crew member is instructed on the entire procedure. This includes: lowering and raising the mower when entering and exiting the surface; turning (off the collar!); cutting in a straight line; and, the final step, the cleanup pass or passes. 

During the training process, mowing a green can be an eye-opening experience. The cleanup pass is always nerve racking for new employees because they do not want to make a mistake. When their training is complete and crew members are on their own, the last thing they want to do is scalp the collar. To minimize the chances of this occurring, they tend to mow just inside the green/collar perimeter, and over time the putting green surface area can shrink. If this pattern is left unchecked, collars begin to widen while greens become smaller. 

Some facilities do not rely on seasonal help. Rather, they opt to employ part-time (nine or ten months) or full-time workers to meet their staffing needs. Crew members are cross-trained in many jobs so that daily course preparation can be completed. But even well-trained and reliable crew members tend to err on the conservative side when completing the cleanup passes for each green mowed. Again, the greens may begin to shrink. 

Jim Loke, CGCS from the Bent Creek Country Club, Lititz, Pennsylvania, devised a method to address the shrinking green problem. Initially, two paint guns were used to mark a consistent collar width around each green. The paint guns are held together by PVC pipe. It produces a rigid marking tool that allows Scott Chaffee, Assistant Superintendent, to check the 36" collar width. The marking apparatus has since been modified to allow the process to be more efficient and user friendly. 

The procedure is performed periodically during the season, and if the shape of the green being marked has not changed, then there is no need to paint an edge. However, if major adjustments are needed, they are made in the fall. This tool provides a fast and accurate method for maintaining the shape of the putting surface and a consistent collar width to control those shrinking greens. 

KEITH HAPP is an Agronomist in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the USGA Green Section.
by Keith Happ 
Reprinted from the USGA Green Section Record 
1996 March/April Vol 34(2): 12-13
 

Thanks to everyone who responded to this one last week – I don't think Alex was able to collect from San Diego locations due to travel issues, but he'd still like some.
Thanks in advance for sharing your fungus with NC State!

Treatments Effects, Final Results: Anguina pacificae Gall Counts (Table 1)
Column A (Table 1) presents the number of Anguina galls per treatment plot on the day of the first application, April 15, 2009. Column E presents the number of Anguina galls per treatment plot on December 15, 2009 and the (percent control) of Anguina galls when compared to the fertilized check plus Primo (Treatment #1).

Column F presents the total number of Anguina galls collected per treatment over the four sampling dates of 6/30, 8/25, 10/20 and 12/15/09. Those treatments with the lowest Anguina gall count totals are presented in red. Those treatments with the greatest percent reduction in Anguina gall counts when compared to the total of the fertilized check plus Primo (Treatment #1) are presented in blue.

>>> View Report

Untreated control plot, March 2008. Half the plot was treated with an organic N source (foreground) and the other half with an inorganic N source (background) thorught the 2007 growing season.

Objectives:

1. Determine the efficacy of spring and fall fungicide applications for reduction of spring dead spot incidence and severity.

2. Determine the effect of organic fertilizer for the reduction of spring dead spot incidence and severity and overall improvement of turf quality.

Maria Tomaso-Peterson, Mississippi State University

>>>Full Research Report
 

"We've gone from a very scary situation to an OK situation," said Jeffrey Kightlinger, general manager of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. "If it stays wet, we'll stay in an OK situation."

United States' drought has 'extraordinary' reversal 

  DROUGHT RESOURCES

 U.S. Drought Monitor map

 U.S. seasonal drought outlook

By Doyle Rice, USA TODAY

What a difference a rain makes. The nationwide drought that had farmers, communities and entire states fighting to conserve water has reversed in the most dramatic turnaround since federal scientists began keeping records.

More than 92% of the country is drought-free — the nation's best showing since 1999.

"The lack of drought is extraordinary," said Douglas Le Comte, a meteorologist with the federal Climate Prediction Center.

MORE FROM USA TODAY: Weather and climate science

At the worst of the USA's most recent drought — in August 2007 — almost 50% of the country was involved. Currently, about 7% of the country is in a drought, according to federal scientists. The only part of the USA in "extreme" drought is a small fraction of Hawaii.

In 2007, gigantic portions of the Southeast were in the worst drought in more than a century, sparking water wars among Georgia, Alabama and Florida.

"It was horrid," said Teresa Hammack of Mars Hill, N.C., whose springs ran dry in August 2007 at the height of the Southeast drought. Hammack's home relies entirely on underground springs as a source of water.

"Our springs are running rampant, with clean, fresh water," she said.

There have been less than half a dozen occasions since the late 1800s when drought has been as sparse as it is now, Le Comte said.

Even before this month's massive snowfall totals, relief has come in a number of different ways:

There have been less than half a dozen occasions since the late 1800s when drought has been as sparse as it is now, Le Comte said.

Even before this month's massive snowfall totals, relief has come in a number of different ways:

 • The West has been helped this winterby a Pacific train of storm systems laden with ample moisture. The storms, caused by the ongoing El Niño climate pattern, brought lots of rain and snow to the Southwest, including the normally arid deserts of Southern California and eastern Arizona, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.

• The southern drought (across Texas, Louisiana and Florida) was eased by a very wet fall and winter, said David Miskus, a meteorologist with the Climate Prediction Center.

• Drought relief in the Southeast started a year or two ago, Miskus said. A number of wet weather systems, including Tropical Storm Fay in August 2008, chipped away at the drought, Le Comte said. By the spring of 2009, a number of soaking weather systems ended the drought in the Georgia area, he said.

"I guess it was time for Mother Nature to make up for the long-term subnormal precipitation with deluges," Miskus said.

In drought-plagued California, the "meteorological drought is pretty much over," said Le Comte.

However, hydrological drought – meaning a shortfall in water supply – remains a concern in the Golden State. The state is still "looking at a deficit in soil moisture," reports hydrologist Mike Mierzwa of the California Department of Water Resources. "We're still not caught up yet."

According to the federal Drought Monitor, California reservoir levels, after being down from several consecutive years of subnormal rain and snow, have started to recover, although most reservoirs have not reached normal capacity.

"We've gone from a very scary situation to an OK situation," said Jeffrey Kightlinger, general manager of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. "If it stays wet, we'll stay in an OK situation."
 
 
 
 
 
 

February 16, 2010

By: Steven L. Hoch
Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP

California

California Activists Pursue Novel GHG Challenge to Power Plant Project

NGOs are pursuing an action under state law to force California regulators to analyze and mitigate GHG emissions expected from a power plant project in Southern California.  If unsuccessful environmentalists may also eye a potential challenge to EPA aimed at ensuring that the project’s GHGs are addressed through a modified prevention of significant deterioration (PSD) permit under the CAA which EPA is now reviewing.  (See discussion further below re San Francisco.)  At issue is a proposal to build a 558-megawatt natural gas-fired power plant in the city of Carlsbad which would support SDG&E’s local load and provide overall system reliability.  In November, the CEC approved the project concluding that “significant adverse direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts would not occur, and/or can be brought to a level of less than significant.”  These findings are being challenged under the CEQA wherein the NGOs are contending there is no proof the new Carlsbad facility will have a net “insignificant” GHG emissions impact, nor that it will result in lower GHG emissions from other power plants tied to the grid.  Further, they contend that the approval of the project is premature, given that CEC and other officials have not yet completed studies about whether and where new natural gas-fired power plants are needed in the state, in part to facilitate new renewable power facilities.  See: 

http://carboncontrolnews.com/index.php/ccn/show/activists_pursue_novel_ghg_challenge_to_california_power_plant_project/ 

One cannot help but suspect that the action is meant more to block a cleaner burning fuel to force use of GHG neutral facilities (wind, solar) in lieu of natural gas.  Natural gas represents an interim solution (or perhaps even an ultimate solution depending on who you talk to) to produce power in places that are already grid accessible.  There is discussion about re-engineering coal plants to use natural gas.  This country has a lot of natural gas and an extensive infrastructure in tact to move it.  Such plants make sense to reduce GHG emissions quickly, and to free the country from foreign oil or use of coal plants.  (But see discussion below re Caterpillar, Inc.)  The fact that this is not enough for some NGOs, even as an interim solution, is disappointing. 

Industry Charges California Focus On Public Health Will Undermine Cap and Trade

Several major industry organizations are charging that California regulators are advancing policies that will undermine the effectiveness of a regional GHG cap-and-trade program, claiming attempts to design the scheme to protect and even improve public health go above and beyond the state’s climate change law and are at odds with efforts to minimize compliance costs.  Some of these design elements include requiring facilities in “vulnerable” communities to reduce emissions of traditional air pollutants, as well as restricting the use of GHG offsets by some facilities to comply with their trading program obligations.  Simultaneously, environmental organizations are pressing regulators to more aggressively advance cap-and-trade program policies linking climate change and public health, in part by identifying the communities most vulnerable to climate change, laying out restrictions on facility emissions and GHG offsets in these areas and establishing mechanisms to distribute resources and cash to protect public health.  See: 

http://carboncontrolnews.com/index.php/ccn/show/industry_charges_california_focus_on_public_health_will_undermine_cap_and_t/ 

The industry groups have taken a tough position to maintain.  That is, they can easily be seen as wanting something for nothing with cap and trade whether or not the program hurts certain communities.  A reading of AB32 in some way supports their position, but because the entire issue can be viewed as one dealing with public health, there is ample arguments that can be made against their position.  But the more important issue is creating a major change in the way energy is produced and used and in that regard, the greater goal needs to be kept in focus.  That is, lowering out reliance on fossil fuel produced energy and supposedly lowering the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.  We’ve said it before and will continue to make the comment that if the issue of climate change is so important that if we don’t take prompt action we will destroy the planet, then the greater good issue should prevail.  Further, the greater good helps the very communities of concern anyway. 

California Argues Activist Suit Against GHG Plan ‘Unripe’ For Most Claims

California state attorneys representing air regulators filed a detailed response this week to a lawsuit brought last year by environmentalists against the state’s climate change program, with California attorneys dismissing the suit as premature because many of the regulations being challenged are still being developed.  But attorneys representing the activist groups are maintaining that key claims in the lawsuit are ripe for adjudication because if the state’s plan is unaltered it will result in more pollution and disproportionately impact low-income, minority communities.  The lawsuit claims that the majority of the key measures included in CARB’s AB 32 “scoping plan”—which lays out dozens of GHG regulations recommended to be implemented by 2012—violate several laws, including AB 32 itself and the CEQA.  The state attorney general’s office claims in the lawsuit are unripe for legal challenge because the rules contained in the scoping plan at issue have not yet been adopted or implemented by CARB, including the cap-and-trade program.  See: 

http://carboncontrolnews.com/index.php/ccn/show/california_argues_activist_suit_against_ghg_plan_unripe_for_most_claims/ 

Fathoming the reasoning for this lawsuit is difficult.  Best guess, it’s to force the creation of regulations that are inclined to not be balanced, but more heavily lean toward command and control in the strictest sense.  The scoping plan looked at most sides of the issues it confronted, and while it didn’t succeed in all aspects of coming up with some balance approaches, it was clear that practicality was a key pivotal issue.  A win by environmental groups here may alter that dynamic.

San Francisco Area Regulators Include Greenhouse Gas Caps in Plant Permit

San Francisco Bay Area air quality regulators approved a Clean Air Act permit for a power plant that includes a cap on greenhouse gas emissions.  Issued under the federal law's prevention of significant deterioration (PSD) program, the permit clears the way for construction of the 600-megawatt Russell City Energy Center in Hayward, California.  PSD rules require new and modified “major” sources of air pollution that increase emissions to use the best available control technology.  Greenhouse gas emissions from stationary sources are not currently regulated under PSD and other Clean Air Act programs.  However, if EPA finalizes proposed greenhouse gas emissions limits for cars and light trucks, as it is expected to do in March, stationary source emissions of greenhouse gases will be subject to PSD.  The company building the facility states it will produce half the greenhouse gas emissions of even the most advanced coal-fired plants and 25 percent below the California Public Utilities Commission’s standard.  The owner estimated the project will create 650 union construction jobs and inject “millions into the local economy.” It also will generate $30 million in onetime tax revenue and over $5 million a year in property tax revenue, the company said.  As part of the project, the company also agreed to donate $10 million to help build a new public library for Hayward residents and fund San Francisco Bay shoreline programs.

See:  http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2010/02/04/04greenwire-planned-calif-power-plant-would-be-nations-fir-73676.html 

Permit:  http://www.baaqmd.gov:80/Divisions/Engineering/Public-Notices-on-Permits/2010/020410-15487/Russell-City-Energy-Center.aspx 

There was no indication yet about any attacks on this plant by any environmental or other group.  We will follow up.  But note that the EPA was proactive here to remove the PSD issues (which of course may be challenged itself) and the major impact getting the headlines is jobs, jobs, jobs.

Wind Power

A Growing Source of Clean Energy, Wind Farms Are Blowing Ill Will Among Some Neighbors

Complaints are growing from some residents living near wind facilities.  “They told us that the noise at 900 feet would be no louder than the hum of a refrigerator,” says Hal Graham who lives near such a facility.  But he says the reality has been far different.  “We can’t sleep.  We can’t watch TV.  This has been a disaster for us and our neighbors.”  Others complain that the turbines emit stomach-jarring whooshes and rumbles, and an impossible-to-ignore rhythmic hum that disrupts sleep and causes headaches, nausea and fatigue in some people.  The growing contentiousness over the health effects of wind turbines already has resulted in some sharp legal fights —with more sure to come—over where turbines should be located and how they should be regulated.  And because wind power can be harnessed most efficiently in wide-open spaces—the largest wind farms contain hundreds of turbines—the task of sorting out these issues has fallen primarily on local government bodies representing communities.  Under the 10th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, land use generally is regulated at the local level through the police power of towns, cities and counties to protect the health, safety and general welfare of their residents.  Generally, a local government can’t just ban an industry outright but there’s a zoning doctrine that basically prohibits ‘exclusionary zoning’ in which a local government simply discriminates against a certain type of land use.  There must be a rational reason for restricting an industry that is related to the health, safety or general welfare of the populace.  But there are no national standards defining just how much noise is too much.  The U.S. Noise Pollution and Abatement Act of 1972 promised to “promote an environment for all Americans free from noise that jeopardizes their health or welfare.”  However, the Office of Noise Abatement and Control created to enforce the law has been defunded since the Reagan administration.  See:

http://www.abajournal.com/magazine/article/the_war_of_winds/ 

This is an interesting aspect of renewable energy that has surfaced only recently in the press.  There is of course an underlying threat of personal injury suits being filed by our friends in the plaintiffs bar.  Such suits, whether successful or not, will have a chilling effect on the use of wind poser in all but very remote areas where there is no residential component to be concerned about.  Of course, whether or not there is a causal connection is another story, but when it comes to personal injury lawsuits, we can guarantee that there will be sufficient testimony provided to get to a jury.  But beyond that issue, the placement of such facilities will take on additional local fights and is another issue to be dealt with in moving from one energy source to another, i.e. not in my back yard.

You can track what renewable energy projects in your state are stalled for any reason by checking http://pnp.uschamber.com/ 

Reversing the Trend?

Utah Says “No” To Climate Rules

Utah legislators say they are concerned about potential impacts to their state’s economy from climate change—or rather, from future EPA regulations seeking to address it.  Citing concerns about the effects EPA greenhouse gas rules could have on the state’s agriculture industry and other businesses, a Utah legislative committee approved a resolution Feb. 4 that urges the agency to halt its work on climate regulations.  In addition to potential impacts on the economy, legislators backing the resolution cited uncertainty about the state of climate science, alluding to recent scandals surrounding the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change much-cited reports linking human activity to global warming.  See:

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700007114/Utah-legislative-panel-OKs-resolution-on-climate-change.html 

State Drops Out Of Regional Carbon Trading Scheme

Arizona governor Janice Brewer issued an executive order on February 11, announcing the state would not implement the GHG cap-and-trade proposal advanced by the WCI, which is set to begin on January 1, 2012.  The executive order states: “Imposing costs on Arizona’s economy associated with a GHG cap-and-trade system that are not borne by national and international rivals would cost investment and jobs in Arizona and put Arizona at a competitive disadvantage without effectively addressing what is a national and global issue.”  See:  http://www.risk.net/energy-risk/news/1591647/state-drops-regional-carbon-trading-scheme 

Given the economy and some of the recent behind the scene disclosures that have caused some in the scientific community embarrassment, this is not completely unexpected.  In Utah, the reported activity is still in committee and it remains to be seen what the full legislature will do.  Arizona’s reaction is of interest because it does indicate that many believe that the switch to renewable energy with cap and trade will definitely cause increased energy prices.  However, there are very good arguments on the other side of the discussion that without cap and trade the increase have a greater impact on ratepayers then without it.  As we have reported, the WCI will be moving forward, even it involves just California and four Canadian premises.  If it looks like its working, others will jump in.  If not, others will be shouting, “We told you so!”

Water

Suit Aims To Compel EPA To Weigh Climate When Setting Water Pollution Limits

Environmentalists are moving forward with long-stalled litigation aimed at requiring regulators to consider the role of climate change when setting pollution limits for impaired waters, known as total maximum daily loads (TMDLs), after settlement negotiations stalled.  The litigation, Conservation Law Foundation v. EPA, is challenging the agency’s approval of a Vermont phosphorus limit on Lake Champlain in a novel effort to force regulators to consider climate change and its impacts on wet weather flows when setting the TMDL for the lake.  A TMDL is a measure of the maximum amount of a pollutant that a water body can withstand without violating water quality limits.  If successful, the suit could establish a new bar for how regulators set TMDLs, which limit discharges from both point and non-point sources into impaired waters.  In some cases, consideration of climate change impacts could result in significantly stricter discharge limits, such as when increased precipitation could result in increased levels of polluted runoff.  But in cases where climate change creates drier conditions, it could result in less runoff and fewer pollutants contributing to impairment or increased concentrations of pollutants.  At issue in the case is whether EPA had the available data to consider the impacts of climate change in the TMDL, first issued by the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation in 2002.  Conservation Law Foundation says it has evidence that the agency was at the time fully aware of the future effects of climate change on water flows and activities in the lake, and should have taken that into account in the TMDL, even if the issue was not raised by commenters at the time.  See: 

http://carboncontrolnews.com/index.php/ccn/search_results/8123a60e4b535f57035f59af0924bca2/ 

This is an interesting issue.  Making what would amount to a matrix to determine what TMDLs should be applied given the possible and variable climate change circumstances may exist in any given location is likely impossible.  The alternative is to look only at the worst case scenario and plan accordingly.  That worst case scenario is lower flow and/or levels.  This of course, would mandate lower levels of TMDLs because there is less dilution or physical area of the water way or water body itself.  This will also require an inordinate expense to meet TMDLs to meet limits that may not be necessary.  That is perhaps the reasoning behind the suit, i.e. get more restrictive limits using climate change as an excuse.

Modeling

Experts Try New Approach to Climate Modeling

An international team of scientists is working to improve scenarios of future emissions growth that underlie major climate reports.   The idea is to create a more realistic range of "what if?" futures that could help policymakers better understand how to achieve different climate targets.  The effort, under the auspices of a global effort called the Integrated Assessment Modeling Consortium, is to improve scenarios developed in 2000, which the group used in its 2001 and 2007 reports.  Scientists involved with the project published an essay yesterday in the journal Nature outlining their approach, which was also the subject of a recent workshop convened by the National Academy of Sciences.  See: 

http://blogs.nature.com/climatefeedback/2010/02/ipcc_in_need_of_a_rethink_1.html 

Climate modeling is the basis for all predictions which substantiate the various impacts of climate change. Like all such models, they are based on numerous assumptions and guestimates to substitute for precise data that is not known.  Compounding this is the fact that modeling climate is, in and of itself, a very difficult undertaking due to the sometime chaotic nature of the climate and weather patterns themselves.  What the real basis of this move really is relates more to a political issue then a scientific one.  Many of the models produced today portray a doomsday scenario unfolding fairly quickly.  This not only appears to be untrue, but in the face of current winter weather patterns not only in the Untied States, but in many other countries as well, the models used cast a pall over the publics willingness to agree there is a problem let alone what should be done with it.  It really doesn’t look like doomsday!

Clean Coal

Caterpillar Inc. Joins Industry and Government Partnership to Deliver State-of-the-Art Clean-Coal Technology

Caterpillar Inc. today announced its intent to join the FutureGen Alliance, a public-private partnership established to build a first-of-its-kind coal-fired, near-zero emissions power plant in Mattoon, Illinois.  The FutureGen facility is designed to be the cleanest coal burning plant in the world and will integrate advanced technologies for coal gasification, electricity production, emissions control, CO2 capture and permanent storage and hydrogen production on a commercial scale.  The FutureGen plant is a 275-megawatt integrated gasification combined-cycle power plant.  It will be capable of powering about 150,000 homes.  The DoE will provide more than $1 billion in funding to the project.  Researchers and industry experts have made great progress advancing technologies for coal gasification, electricity generation, emissions control, and CCS and hydrogen production. But these technologies have yet to be put together and tested at a single plant - an essential step for technical and commercial viability.  See: 

http://online.wsj.com/article/PR-CO-20100208-904074.html?mod=wsjcrmain and

http://www.futuregenalliance.org/ 

Getting $1 billion form DoE doesn’t hurt!  But importantly, if there is a clean coal system that can work economically and efficiently, it would be great.  This country has a huge supply of coal, which still is the major source of fuel for power plants.  If there is a successful technology it would help out in both transition but also immediately reducing GHG emissions.  It does not appear at this time that this specific project has gotten to far in terms of meeting its 2012 goal.  So what challenges legal and otherwise may occur remain to be seen.

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New Edge, LLC
P.O. Box 153
Hutchinson, MN 55350
320-583-5504 Phone
320-587-0698 Fax
jlindmeyer@newedgellc.com
www.newedgellc.com
 

Dear Valued Customer,
Thank you for coming by our booth in San Diego this year at GIS Show. We appreciate you taking the time and we hope all your questions were answered. We were excited about the response our customers showed to our new products and our new and evolving
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