EPA report says fracking has not led to widespread drinking water impacts

In an announcement sure to please the oil and gas industry and enrage hydraulic fracturing (fracking) opponents, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today released a draft assessment on the potential impacts of hydraulic fracturing on drinking water in the United States. EPA found that fracking activities across the country have not led to widespread, systemic impacts on drinking water resources. The report is sure to provide ammunition against those hoping to impose fracking bans across the country, including those pressuring California Governor Jerry Brown and California's oil industry, a major employer here in Bakersfield and the San Joaquin Valley.

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http://www.examiner.com/article/epa-report-says-fracking-has-not-led-to-widespread-drinking-water-impacts?cid=db_articles

ARB announces plan to help low income LA & Valley residents buy electric cars

The California Air Resources Board (ARB) will be helping low income residents of the Los Angeles area and the San Joaquin Valley purchase electric or hybrid vehicles. In an announcement released yesterday, ARB said the Enhanced Fleet Modernization Program and Plus-Up Pilot Project (EFMP) will provide cash vouchers for those who meet eligibility requirements and wish to replace or scrap their older, dirtier vehicles for cleaner, more fuel efficient ones or public transit vouchers.

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http://www.examiner.com/article/arb-announces-plan-to-help-low-income-la-valley-residents-buy-electric-cars

EPA officially orders Plains All American Pipeline to clean up Refugio oil spill

Today the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Coast Guard officially ordered Plains All American Pipeline to clean up the Refugio Beach oil spill caused by a failure of its nearby pipeline. The joint order, authorized under the Clean Water Act, serves to ensure that Plains will continues its work inland, on the beach, and in the ocean, to contain the oil and prevent further shoreline contamination. The order establishes federally enforceable timelines and cleanup requirements for the long-term response action that will be required.

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http://www.examiner.com/article/epa-officially-orders-plains-all-american-pipeline-to-clean-up-refugio-oil-spill

EPA awards $192,300 environmental jobs training grant to Fresno group

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced today that it has awarded a $192,300 grant for environmental jobs training to a Fresno employment, education, and training service organization. The Fresno Regional Workforce Investment Board (FRWIB) will use the funds to train 70 students and place at least 60 graduates in environmental related jobs. The environmental fields that will use the workers include recycling, solid waste management, wastewater treatment, pest control, and hazardous waste cleanup.

Read more at the link below:

 http://www.examiner.com/article/epa-awards-192-300-environmental-jobs-training-grant-to-fresno-group