National Mining Group Blasts Latest Obama Withdrawals
Last Minute Land Grab in OR & MN Kills Jobs and Harms Public Education
This week, the Obama administration has undertaken more land withdrawals in the waning hours of its administration. The Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument will add 42,000 acres of public land in Oregon and 5,000 acres in California.
The Administration also published a withdrawal action removing 230,000 acres of federal land in northeast Minnesota. This action does not provide additional environmental protection for the area as mining is already prohibited within the boundaries and surrounding federal buffer zones of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area and Voyageurs National Park. The waters of the region are already protected by strict state and federal environmental standards. This action robs Minnesota schools from billions of potential dollars in much needed funding to public schools.
“These actions are not only disappointing but a desperate last minute action taken without Congress or citizen input at a huge cost to American manufacturing and local economic activity,” said Matthew Ellsworth, AEMA Governmental Affairs. “The members of Congress from both parties who have publically opposed this specific action need to do the right thing and reverse these actions of a single president.”
President Obama has used his powers under the Antiquities Act to protect more lands and waters than any other president without the consent of Congress or the states most affected. AEMA is working with members of Congress and the new administration aggressively to overturn these, and other land actions of the Obama administration.
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EPA issues toxic release information for Utah
(Denver, Colo. – January 12, 2017) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today released its annual Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) making data and information available on the amount of toxic chemicals released in Utah and the U.S. in 2015.
The TRI fact sheet for Utah can be found here (response times may be slow, please be patient or cut and paste link into browser): http://bit.ly/2jAVIgF
You can also access the state fact sheet search page here: https://iaspub.epa.gov/triexplorer/tri_factsheet_search.searchfactsheet
Nationally, the TRI report shows releases of toxic chemicals into the air fell 56% from 2005-2015 at industrial facilities submitting data to the TRI program, including an 8% decrease from 2014 to 2015. Hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, toluene and mercury were among chemicals with significantly lower air releases at TRI-covered facilities. Medical professionals have associated these toxic air pollutants with health effects that include damage to developing nervous systems and respiratory irritation.
"Today’s report shows action by EPA, state and tribal regulators and the regulated community has helped dramatically lower toxic air emissions over the past 10 years,” said Jim Jones, EPA Assistant Administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention. “The TRI report provides citizens access to information about what toxic chemicals are being released in their neighborhoods and what companies are doing to prevent pollution.”
EPA, states, and tribes receive TRI data annually from facilities in industry sectors such as manufacturing, metal mining, electric utilities, and commercial hazardous waste management. Under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA), facilities must report their toxic chemical releases for the prior calendar year to EPA by July 1 of each year. The Pollution Prevention Act also requires facilities to submit information on pollution prevention and other waste management activities of TRI chemicals. Nearly 22,000 facilities submitted TRI data for calendar year 2015.
This year’s report also includes a section highlighting the new Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act. This section focuses on the overlap between TRI chemicals and chemicals designated as Work Plan chemicals by EPA’s Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).
The TRI National Analysis website includes new interactive features such as an automated “flipbook” [https://www.epa.gov/trinationalanalysis/30-year-anniversary-tri-program-slideshow] depicting how the TRI Program has evolved over the past 30 years, and a new embedded dashboard that allows users to build customized visualizations of TRI data by a chemical or a sector. These features are intended to promote more user engagement and exploration of TRI data.
To access the 2015 TRI National Analysis, including local data and analyses, visit www.epa.gov/trinationalanalysis
Information on facility efforts to reduce toxic chemical releases is available at www.epa.gov/tri/p2
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January 13, 2017
The American Lands Council welcomes the members of the 115th U.S. Congress, who began their legislative session last week in Washington, DC. One of Congress’s first orders of business was to pass changes to its governing and procedural rules in House Resolution 5 (H. Res.5).
The ALC calls attention to a provision within H. Res. 5 that indicates foresight and willingness on the part of the 115th U.S. Congress to consider and hopefully undertake serious reforms to improve how public lands are managed within the U.S.:
“In the One Hundred Fifteenth Congress, for all purposes in the House, a provision in a bill or joint resolution, or in an amendment thereto or a conference report thereon, requiring or authorizing a conveyance of Federal land to a State, local government, or tribal entity shall not be considered as providing new budget authority, decreasing revenues, increasing mandatory spending, or increasing outlays.” (Page 35, H. Res.5, 2017)
Jennifer Fielder, CEO of the American Lands Council, remarked:
"The 115th Congress is off to a great start with this simple change in its procedural rules to facilitate bringing public land management closer to home. It is a refreshing sign of hope for the vast number of Americans who are concerned and outraged about the flagrant disregard by the U.S. federal government when it comes to how federally controlled public lands have been mismanaged on their watch. The balance has tipped too far towards distant, unaccountable bureaucracy and the results have been devastating to our rivers, prairies, forests, and wildlife.
"It is imperative to reverse the increasingly unhealthy, unsafe, inaccessible, and unproductive conditions that characterize federal lands today, and nobody is more eager to improve stewardship than the States where these lands are located. This change in Congressional rules is a step in the right direction for every American who desires a healthy environment, abundant and accessible recreation, and safe, vibrant communities."
Fielder specifically addressed claims that this change in rules amounts to “fiscal irresponsibility”, stating:
"In the past several decades, the U.S. federal government has been increasingly negligent in its public land stewardship, resulting in increased costs, declining revenue streams, and the demise of local communities.
"Just consider, the U.S. Forest Service now is a net drain on the U.S. taxpayer, whereas it formerly made a net contribution to local communities and the U.S. Treasury. Formerly prosperous communities which once thrived have now been reduced to poverty and reliance on federal handouts that amount to nothing more than 'western welfare' subsidized by eastern States."
The American Lands Council is comprised of elected officials, resource experts, local governments, nonprofit organizations, public land users and citizens. The ALC seeks constitutionally-sound solutions to achieve responsible public access, environmental health and economic productivity on the federally controlled public lands within each State. More information: American Lands Council
http://www.americanlandscouncil.org/
American Lands Council · 859 W South Jordan Pkwy, 100, South Jordan, UT 84095, United States
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You can also keep up with American Lands Council on Twitter or Facebook.
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Residents in your state can ring in the New Year with 10 free flowering trees by joining the Arbor Day Foundation any time during January 2017.
By becoming a part of the nonprofit Arbor Day Foundation, new members will receive two Sargent crabapples, three American redbuds, two Washington hawthorns, and three white flowering dogwoods.
“These beautiful trees will beautify your home with lovely flowers of pink, yellow and white colors,” said Matt Harris, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “These trees are perfect for large and small spaces, and they will provide food and habitat for songbirds.”
The free trees are part of the Foundation’s Trees for America campaign.
The trees will be shipped postpaid at the right time for planting, between February 1 and May 31, with enclosed planting instructions. The 6- to 12-inch tall trees are guaranteed to grow or they will be replaced free of charge.
Members will also receive a subscription to the Foundation’s bimonthly publication, Arbor Day, and The Tree Book, which includes information about tree planting and care.
To become a member of the Foundation and to receive the free trees, send a $10 contribution to TEN FREE FLOWERING TREES, Arbor Day Foundation, 100 Arbor Avenue, Nebraska City, NE 68410, by January 31, 2017. Residents can also join online at arborday.org/january.
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Free Tax Help Coming To Davis, Morgan and Salt Lake Counties
PHOENIX - - The “Earn It, Keep It, Save It” coalition, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program and the IRS are offering free tax preparation to area residents in Davis, Morgan and Salt Lake Counties for both federal and Utah State Tax Commission returns to be electronically filed.
Free tax help is available for those who have low to moderate income ($54,000 or less), seniors, disabled individuals or English is a second language. Local tax volunteers have been certified through the IRS VITA program to prepare basic tax returns, provide information on credits, deductions and allowable expenses that taxpayers may be eligible for and electronically file both federal and state tax returns at no charge. These sites are not able to provide help with business tax returns or complex individual income tax returns. Free tax help sites are conveniently located in the community at neighborhood centers, libraries, schools, shopping malls and other near-by locations.
The Earned Income Tax Credit or EITC is an important item tax volunteers will be checking to see if area residents are eligible for. The EITC is for Utahns who work but don’t make a lot of money. In 2016, if you made $53,505 or less, you may qualify for this refundable credit. Refundable means even if you didn’t have any federal income tax withheld on wages earned, you could still get a refund. The EITC could be worth as much as $6,269 for a married couple with three or more children. So, don’t guess, find out if you qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit at a near-by VITA site.
Utahns need to bring with them the following items when seeking free tax help: photo identification for themselves (and their spouses); valid Social Security Numbers (SSN’s) or Individual Tax Identification Numbers (ITIN’s) for each person listed on the tax return; all wage and earnings statements (Forms W-2); interest, dividend or miscellaneous income and/or mortgage interest paid statements (Forms 1099 or 1098); if applicable, the Form 1095-A, Health Insurance Marketplace Statement; proof of health insurance; amounts paid for day care and the day care provider’s identifying number (SSN or EIN); a copy of last year’s tax return (if available) and any other information concerning income and expenses for 2016. If filing jointly, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms.
Consider using direct deposit if you are getting a tax refund. Nine out of ten Utahns who electronically file and use direct deposit will receive their federal tax refund in 21 days or less. Direct deposit requires bank account and routing transit numbers.
This past year, the ‘Earn It, Keep It, Save It’ coalitions 854 tax volunteers electronically filed 20,969 federal income tax returns. This community effort resulted in $24.2 million dollars in federal refunds being issued along with $8.34 million in Earned Income Tax Credit being claimed.
Please contact the Regional Coordinator, Jordan Barrett, at 801-773-0712 regarding tax help site locations, dates and times open, etc. Additional tax help is available on IRS.gov.
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Real results with Younique Moodstruck 3D Fiber Lashes+
Reintroducing: Younique Moodstruck 3D Fiber Lashes+, Your Favorite Social Media Beauty Product
Creates serious length, volume and drama.
— NewBeauty Magazine
LEHI, UT, USA, January 12, 2017 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Women all over the world have fallen in love with the lash-enhancing miracle that is Younique Moodstruck 3D Fiber Lashes+. The formula that was featured on The Doctors, InStyle, Yahoo! Beauty and surely took over your Facebook timeline just got even better! NewBeauty Magazine said the current formula, “Creates serious length, volume and drama.” And the Suncoast View reviewed 3D Fiber Lashes+ saying, “You can make a fake lash with this stuff—it’s amazing!” Now your favorite social media beauty product can provide up to a 500% increase* in average lash volume against bare lashes with just one coat of gel, fibers, gel—it’s sure to be an instant favorite!
The original lash enhancer skyrocketed Younique Products’ global beauty brand to the top of the direct selling industry and has evolved into something unreal. While the name may be the same, everything from the Transplanting Gel to the 3D Fibers and applicator has been recreated from the ground up, increasing average lash volume by up to another 100% over the current formula. Younique Presenters are already experiencing the lash effect of this newly renovated beauty product, and they’re taking over timelines across the globe with their amazing results!
Moodstruck 3D Fiber Lashes+ became available to the public on January 2, 2017, and sold nearly 90,000 lash enhancers in the first 24 hours! Contact your local Younique Presenter for advice on achieving unbelievable results with this new formula.
Since its inception in 2012, Younique has been committed to developing beauty products that combine innovative science with the best ingredients nature has to offer. The Transplanting Gel formula helps provide ultimate adhesion with conditioning and moisturizing effects. The new 3D Fibers are made of Nylon fortified with squalane, the essential ingredient in Younique Royalty Uplift Beauty Serum, to provide a nourishing base for smoother coating. Nature. Love. Science—Younique’s product development mantra creates perfection in the new Moodstruck 3D Fiber Lashes+.
* Averaged results observed in independent laboratory testing, when compared against bare lashes. Two coats provide up to a 900% increase in average volume.
About Younique
Younique is an international beauty brand with a mission to uplift, empower, validate, and ultimately build self-esteem in women around the world through high-quality products that encourage both inner and outer beauty and spiritual enlightenment while also providing opportunities for personal growth and financial reward. Our goal is to provide beneficial and innovative products that women can ultimately trust and feel confident using every single day. Younique is the first direct sales company to market and sell almost exclusively through the use of social media in 10 global markets. Learn more about Younique and Moodstruck 3D Fiber Lashes+ at www.youniqueproducts.com.
