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LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS REPORT

1) Marcellus Shale Safe Drilling Initiative Study is underway – the presentation of findings and related recommendations for legislation and standards of liability will be made by December 31, 2011.


2) National Protect your Groundwater Day was on September 13, 2011: tips below to help you do your part in improving the quality of groundwater where you live, and for the Chesapeake Bay.


3) Maryland Department of the Environment, Attorney General Enter into Agreement with RG Steel to Address Emissions from Sparrows Point Blast Furnace. Consent Decree Follows 2009 Pressure Surge Incident, Includes $135,000 penalty.


4) Study on Sediment behind Conowingo Dam Launched. Lower Susquehanna River Watershed Assessment to address sediment accumulation, potential for storms to affect water quality, aquatic life in Chesapeake Bay.


5) Invasive Zebra Mussels Found In Second Maryland River (Sassafras River). DNR Asks Citizens to Help Stop the Spread

of this Harmful Species. Annapolis, Md. (October 17, 2011)


6) Back River Restoration – Fundraiser Shrimp Feast set for November 6th from 1 – 5 p.m. Tickets are $35, and can be

purchased from Don Albright, 410-977-1168.  “Just passed 500,000 Lbs. and 2,600 Tires and counting…” Read how the Boom

has captured over 70 tons of debris over just the past two months since the storms and heavy rains….


7) October 13, 2011: Federal Judge Grants CBF Motion to Intervene in Bay Pollution Diet (TMDL) Lawsuit. That lawsuit, brought by the American Farm Bureau Federation, the National Homebuilders Association, and seven other national agricultural lobbying organizations, sought to overturn pollution limits set by the states and EPA and prevent the states from implementing the pollution reduction programs necessary to restore local rivers, streams, and the Chesapeake Bay. Those groups also opposed CBF's motion to intervene. CBF's partners in the motion to intervene are: Penn Future, Defenders of Wildlife, the Jefferson County Public Service District, the Midshore Riverkeeper Conservancy, and the National Wildlife Federation.


8) NATIONAL BOATING FEDERATION: New tests show damage to marine engines from E15: Tests just completed by the US Department of Energy, indicate severe damage will occur to marine engines when using gasoline containing E15 ethanol. The tests further indicated an increase in exhaust emissions, increased fuel consumption and general engine deterioration. The same tests on engines with fuel containing no ethanol showed no fuel related failures. The USCG is also experiencing engine failures in its patrol boats and will conduct their own tests beginning in the spring of 2012.


Cheryl Blakey

cblakey3@gmail.com