Growth Management & The Environment

South Scores Poorly in Unhealthy Smog Day Study

According to a study done by Public Interest Research Groups, states in the South rank high in the number of unhealthy smog days. Based on the number of days in 2000 where unhealthy smog levels were detected, the 10 smoggiest states were: California (126 days); Texas (70); Georgia (58); Tennessee (53); Louisiana (44); North Carolina (38); Florida (36); Alabama (26); Arizona (26) and South Carolina (25). States that did not have an unhealthy smog day in 2000 include Alaska, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota and Wyoming.

Tennessee Secures Wildlife Land

The state of Tennessee has acquired over 6,000 acres of prime forestland and wildlife habitat in Lauderdale County, which is located about an hour north of Memphis on the Mississippi River. Tennessee acquired the land from The Nature Conservancy, who bought it from Anderson-Tully, a Memphis-based timber manager. Phase One of the land acquisition will ultimately turn over 12,000 acres in Lauderdale County to the state. The state purchased the land through the USDA Forest Service's Forest Legacy program and the Tennessee Wetland Acquisition Fund. Private groups also contributed, such as the National Wild Turkey Federation, the Tennessee Parks and Greenways Foundation and Wildlife Forever, Inc.

Oklahoma Commended by EPA

Just over a year ago, 20 percent of Oklahoma's industrial and municipal wastewater dischargers operated under expired permits, ranking the state near the bottom in the U.S. in that category. But since that time, officials in the Sooner State have reduced the number of non-permitted dischargers to less than 10 percent, earning accolades from the Environmental Protection Agency. A commendation from EPA cited Oklahoma as the only state in its region that has reduced its non-permitted dischargers to less than 10 percent.

Kansas Named No. 1 State for Wind Resources Potential

According to a study done by the U.S. Public Interest Research Group Education Fund, Kansas has the greatest potential to capitalize on the economic benefit of wind energy generation. The state could see billions of dollars in energy projects over the next decade of the green variety, or those that generate electricity through the building of wind farms. Wind farms are made up of multiple large turbines, or propellers driven by wind.

Florida to Spend $150 Million to Improve Water Quality

Officials with the state of Florida reported in November it would spend more than $150 million to improve water quality and animal habitats on agricultural lands in the state. The Florida Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program will restore more than 30,000 acres of environmentally sensitive land that is currently used primarily for farming. The program will restore wetlands and create new habitats for wading and migratory birds. Green space barriers will also be built. Farmers and ranchers in the specified areas may choose to participate in the program. If they do, special incentives can be garnered. Most people know Florida as Mickey, beaches or a convention destination. Yet, the truth is agribusiness rules in the Sunshine State like no other state in the Southeast.