NOTICE:

1. FEDERAL RELATIONS COORDINATOR POSITION WITH ACWA

Job Title Federal Relations Coordinator

Job Contact Email: ACWA@sso.org

Job Contact Address 1 400 North Capitol Street, NW

Job Contact Address 2 Suite 357 South

Job Contact City Washington

Job Contact State DC

Job Contact Zip 20001-1512

Employer Association of California Water Agencies

Posted 09/23/05

http://www.rcjobs.com/images/clearpixel.gif

Job Description

Full-time position with a California based non-profit water association. Federal Relations Coordinator provides administrative and legislative support for the Association; writes and coordinates newsletter articles; helps facilitate annual DC conference; conducts outreach to California delegation; provides a variety of information for Association members; and related work as required.

Starting salary $34,289/ negotiable depending upon experience.

Send cover letter outlining experience and salary history, resume and three job-related references to:

Association of California Water Agencies

Hall of the States

400 North Capitol Street, N.W.

Suite 357 South

Washington, DC 20001-1512

E-mail: ACWA@sso.org

Deadline: Open until filled.

EOE

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CONGRESSIONAL SCHEDULE:

2. ANTICIPATED FLOOR SCHEDULE

On Thursday, the House will meet at 10:00 a.m. for legislative business. Votes will be postponed until 6:30 p.m. Last votes expected: 8:30-9:00 p.m.

One Minutes

Suspensions (13 bills):

1) H.Res. 261 - Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services should be commended for implementing the Medicare demonstration project to assess the quality of care of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy (Sponsored by Rep. Hall / Energy and Commerce Committee)

2) S. 1413 - Colin L. Powell Residential Plaza Redesignation Act (Sponsored by Sen. Lugar / Transportation and Infrastructure Committee)

3) H.Con.Res. 161 - Authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for an event to commemorate the 10th Anniversary of the Million Man March (Sponsored by Rep. Davis (IL) / Transportation and Infrastructure Committee)

4) S. 1786 - A bill to authorize the Secretary of Transportation to make emergency airport improvement project grants-in-aid under title 49, United States Code, for repairs and costs related to damage from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita (Sponsored by Sen. Lott / Transportation and Infrastructure Committee)

5) H.Res. 15 - Supporting the goals and ideals of National Campus Safety Awareness Month (Sponsored by Rep. Duncan / Government Reform Committee)

6) H.Res. 276 - Supporting the goals and ideals of Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month (Sponsored by Rep. Platts / Government Reform Committee)

7) H.Con.Res. 59 - Recognizing the contributions of African-American basketball teams and players for their achievements, dedication, and contributions to the sport of basketball and to the Nation (Sponsored by Rep. Kilpatrick / Government Reform Committee)

8) H.R. 3439 - Ava Gardner Post Office Building Designation Act (Sponsored by Rep. Etheridge / Government Reform Committee)

9) H.R. 3894 - Hurricane Katrina Emergency Housing Act of 2005 (Sponsored by Rep. Alexander / Financial Services Committee)

10) H.R. 3895 - Rural Housing Hurricane Relief Act of 2005 (Sponsored by Rep. Baker / Financial Services Committee)

11) H.R. 3896 - Hurricane Katrina Emergency Relief CDBG Flexibility Act of 2005 (Sponsored by Rep. Baker / Financial Services Committee)

12) H.Con.Res. 248 - Honoring the life and work of Simon Wiesenthal and reaffirming the commitment of Congress to the fight against anti-Semitism and intolerance in all forms, in all forums, and in all nations (Sponsored by Rep. Waxman / International Relations Committee)

13) H.R.__ - Social Services Emergency Relief and Recovery Act of 2005 (Sponsored by Rep. Deal / Energy and Commerce Committee) Conference Report on H.R. 2360 - Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2006 (Rule Waives all Points of Order, One Hour of Debate) (Sponsored by Rep. Rogers (KY) / Appropriations Committee)

Special Orders

FRIDAY`S FORECAST

On Friday, the House will meet at 9:00 a.m. for legislative business.

H.R. 3893 - Gasoline for America`s Security Act of 2005 (Subject to a Rule) (Sponsored by Rep. Barton / Energy and Commerce Committee)

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3. WATER AND POWER SUBCOMMITTEE TO HOLD OCTOBER 6 HEARING

For Immediate Release

September 28, 2005

MEDIA ADVISORY

Who: Water and Power Subcommittee

When: Thursday, October 6 at 3:00 p.m.

Where: SD-366

Why: To receive testimony on S. 1025, to amend the Act entitled "An Act to provide for the construction of the Cheney division, Wichita Federal reclamation project, Kansas; to authorize the Equus Beds Division of the Wichita Project; S. 1498, to direct the Secretary of the Interior to convey certain water distribution facilities to the Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District; S. 1529, to provide for the conveyance of certain Federal land in the city of Yuma, Arizona; S. 1578, to reauthorize the Upper Colorado and San Juan River Basin endangered fish recovery implementation programs; and S. 1760, to authorize early repayment of obligations to the Bureau of Reclamation within the Rogue River Valley Irrigation District or within the Medford Irrigation District.

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4. SENATE ENERGY & NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE SCHEDULE FOR THE WEEK OF OCTOBER 3

For Immediate Release

October 4, 2005

Washington , D.C. - The Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee will hold full committee hearing and one subcommittee hearing next week.

The Full Committee will hold a hearing on Thursday, October 6 at 10:00 a.m. in room SD-366 to receive an update on Hurricanes Katrina and Rita’s effects on energy infrastructure and the status of recovery efforts in the Gulf Coast region.

Invited Witnesses Include:

Mr. Red Cavaney

President and CEO

American Petroleum Institute

Mr. Christopher Helms

President, Pipeline Group

NiSource Inc

Testifying on behalf of Interstate Gas Association of America

Merrillville , IN

Mr. Kevin Curtis

Senior Vice President for Programs

National Environmental Trust

Mr. Curtis Hebert

Executive Vice President, External Affairs

Entergy

Mr. Andrew N. Liveris

President and CEO

Dow Chemical

Midland , MI

The Subcommittee on Water and Power will hold a hearing on Thursday, October 6 at 3:00 p.m. in room SD-366 to receive testimony on S. 1025, to amend the Act entitled "An Act to provide for the construction of the Cheney division, Wichita Federal reclamation project, Kansas" to authorize the Equus Beds Division of the Wichita Project; S. 1498, to direct the Secretary of the Interior to convey certain water distribution facilities to the Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District; S. 1529, to provide for the conveyance of certain Federal land in the city of Yuma, Arizona; S. 1578, to reauthorize the Upper Colorado and San Juan River Basin endangered fish recovery implementation programs; and S. 1760, to authorize early repayment of obligations to the Bureau of Reclamation within the Rogue River Valley Irrigation District or within the Medford Irrigation District.

Invited Witnesses Include:

Panel 1

Mr. William Rinne

Deputy Commissioner of Reclamation

U.S. Department of the Interior

Panel 2

Mr. Jerry Blain

Water Supply Projects Administrator

City of Wichita, Water and Sewer Department

Wichita , KS

Mr. Jim Witwer

Counsel

Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District

Berthoud , CO

The Honorable Larry Nelson

Mayor of Yuma

Yuma , AZ

Mr. Tom Blickensderfer

Endangered Species Program Director

Colorado Department of Natural Resources

Denver , CO

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CONGRESSIONAL PRESS RELEASES:

5. HEARING ON RESTORATION AND RECOVERY OF FOREST LAND AFTER HURRICANES

For Immediate Release:

October 6, 2005

Contact Matt Streit at (202) 226-9019

Washington, DC - The Subcommittee on Forests and Forest Health, chaired by Rep. Greg Walden (R-OR), will hold a hearing tomorrow on Restoration after Recent Hurricanes and other Natural Disasters: The Federal Role in Recovery after Catastrophic Events Affecting Forest Lands. The hearing will begin at 9 a.m. in 1324 Longworth House Office Building and will have live video and audio broadcast via the Resources Committee website: http://resourcescommittee.house.gov/.

"Hurricane Katrina is the latest example of how catastrophe can have widespread impact on our nation's forestlands," said Subcommittee Chairman Greg Walden (R-OR). "In addition to wreaking havoc on environmental quality and habitat, such events can devastate local economies unless we engage in proactive measures to restore the health and vitality of these lands. I look forward to hearing from our witnesses to get a clearer picture of what the federal government can do to help the Gulf Coast region."

Hurricane Katrina made landfall with 140 mph winds on the Gulf Coast of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama destroying over five million acres of agricultural land valued at roughly $5 billion dollars. Current estimates indicate a potential timber loss of 4.2 billion cubic feet of timber or 15-19 billion board feet. The impacts from Hurricane Rita have significantly added to the environmental and economic damage in the region.

The hurricanes literally devastated millions of acres of forests. The timber, now dead and dying, has created an enormous fire risk and has given way to noxious weeds, insects and disease.

"It is important to remember that our forestlands need to be responsibly managed after catastrophic events - including hurricane, fire, bug infestation, ice storm or blow down - so that they can stand tall and green for generations to come," continued Walden.

A majority of the timber impacted by Hurricane Katrina and Rita was privately owned tracts of agricultural land. Small property owners relied upon this land for their retirement, to pay college tuition fees, etc. Without the monetary value of these properties, many families are left without a major source of their income.

The subcommittee will examine the roadblocks and actions needed in the coming weeks and months to aid in the recovery of the timber and mitigate potential risks for wildfire and even more extensive insect infestation and disease. Witnesses will testify on a number of issues including the logistics of providing a viable workforce, transportation costs and other economic factors affecting the harvest and removal of the dead trees, and the subsequent reforestation of the impacted lands.

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6. N.M. SENATORS WANT SAWS ROCKIN’ AROUND THE CHRISTMAS TREE

Forest Service Reaction to Court Jeopardizes Capitol Holiday Tree Project

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: SHAYE O’DONNELL (202) 224-7073

OCTOBER 5, 2005

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Pete Domenici and Jeff Bingaman today asked federal authorities be wary of issuing any stop-work orders that could prevent the cutting and delivery of a New Mexico evergreen for this year’s Capitol Holiday Tree.

The 80-foot spruce in the Santa Fe National Forest was scheduled to be cut in a special ceremony in early November. But the U.S. Forest Service response to a California federal court’s ruling on an environmental lawsuit could prevent the cutting of the tree from the Santa Fe National Forest.

“We need these reindeer games to stop so New Mexico can stay on schedule with its national holiday tree plans. This ruling and the Forest Service response to it would be like the grinch who stole Christmas for the many New Mexicans who have worked well over a year to prepare for the tree’s state tour and eventual trip to the nation’s capital, and for school kids and groups who are already creating ornaments to festoon the tree,” Domenici said. “On a more serious note, this problem symbolizes the far-reaching consequences of some environmental lawsuits.”

“We New Mexicans are proud to offer up one of our own spruces from the Santa Fe National Forest to be the nation’s Holiday tree this year. It is very clear that there is nothing preventing the Forest Service from moving ahead with plans to cut down the tree, and I urge the agency to stop looking for impediments where there are none,” Bingaman said.

Domenici and Bingaman today sent a letter to Attorney General Alberto Gonzales and Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns asking for their prompt attention to the possibility of a delay, which could impede a statewide tour of the holiday conifer and its delivery to Washington D.C. on schedule.

In response to a lawsuit brought against the U.S. Forest Service, the California court ruled against the Forest Service’s new policy on how certain projects can move ahead without individual environmental review. As a result, the Forest Service has put on hold plans associated with cutting down the Holiday Tree, pending a 30-day public comment period.

“We are troubled that the interpretation of a decision made by a Federal District Court in California may adversely affect these plans. We urge you to redouble your efforts to address concerns regarding the procurement of this year’s Capitol Holiday Tree in order to resolve this situation in time for the tree’s tour around New Mexico,” the letter to Gonzales and Johanns said.

The Holiday Tree is scheduled to travel throughout New Mexico in November before being transported to Washington, where it will be lit in a Dec. 8 ceremony at the U.S. Capitol. Sixty five smaller holiday trees from New Mexico are also being delivered for use in other Washington offices.

In addition to the Holiday Tree issue, the Forest Service response to the ruling on Earth Island Institute v. Pengilly could affect about 90 outstanding permit and project requests in New Mexico—ranging from recreation area improvements to health forest projects to special use permits.

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7. ENERGY COMMITTEE FACT OF THE DAY

Dramatic increases to energy costs have set the stage for an expensive winter heating season. The expected heating fuel increases this winter over last are 71 percent for natural gas in the Midwest, 17 percent for electricity in the South, 31 percent for heating oil in the Northeast, and 40 percent for propane in the Midwest.

Source: Energy Information Administration

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AGENCY PRESS RELEASES:

8. JOHANNS ANNOUNCES $1.7 BILLION IN CONSERVATION RESERVE PROGRAM PAYMENTS

Press Release from the U.S. Department of Agriculture

Contact: Ed Loyd (202) 720-4623

Date: 10/5/2005

LUBBOCK, Texas, Oct. 5, 2005 - Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns today announced that USDA will issue $1.7 billion in Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) payments to participating producers for fiscal year 2005, allowing producers to earn an average of $4,143 per farm enrolled.

"The Conservation Reserve Program helps farmers and ranchers work cooperatively to preserve the natural resources we all depend on - soil, water and air," said Johanns. "By restoring wetlands and protecting flood plains vital to the health and beauty of our environment, the Bush Administration is fulfilling its commitment to improve water quality and wildlife habit."

Producers holding 694,226 contracts on 405,792 farms will receive an average of $48.18 per acre. The number of contracts is higher than the number of farms as some producers may have multiple contracts on a single farm. In Texas, for example, 3.9 million acres are enrolled through more than 24,000 contracts on over 17,000 farms and will receive $139 million in payments.

The announcement does not include rental payments for 1.2 million acres already enrolled under CRP general sign-up 29, held from Aug. 30 to Sept. 24, 2004. Payments for new CRP acreage will be issued starting in Oct. 2006 or Oct. 2007, depending when contracts become effective.

CRP is the largest public-private partnership for conservation and wildlife habitat in the United States. This voluntary program helps agricultural producers safeguard environmentally sensitive land. Producers enroll in CRP and plant long-term, resource-conserving covers to improve water quality, control soil erosion and enhance habitats for waterfowl and wildlife. In return, USDA provides producers with rental payments. CRP contract duration is from 10 to 15 years.

Johanns announced on Sept. 28 that farmers and ranchers can re-enroll or extend CRP contracts expiring in 2007 through 2010. This effort fulfills the commitment President Bush made last year to underscore the Administration's commitment to improving the environment and protecting the nation's wildlife habitat, water and natural resources.

Other CRP payments including 50 percent expense reimbursement for establishing cover as well as incentive payments for enrolling eligible conservation practices are made throughout the year. The fiscal year 2006 projection for these payments are $99 million for expense reimbursements and $77 million for incentive payments.

A table follows listing acreage enrollments by state, CRP rental payments, number of contracts and number of farms. It includes Sept. 2005 and Oct. 2005 rental payments.

For more information on CRP producers should contact their local FSA office or visit FSA's Web site at http://www.fsa.usda.gov.

# CRP ENROLLMENT AS OF SEPT.2005 AND OCT. 2005 RENTAL PAYMENTS

NUMBER OF NUMBER OF ACRES RENTAL STATE CONTRACTS FARMS ENROLLED PAYMENTS

ALABAMA 10,338 7,595 485,263 $21,851,154

ALASKA 67 45 29,825 $997,274

ARKANSAS 4,273 2,608 202,519 $9,910,396

CALIFORNIA 545 425 144,449 $4,529,750

COLORADO 12,625 6,168 2,284,778 $71,406,342

CONNECTICUT 27 24 332 $22,853

DELAWARE 717 380 7,712 765,252

FLORIDA 1,935 1,584 85,588 3,214,804

GEORGIA 8,233 6,155 304,906 12,109,703

IDAHO 5,520 3,207 786,868 30,643,758

ILLINOIS 70,186 40,638 1,028,332 103,432,099

INDIANA 31,440 19,322 292,361 25,969,980

IOWA 96,286 50,245 1,918,030 198,548,504

KANSAS 43,028 26,411 2,877,911 111,458,975

KENTUCKY 14,691 8,879 340,325 25,131,799

LOUISIANA 3,526 2,391 243,489 11,300,568

MAINE 855 574 23,295 1,163,231

MARYLAND 6,241 3,403 84,739 10,227,117

MASSACHUSETTS 17 14 121 12,514

MICHIGAN 15,021 9,103 263,029 18,925,419

MINNESOTA 56,406 31,384 1,763,161 103,492,211

MISSISSIPPI 20,493 13,628 941,000 39,143,867

MISSOURI 34,099 21,028 1,550,891 102,498,250

MONTANA 17,831 6,705 3,401,626 114,333,553

NEBRASKA 26,017 15,207 1,197,821 65,773,026

NEW HAMPSHIRE 17 14 197 10,315

NEW JERSEY 134 94 2,293 114,985

NEW MEXICO 2,657 1,664 596,624 18,732,765

NEW YORK 2,660 1,992 61,078 3,007,714

NORTH CAROLINA 7,698 5,133 125,732 7,568,786

NORTH DAKOTA 35,915 17,599 3,340,995 110,564,178

OHIO 25,670 16,222 285,627 24,228,005

OKLAHOMA 8,879 6,104 1,030,523 33,376,214

OREGON 3,253 1,821 507,830 24,524,079

PENNSYLVANIA 9,281 5,925 199,625 15,435,372

PUERTO RICO 22 21 1,107 88,128

SOUTH CAROLINA 9,047 5,306 213,805 7,534,006

SOUTH DAKOTA 26,432 13,408 1,473,320 60,307,115

TENNESSEE 8,471 6,016 274,213 15,945,932

TEXAS 24,423 17,734 3,956,464 139,256,206

UTAH 1,046 619 202,639 6,165,635

VERMONT 155 122 1,564 120,524

VIRGINIA 4,434 3,516 63,527 3,348,983

WASHINGTON 11,043 4,543 1,392,503 73,357,297

WEST VIRGINIA 197 160 2,633 161,229

WISCONSIN 31,244 19,911 620,031 42,700,098

WYOMING 1,125 739 281,105 7,732,464

OTHER 1/ 6 6 233 6,675 ========= ========= ========== ============= 694,226 405,792 34,892,041 1,681,149,103

1/ Data not reported individually for Arizona, Hawaii, Nevada, and Rhode Island, because these states have less than 4 contracts. USDA News oc.news@usda.gov 202 720-4623

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9. RECLAMATION AWARDS CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT FOR REHABILITATION OF SAN XAVIER FARMS

RECLAMATION

Phoenix Area Office

Phoenix, Arizona

Media Contact: Patricia Cox (602) 216-3830 Ruth Martin (602) 216-3880 pacox@lc.usbr.gov rmartin@lc.usbr.gov

October 5, 2005

Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner John Keys today announced a $23,882,653 contract award to Barnard Construction Company of Bozeman, Montana, for improvements to the 1,100-acre San Xavier Cooperative Farm located in the San Xavier District of the Tohono O'odham Nation south of Tucson, Arizona.

"Reclamation is committed to working with Native Americans to develop, manage and protect their water resources," said Keys. "This rehabilitation project will result in more efficient farm operations and allow the San Xavier District to better utilize its allocation of Central Arizona Project water."

Keys noted that the project, a joint venture between Reclamation and the San Xavier District, is being carried out in accordance with the Southern Arizona Water Rights Settlement Act of 1982 and the Arizona Water Settlement Act of 2004.

The construction will be phased in over a two-year period beginning in 2006. Improvements will include high-efficiency piped water distribution infrastructure, new field irrigation systems, flood protection and improved farm roads.

To accomplish this rehabilitation, Barnard will construct flood channels and roads; provide riprap for erosion control; install flow meters and fertilizer injections systems; and furnish and install extensive concrete, metal, mechanical, and electrical components.

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10. RECLAMATION AWARDS $9.7M CONTRACT FOR NEW SCADA SYSTEM

RECLAMATION

Yuma Area Office

Yuma, Arizona

Media contact: Jack Simes, 928-343-8334 jsimes@lc.usbr.gov

For Immediate Release: October 4, 2005

The Bureau of Reclamation announced today that it has awarded a $9.7 million contract to K&F Electric, Inc., of Ballwin, Mo., for development and installation of a new Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system for managing groundwater wells near Yuma, Ariz.

"SCADA systems can save precious water by providing a more effective monitoring level of high-volume groundwater wells - at any time day or night - for power consumption, flow rate, salinity and water elevation," said Reclamation Commissioner John Keys. "This new SCADA automated network will enable Reclamation to improve its operation and monitoring of the Yuma area's wells and more quickly respond to high groundwater conditions."

The SCADA system will consist of a state-of-the-art computer database that interacts with monitoring equipment and radios that have been installed on almost 100 high-capacity groundwater pumping wells and drains. The project also includes the installation of radios on several observation wells that transmit daily water level information from the monitoring sites to Reclamation's Yuma Area Office groundwater databank.

Installation of the new SCADA system will begin this month and is expected to be completed in two years.

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11. RECLAMATION TO CONTINUE EXPERIMENTAL OPERATIONS AT GLEN CANYON DAM

Efforts address low dissolved oxygen levels below dam

RECLAMATION

Upper Colorado Region

Salt Lake City, Utah

Media Contact: Barry D. Wirth (801) 524-3774

Released On: October 4, 2005

The Bureau of Reclamation will move to a four turbine operation at Glen Canyon Dam at midnight tonight to continue experiments to further determine the effects of operations on dissolved oxygen levels in water released from Lake Powell into the Colorado River. That experiment will last for twelve hours, concluding at noon, October 5. At that time, the results will be evaluated and further operational decisions will be made.

The combination of the record five-year drought (1999-2004) and above average runoff into Lake Powell during the spring and summer of 2005 have put large amounts of sediment and organic matter from the reservoir's delta into the lake. These substances consume oxygen as they decay which, in turn, results in declining dissolved oxygen concentrations in the Colorado River immediately below the dam. While this phenomenon occurs to some degree every summer and fall, oxygen levels this year have reached a level that is causing concern for the health of the trout fishery in the river below the dam. The trout fishery below the dam is administered by Arizona Game and Fish.

As the river moves downstream, the water cascades through rapids, quickly raising the dissolved oxygen levels, so there is less impact or concern for endangered native fish in the reaches of the Grand Canyon. However, there may be some impact to the non-native trout fishery as fish remaining near the dam become lethargic or temporarily move downstream to more oxygen-rich waters.

Reclamation has been conducting short-term experiments to evaluate the relationship between dam operations and dissolved oxygen concentrations. Researchers from the Grand Canyon Monitoring and Research Center are trying to determine if low releases spread among varying numbers of generating units will inject more oxygen into the water. The turbines draw some air during operation, especially when operated at very low output levels. Various operational combinations of three to five units have been tested.

While some changes in dissolved oxygen have been noted as a result of the experiments, a concern also has emerged. Operating the units at very low levels is both inefficient and damaging. Because the generating units were designed to operate efficiently only at higher releases, normal operations for low flows would be met by using fewer units. If the units are operated at too low a level, the risk of damage to the turbines increases significantly. While units have been operated that low in the past for various system and emergency reasons, every effort possible has been made to minimize the length of such operations to protect the generating units. Additionally, such "rough operation" also is inefficient in both the generation of power and the use of water.

The results of studies conducted over a previous weekend indicate the turbines can contribute to improved dissolved oxygen concentrations in the water being released from the reservoir. The studies remain inconclusive concerning the best balance of turbine operations, or whether other alternatives should be developed.

The issue of declining dissolved oxygen will self-correct itself later in October or early November when the water in Lake Powell "turns over." This happens when the cooling air temperatures and seasonal winds mix reservoir waters, essentially causing the upper, better oxygenated water to mix with the lower level water that contains low oxygen.

Reclamation's operations are conducted in accordance with the 1996 Record of Decision following the Operation of Glen Canyon Dam Environmental Impact Statement. They comply with provisions of the Grand Canyon Protection Act and applicable elements of the overall Law of the Colorado River that deals with the entire Colorado River system.

Additionally, Reclamation's operations are in compliance with the Endangered Species Act. Trout, as an introduced non-native fishery, are managed in the 16-mile stretch from the Dam to Lee's Ferry by Arizona Game and Fish.

Reclamation will continue to work with the Grand Canyon Monitoring and Research Center, Arizona Game and Fish, and Western Area Power Administration to seek solutions.

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NEWS ARTICLES:

12. CLONE-GENERATED MILK, MEAT MAY BE APPROVED

Favorable FDA Ruling Seen as Imminent

By Justin Gillis

Washington Post Staff Writer

Thursday, October 6, 2005; A01

The Food and Drug Administration is expected to rule soon that milk from cloned animals and meat from their offspring are safe to eat, raising the question of whether Americans are ready to welcome one of modern biology's most controversial achievements to the dinner table.

Hundreds of cloned pigs, cows and other animals are already living on farms around the country, as companies and livestock producers experiment and await a decision from the FDA.

The agricultural industry has observed a voluntary FDA moratorium on using the products of clones, but it has recently become clear that a few offspring of cloned pigs and cows are already trickling into the food supply. Many in agriculture believe such genetic copies are the next logical step in improving the nation's livestock.

For the remainder of this article see: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/10/05/AR2005100502074.html

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13. GOP DIVIDED OVER RANGE AND SEVERITY OF SPENDING CUTS

By Jonathan Weisman

Washington Post Staff Writer

Thursday, October 6, 2005; A07

President Bush's call for spending cuts to offset the cost of hurricane relief has sharply split the Republican Party, with small- government conservatives emboldened to scale back the overall reach of government while moderates drive for more anti-poverty spending, not less.

The rift is growing wider as Congress moves toward a late-October deadline to produce legislation saving at least $35 billion from social welfare and health care programs over the next five years. That target was set this spring by a budget blueprint that narrowly passed Congress, largely along party lines.

Now, House Republican leaders, with Bush's encouragement, hope to raise the target to $38.5 billion, while cutting billions more from other federal programs. Some House conservatives say if they don't get at least that much, they may revolt against the GOP leaders.

For the remainder of this article see: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/10/05/AR2005100502033.html

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14. MULTIPLE CHOICE IN CALIFORNIA

By Chris Cillizza

Thursday, October 6, 2005; A11

California voters went to the polls Tuesday to choose a replacement for former congressman Christopher Cox (R) -- but all they got was another election.

Republican state Sen. John Campbell led the crowded field of 17 candidates in the special open primary in the Orange County area 48th District but did not capture the 50 percent of the vote needed to win the seat outright.

Campbell took 46 percent of the overall vote, approximately 30 points better than the second-place finisher -- former state assemblywoman Marilyn Brewer (also a Republican). The biggest surprise of the day was the strong showing of American Independent candidate Jim Gilchrist, founder of the anti-immigration group known as the Minuteman Project. Gilchrist took 14 percent of the vote, not far behind Brewer's 17 percent.

For the remainder of this article see: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/10/05/AR2005100501916.html

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15. ENERGY FUELS FEARS OF BROADER INFLATION

Oil costs are hitting a range of businesses. As some pass increases to customers, economists worry that prices will spiral upward.

By Bill Sing

LA Times Staff Writer

10:20 PM PDT, October 5, 2005

Rising energy costs are causing Americans to pay more for such diverse products as cat litter and express delivery services, sparking concerns that protracted inflation might be returning as a primary threat to the U.S. economy for the first time in more than a decade.

Signs of higher inflation are beginning to multiply across the economy. Clorox Co. said this week that it would boost prices on almost half its products, on top of increases already announced for its food containers, trash bags and liquid bleach.

FedEx Corp. said that starting next month customers would have to pay higher fees to have their packages shipped.

For the remainder of this article see: http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-inflation6oct06,0,3596491.story?coll=la-home-headlines

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16. OFFICIALS MEETING TO DISCUSS KEEPING CHERRY CREEK CLEAN

Governments, developers and others seem willing to do what they can to stem the flow of pollutants into the waterway.

By Joey Bunch

Denver Post Staff Writer

DenverPost.com

Article Last Updated: 10/05/2005 03:18 AM

Dozens of public officials, engineers and developers are meeting today to discuss stemming the flow of pollutants into Cherry Creek, the scenic waterway that drains the region's fastest- growing communities.

"Even with all the development that's occurred in the lower portion of the watershed, it's still a pretty nice creek," said Jim Dederick, an environmental planner for Douglas County.

The watershed stretches 50 miles southeast from the creek's confluence with the South Platte River in Denver.

For the remainder of this article see: http://www.denverpost.com/search/ci_3087169

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17. WETLAND TO GET WATER LEVELS IDEAL FOR PLOVERS

Habitat improvements to close former salt-making site

Herald Staff Report

Posted on Wed, Oct. 05, 2005

The Moss Landing Wildlife Area, a wetland adjacent to the Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve, is closed to the public until Dec. 31 to make improvements to the habitat for the threatened western snowy plover and other birds.

Before it was set aside for wildlife, the site had been used for commercial salt production. Levees in the wetland were designed for that use, forming a series of ponds. The salt water entered the first pond, lost water to evaporation, and was then sent to the next pond to evaporate some more.

That was a good system for salt production, but it's less than ideal for snowy plovers, said Terry Palmisano, senior wildlife biologist for the state Department of Fish and Game.

For the remainder of this article see: http://www.montereyherald.com/mld/montereyherald/news/12822245.htm

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18. CLEAN-AIR ADVOCATES CRITICIZE GOP GAS BILL

Measure Set For Passage Friday Would Weaken Pollution Laws, Experts Say

By Juliet Eilperin

Washington Post Staff Writer

Thursday, October 6, 2005; A08

A House bill ostensibly aimed at easing the nation's energy crisis would dramatically weaken pollution laws by relaxing environmental standards on both oil refineries and aging power plants, several clean-air experts said.

The GOP's Gasoline for America's Security (GAS) Act -- which is expected to pass the House tomorrow -- would ease permitting rules for oil refineries, instruct the president to designate new refinery sites on at least three retired military bases and relax air pollution controls on thousands of industrial facilities across the country.

House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Joe Barton (R-Tex.), who sponsored the bill in response to rising gasoline prices and the damage recent hurricanes have wrought on Gulf Coast refineries, said the measures are essential to expanding the nation's energy production.

For the remainder of this article see: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/10/05/AR2005100502158.html

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19. CHOICE FOR HEAD OF WILDLIFE AGENCY PROVOKES DISSENT

By Juliet Eilperin

Washington Post Staff Writer

Thursday, October 6, 2005; A25

This morning, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee is likely to easily approve the nomination of Dale Hall, a regional director in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, to head the agency -- making the full Senate vote a formality.

It's the kind of vote that makes environmentalists cringe.

Hall, a 27-year Fish and Wildlife Service veteran, has infuriated wildlife activists, not to mention some of his staff, by not pushing more aggressively to protect threatened and endangered species in the Southwest. In May, he told agency biologists they should rely on the genetic science available at the time of a species' listing when deciding whether to recommend new safeguards for an imperiled plant or animal, even if that science dated back to the 1970s.

For the remainder of this article see: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/10/05/AR2005100502101.html

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