Trihydro provides environmental, engineering, energy, transportation, and water resources services to public and private clients. From its initial start-up as a two-man firm in 1984, Trihydro has grown into a successful, dynamic firm of over 270 employees with 13 offices nationwide.

 

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March 2009

How will the stimulus package affect you?

President Barack Obama’s stimulus package, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, is designed to immediately save jobs or create new ones while laying the groundwork for long-term economic growth. The White House is estimating that, over the next 2 years, approximately 3.5 million jobs, many in infrastructure and renewable energy projects will be created or saved through the stimulus package. The overall package totals approximately $790 billion and has generated a great deal of debate. Provided below is a brief overview of some of the areas targeted for funding under the act that may be of particular interest to our readers.

Infrastructure
With respect to the infrastructure industry, this will be the largest increase in funding since the 1950s, when the national highway system was created. Approximately $90 billion will be set aside for infrastructure repairs and improvements.

The infrastructure plan involves the following:

Energy
The $43 billion energy portion of the package encompasses several energy-related projects, including repair of federal buildings to increase energy efficiency by using “green technology,” research, reduction of emissions, modernizing the nation’s electric grid, renewable energy projects, alternative fuel sources, preparation of professionals in the energy efficiency and renewable energy fields, and assistance for low income households to “green” their homes.

In aiming for a “clean-energy” future, funds have been set aside for individuals to weatherize their homes or purchase energy efficient, hybrid cars. The plan envisions that weatherizing our homes will create jobs as well as put money into our pockets.

Environment
The $9.2 billion dedicated to environmental projects will be used for cleanup of former weapons production and research sites; local clean water and drinking water infrastructure improvements; the EPA’s (Environmental Protection Agency) nationwide environmental cleanup programs, including Superfund; and loans and grants for water and waste disposal facilities in rural areas.

Obama plans to implement an “economy-wide cap-and-trade program” to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent by 2050. Carbon-trading systems set a cap on the amount of pollutants coming from a company and forces heavy polluters to buy credits from companies that are polluting less, which, in turn, creates financial incentives to fight climate change. In his speech on February 17th, the President asked congress to bring cap-and-trade legislation to him this year.

National Debt
While the plan could potentially stimulate the economy, there is one major downfall: the nation’s federal debt could increase significantly. The plan may produce more jobs and help end the recession. However, the nation might be paying for it years into the future.

The 2009 deficit is expected to hit $1.6 trillion , including the new stimulus and the bank-bailout spending. The current national debt is $10.7 trillion.

To find out more regarding the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the government has established a website to assist citizens in tracking the effects of the stimulus bill (www.recovery.gov).


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March 2009

Are you a Major Refinery Source? Get ready to begin monitoring cooling tower water.

Amendments to Refinery MACT 1 are due to be published in the near future. The amendments focus on monitoring Heat Exchanger systems. Provided below is an outline of the requirements for monitoring these systems.
Click here to read more...