Posts Tagged ‘impact’

New Legislation On FHA Mortgages Will Will Impact Home Buyers

Posted by admin on May 11th, 2013

Chicago, IL (PRWEB) May 11, 2013

The Federal Savings Bank echos news that according to the Santa Clara Valley Signal, the FHA is the most common provider of home loans with low down payments, which also makes it cheaper for Americans to buy a home. However, beginning in June, new legislation will be in place that requires borrowers with FHA mortgages to buy mortgage insurance throughout the entire mortgage term.

To review, Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans are administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and make home ownership a possibility for more people by shouldering some of the risk of the loan. If a homeowner defaults on the loan, the FHA will reimburse the lender. Less risk for a lender means they will be more likely to loan money.

The new requirement on FHA loans will add a great deal of cost and burden to homeowners and may push them toward other mortgage options. As reported by the Savannah Morning News, right now a borrower can reduce his or her mortgage insurance by reaching 20 or 22 percent equity. However, under the new legislation, a homeowner could be stuck with as much as 11 years of mortgage insurance.

“It’s going to push a lot more borrowers toward the conventional side,” Savannah loan officer Michael Caputo told the source. “That mortgage insurance premium is a significant chunk of a monthly payment and is something a lot of people think about.”

In contrast, according to the Signal, Keller Williams representative Sam Heller doesn’t anticipate that the new rule will change anything because mortgage insurance is the only way that homeowners can purchase a house with a low down payment.

The new policy is intended to help the FHA build up the mortgage insurance fund. According to the Savannah Morning News, it is expected to bring billions in revenue to the agency.

The Federal Savings Bank shows its mortgage applicants how mortgage insurance will effect their monthly payments. First-time homebuyers will want to pay special attention to this added payment if applying for an FHA loan. For more information contact a loan officer at The Fede


Environment

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Biomass industry should disclose impact

Posted by admin on May 3rd, 2013
Conifer trees
‘Using wood from whole UK conifers results in an increase in emissions of 49% compared with coal.’ Photograph: Jorma Jaemsen/Corbis

Last year, the RSPB, Friends of the Earth and Greenpeace published a report, called Dirtier than coal?, that shone a light on some evidence that the biomass industry would prefer was kept hidden.

We revealed two important facts:

Firstly, government plans to support the conversion of coal plants would mean that by 2017 the UK will be burning 30m tonnes of biomass, most of which will be wood. To give you a sense of proportion, this is about six times the entire UK wood harvest. It will mostly be in coal power stations that are being switched over to biomass.

Secondly, burning wood from whole trees results in higher greenhouse gas emissions than coal. For example, the government’s own research has shown that using wood from whole UK conifers results in an increase in emissions of 49% compared with coal.

Since then, the evidence has continued to stack up. Last month, the European Commission’s science department published a major review that showed that while energy crops, residues, and wastes can be low carbon, wood from whole trees is worse than fossil fuels. What’s more, existing industries that depend on wood to make furniture, wood panels, houses, and suchlike, have also begun to get extremely concerned about the impact of this enormous new source of demand, warning against the “reckless” pursuit of bioenergy. Using wood in these industries is better for the climate as it keeps carbon locked up, while burning it puts it up in smoke and into the atmosphere.

We’ve worked hard to raise these issues with the industry, government and the public, so it was disappointing to be accused of “scaremongering” this week. The claim was inspired by a letter we received recently from the industry association that represents biomass electricity generators, the REA, which accuses us of “spreading misinformation”. By this, they presumably mean quoting government research and a large body of peer-reviewed literature.

It’s hardly surprising, however, that tensions are emerging. Getting an energy policy in place that delivers affordable, low carbon electricity is complex and extremely challenging, particularly against the context of continued economic hard times. So it’s understandable that many would prefer to ignore the fact that one of our major forms of renewable energy could actually increase our carbon emissions. Understandable, but not excusable, because the result will be wasting time and the public’s money supporting something that fuels climate change and puts further pressure on our precious forests.

That doesn’t mean there isn’t a role for bioenergy; there is. We want to see a brave new world where every ounce of food waste and sewage goes into anaerobic digestors that produce green gas for our homes. Where local woodlands are brought back into management and the wood clearings are used to provide heating for schools and hospitals, and where steelworks are powered by combined heat and power stations using wood waste.

To get there, however, we need government and industry to take their fingers out of their ears and accept that the world’s forests are not limitless sources of “renewable” fuel for Britain. Then we need to get round a nice wooden table together to completely rethink biomass policy.

• Harry Huyton is the RSPB’s head of climate and energy policy

Environment news, comment and analysis from the Guardian | guardian.co.uk

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Equality Impact Assessment of the 2014-2020 Rural Development Plan for Wales

Posted by admin on May 3rd, 2013

[unable to retrieve full-text content]Please submit your comments by 26 July 2013.
Environment and countryside

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Written Statement – Addressing the impact of recent severe weather

Posted by admin on April 25th, 2013

[unable to retrieve full-text content]In view of the continuing pressures I have decided to extend the burial derogation for a further and final week.
Environment and countryside

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City CarShare Releases Annual Report on Carsharing Impact

Posted by admin on April 19th, 2013

SAN FRANCISCO–()–In honor of Earth Day 2013, City
CarShare, the largest nonprofit carsharing organization in North
America, released an environmental report detailing the organization’s
positive impact for the San Francisco Bay Area for 2012 and to-date.
Results show that on Earth Day alone, 68,000 fewer miles will be driven
on Bay Area roads due to City CarShare’s transit-oriented carshare
service. The organization reported that, in 2012, a total of 25 million
fewer miles were driven overall due to City CarShare. Its positive
impact on the local environment last year included a savings of 85
million fewer pounds of CO2 emissions and 4.3 million fewer gallons of
gasoline used.

“We ensure equity in transportation,
with pricing designed for all income levels”

Carsharing saves the Bay Area millions of pounds of CO2 each year

City CarShare members have saved a total of 423 million pounds of CO2
since the organization launched in 2001. “While Bay Area residents are
some of the most environmentally conscious individuals in the U.S., the
fact is that motor vehicles continue to produce the bulk of greenhouse
gas emissions,” said Rick Hutchinson, CEO of City CarShare. “City
CarShare’s mission is to reduce the negative impact of the automobile by
providing convenient and affordable access to low-emission vehicles,
which in turn reduces car dependence.”

Car ownership costs in the Bay Area are on the rise

City CarShare has established a goal of saving its members $ 1 billion
over the cost of car ownership, by 2020. In 2012, an estimated $ 100
Million was saved by City CarShare members. Since 2001, 39 percent of
members did not buy a car because of their City CarShare membership and
another 25 percent got rid of one or more cars. Owning a car is an
expensive investment in the Bay area with the costs of car ownership
continually on the rise due to increased registration fees, gas, parking
and insurance. The average cost of car ownership in the Bay Area reaches
$ 700 or more, according to TransForm,
a Bay Area nonprofit organization that supports public transportation
and walkable communities and AAA. “We ensure equity in transportation,
with pricing designed for all income levels,” said Hutchinson. “On
average, our members save $ 8,400 a year over the costs of car ownership
and upkeep.”

Largest Carsharing Electric Fleet

City CarShare operates one of the greenest fleets in the carsharing
industry. The nonprofit pledged in 2011 to convert half of its fleet by
2015 to hybrids, plug-in hybrids and all-electric vehicles. By the end
of 2012, City CarShare has nearly reached that goal already, with 45
percent of the fleet consisting of these lower impact vehicles. City
CarShare reported that over 1200 individuals have driven at least one of
its 18 plug-in vehicles over the past year. The nonprofit plans to add
an additional 18 plug-in vehicles by the end of 2013. Also, 96 percent
of its fleet is at the top of their class in fuel and emission
efficiency.

Click here
to view the City CarShare Fact Sheet.

About City CarShare

City CarShare, a Bay Area nonprofit, provides convenient, affordable
access to shared cars in order to reduce individual car ownership and
usage. By providing innovative and technological advanced mobility
options to members, we help to improve the environment and quality of
life in our cities through the reduction of traffic, parking problems,
and dependence on oil–while promoting cleaner air, quieter streets and
more open space. For more information, visit www.citycarshare.org.
Follow City CarShare on Facebook
and Twitter
and Google+.

Media Please Note:

To schedule an interview, please contact Camille Priselac at Landis
Communications, Inc.: (415-359-2303; [email protected])
or Hilary Burns at Landis Communications, Inc.: (415-561-0888; [email protected]).
Images and video are available to download at https://www.citycarshare.org/press/multimedia/.

Business Wire Environment News

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Written Statement – Addressing the impact of severe weather on the farming community

Posted by admin on April 18th, 2013

[unable to retrieve full-text content]I have extended the current derogation for on-farm burial for a further seven days until midnight on 23 April 2013.
Environment and countryside

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Written Statement – Addressing the impact of snow on farmers

Posted by admin on April 4th, 2013

[unable to retrieve full-text content]The Welsh Government intends to do what it can to help farmers to deal with their lost stock as quickly and safely as possible.
Environment and countryside

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Addressing the impact of snow on farmers is an urgent priority – Alun Davies

Posted by admin on April 2nd, 2013

The Minister has asked Wales’ Chief Veterinary Officer to look at what the Welsh Government can do to alleviate the pressures farmers are facing as a result of livestock losses caused by the severe weather conditions.

In recent days, some parts of Wales have experienced significant levels of snow and freezing temperatures, with forecasters predicting that it has been the coldest March in Wales since 1962.

The Minister has been monitoring the situation closely.

Alun Davies:

“I’m very aware of the extreme difficulties farmers in Wales are experiencing as a result of the extreme weather we have witnessed over the last week.

“Sheep farmers are facing their busiest time of the year with the lambing season, which is not yet over in some parts of Wales. The extreme weather has put an added strain on them.

“One of the most pressing issues farmers have told me they are now facing is how to deal with fallen stock.

“I asked my Chief Veterinary Officer, Professor Christianne Glossop to look urgently at what the Welsh Government can do to alleviate the burden on farmers. I will say more about our intentions early next week.”

Disposal of fallen stock must comply with the European Regulation on animal by-products. Any fallen stock must be disposed of to approved premises without undue delay. Carcases should be kept secure until disposal. However in these severe weather conditions, the government is asking farmers to be aware of the needs of the regulations and to dispose of fallen stock as soon as practical. The Chief Veterinary Officer has contacted local authorities in Wales to ask for any enforcement action to be sympathetic to the local conditions.

The Minister also praised the work of farmers to ensure communities in affected areas are kept open.

Alun Davies added:

“Many of our farmers and their families have played a vital role in making sure rural communities in some of the worst affected areas of north and mid Wales have access to essential services. I would like to pay tribute to them for all their efforts in helping and supporting their local communities during what has been a very difficult week.”

Environment and countryside

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Addressing the impact of snow on farmers is an urgent priority – Alun Davies

Posted by admin on March 30th, 2013

The Minister has asked Wales’ Chief Veterinary Officer to look at what the Welsh Government can do to alleviate the pressures farmers are facing as a result of livestock losses caused by the severe weather conditions.

In recent days, some parts of Wales have experienced significant levels of snow and freezing temperatures, with forecasters predicting that it has been the coldest March in Wales since 1962.

The Minister has been monitoring the situation closely.

Alun Davies:

“I’m very aware of the extreme difficulties farmers in Wales are experiencing as a result of the extreme weather we have witnessed over the last week.

“Sheep farmers are facing their busiest time of the year with the lambing season, which is not yet over in some parts of Wales. The extreme weather has put an added strain on them.

“One of the most pressing issues farmers have told me they are now facing is how to deal with fallen stock.

“I asked my Chief Veterinary Officer, Professor Christianne Glossop to look urgently at what the Welsh Government can do to alleviate the burden on farmers. I will say more about our intentions early next week.”

Disposal of fallen stock must comply with the European Regulation on animal by-products. Any fallen stock must be disposed of to approved premises without undue delay. Carcases should be kept secure until disposal. However in these severe weather conditions, the government is asking farmers to be aware of the needs of the regulations and to dispose of fallen stock as soon as practical. The Chief Veterinary Officer has contacted local authorities in Wales to ask for any enforcement action to be sympathetic to the local conditions.

The Minister also praised the work of farmers to ensure communities in affected areas are kept open.

Alun Davies added:

“Many of our farmers and their families have played a vital role in making sure rural communities in some of the worst affected areas of north and mid Wales have access to essential services. I would like to pay tribute to them for all their efforts in helping and supporting their local communities during what has been a very difficult week.”

Environment and countryside

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TriLinc Global Launches $1.5 Billion Impact Investment Fund

Posted by admin on February 26th, 2013

MANHATTAN BEACH, Calif.–()–TriLinc Global Impact Fund (“TriLinc”) announced today that its
registration statement pertaining to its public offering of up to $ 1.5
billion in units of limited liability company interest was declared
effective by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission
(“SEC”). TriLinc is a non-traded Impact Investment fund focused on
achieving both a competitive financial return as well as a positive and
measurable economic, social and/or environmental impact.

TriLinc intends to use the net proceeds from this first-of-its-kind
offering to invest, through a global network of local sub-advisors, in
Small and Medium sized Enterprises (“SMEs”) in carefully selected
countries with growing economies. The company expects to build a
diversified portfolio of financial assets including direct loans,
convertible debt instruments and trade finance and anticipates that a
substantial portion of its assets will consist of collateralized private
debt instruments.

Units sold in the offering will be made available through SC
Distributors, LLC, a FINRA and SIPC member and the dealer manager to the
offering. A copy of the final prospectus for the offering will be
available without charge upon written request addressed to TriLinc
Global Impact Fund, c/o SC Distributors, LLC, 610 Newport Center Drive,
Suite 350 Newport Beach, CA 92660. Phone inquiries may be directed to SC
Distributors, LLC at 877-907-1148.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the
solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these
securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer,
solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or
qualification under the securities laws of any such state or
jurisdiction.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the
meaning of federal securities laws and regulations. These
forward-looking statements are identified by their use of terms and
phrases such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,”
“estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “predict,” “project,”
“should,” “will” and other similar terms and phrases, including
references to assumptions and forecasts of future results.
Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and
involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that
may cause the actual results to differ materially from those anticipated
at the time the forward-looking statements are made. Although TriLinc
Global Impact Fund believes the expectations reflected in such
forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, it can
give no assurance that the expectations will be attained or that any
deviation will not be material. TriLinc Global Impact Fund undertakes no
obligation to update any forward-looking statement contained herein to
confirm the statement to actual results or changes in its expectations.

Business Wire Environment News

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