Science

Mississippi Development Authority submitted revised drilling rules Feb. 15.  After 30 days, the state may issue permits for seismic testing, then leases for drilling.

As the Mississippi Development Authority finalizes regulations for seismic testing and drilling one mile off the barrier islands, organizations opposed to gas and oil rigs in Mississippi waters are stepping up their efforts.

Drilling for gas and oil in Mississippi waters could soon be a reality. A majority of public comments to the state opposed driling, but the question of “to drill or not to drill” has already been decided.

Exactly 200 years ago, a series of strong earthquakes hit an area stretching from Illinois – all the way down to Mississippi. Experts say that the likelihood of another major quake is rising steadily.

Some Mississippi Gulf Coast shrimpers are concerned that renovations at Ocean Springs Harbor could hurt their livelihoods.

The National Institutes of Health is looking for 55,000 people to take part in a long-term study on the possible health effects of the BP oil spill.  So far, 1,300 people in Mississippi have signed up

Mississippi is getting $100 million from BP to start repairing environmental damage from the oil spill. Fishermen are voicing opinions on the first two proposed projects.

The tug-of-war has begun over $1 billion of BP money to begin restoring the Gulf Coast from oil spill damage. Two more public hearings on proposed projects will be held Jan. 18 in Gulfport  and Jan. 19 in Bay Saint Louis.

BP is funding $1billion in early restoration projects in states impacted by the oil spill. Two Mississippi projects have been proposed, but  they're far from a unanimous choice.

Pontotoc students get to testdrive military robots.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is closing 11 offices in Mississippi as part of a nationwide cost-cutting effort.

Some fishermen along the Mississippi Gulf Coast say new offshore drilling could further muddy the waters where they earn their living. 

A renewed push for drilling off the Mississippi coast, when the region is still recovering from the BP oil spill, guarantees controversy.

The Occupy movement on the Gulf Coast is aiming its criticism at Mississippi Power’s coal plant under construction in Kemper County.  It's part of the continuing controversy over converting coal to gas.

Some scientists say the long-term impact of the BP oil spill is unknown. Others, at a forum called the Science of the Spill at Biloxi Civic Center, say the health impact of the spill is here and people are sick.