Search Results for keywords:"Virginia"

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is reviewing an application for a new license to continue operating the Byllesby-Buck Hydroelectric Project in Virginia, as part of the National Environmental Policy Act. An Environmental Assessment report indicates that the project, with environmental safeguards, would not significantly impact the environment. FERC invites the public to access and comment on the assessment through its website, with a comment period open for 45 days. Public participation is encouraged, and assistance is available from FERC's Office of Public Participation.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) issued a notice amending a previous disaster declaration for Virginia due to Tropical Storm Helene, which started on September 25, 2024. This amendment, dated October 4, 2024, changes how federal funds are shared, allowing for 100% federal funding for certain emergency tasks for 90 days within the first 120 days after the storm. This includes costs for debris removal and emergency measures. The change was authorized under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) announced a temporary rule allowing North Carolina to transfer a portion of its 2025 commercial summer flounder quota to Virginia. This transfer, which amounts to 3,520 pounds, was made under mutual agreement between both states to address a situation where an out-of-state vessel landed fish under a safe harbor agreement. The modified quotas for 2025 are now 2,408,923 pounds for North Carolina and 1,877,227 pounds for Virginia. This move complies with the fishery management plan designed to ensure sustainable fishing practices.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has issued a correction to a previously published proposed rule related to incidental takes of marine mammals during U.S. Navy construction activities at Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia. The correction changes the deadline for written comments from "January 20, 2021" to "January 21, 2021." This update aims to ensure that the public has accurate information regarding when comments on the proposed rule are due.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has updated Virginia's authority to enforce certain federal air pollution standards. This change allows Virginia to implement and enforce federal standards for hazardous air pollutants and new source performance standards, which are rules designed to control air pollution from specific sources. The update ensures Virginia can continue to enforce these standards as they are updated in federal regulations. The EPA also informed Virginia that the exemption for startup, shutdown, and malfunction (SSM) periods should no longer be allowed due to a court ruling.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) issued a notice to update a major disaster declaration for Virginia, originally declared on April 2, 2020. This amendment, effective January 20, 2021, names Janice P. Barlow as the new Federal Coordinating Officer, replacing MaryAnn Tierney. FEMA provides various forms of federal assistance and services following the disaster, including loans, counseling, and housing aid. This notice ensures continued federal support and coordination for the affected communities in Virginia.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has issued an amendment to the major disaster declaration for Virginia (FEMA-4831-DR), originally declared on October 1, 2024. The amendment specifies that the disaster's incident period has officially closed as of October 3, 2024. Various programs are available under this declaration to aid in recovery, including community disaster loans, crisis counseling, and disaster legal services. The revision was made public on October 25, 2024, and provides details on how to report and access funds through specific federal assistance programs.

The Department of Justice has lodged a proposed Consent Decree with a court to settle a lawsuit involving the United States, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and FMC Corporation over natural resource damages at a site in Front Royal, Virginia. FMC Corporation will pay over $1.6 million, with most going to the U.S. government's fund for environmental restoration projects, and part to Virginia for similar purposes. Four federal agencies are also involved in the settlement, contributing nearly $2.5 million for restoration projects. The agreement includes a period for public comment and protects the parties from further liability related to this issue as of the settlement date.

PE Hydro Generation, LLC filed an application on January 3, 2022, for a new license for the Luray and Newport Hydroelectric Project located in Virginia. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has announced that it will prepare an Environmental Assessment (EA) for the project, as it does not expect the project to significantly impact the environment. The EA will be shared with the public for feedback, and all comments will be considered in making the final licensing decision. For questions or participation in the process, the public can contact the Office of Public Participation.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has issued a notice amending the emergency declaration for Virginia, initially made on September 29, 2024. The notice, dated November 1, 2024, marks the closure of the emergency incident period effective October 3, 2024. This update includes various programs available for disaster assistance, such as Community Disaster Loans and Disaster Housing Assistance. The notice is part of FEMA's ongoing efforts to manage disaster relief and recovery.