Search Results for keywords:"environmental protection"

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing new rules for the use of certain chemical substances under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). These rules, known as Significant New Use Rules (SNURs), require entities to notify EPA at least 90 days before starting activities considered significant new uses of these chemicals. The EPA will then assess these uses for potential risks. The proposed rules aim to ensure new chemical substances are safely manufactured and processed, protecting human health and the environment.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reviewed a petition requesting testing of 54 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) produced by Chemours Company in North Carolina. The petition, submitted by several health and environmental groups, also asked for a National Academy of Sciences panel to oversee the testing. After considering the information, EPA denied the request, stating that the petition didn't provide enough specific facts to warrant a new rule or order under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). EPA highlighted ongoing actions and research addressing PFAS risks and noted that some existing projects may already cover the requested testing.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized a rule under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) requiring manufacturers to submit unpublished health and safety studies on 16 specific chemicals. This rule, effective January 13, 2025, aims to collect important data to help the EPA understand potential risks associated with these chemicals and manage them appropriately under TSCA guidelines, especially for prioritization and risk evaluation purposes. The rule includes details on which studies need to be reported, exemptions, and how to submit the information; it is intended to address market failures by ensuring the EPA can make informed decisions based on actual data rather than assumptions.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has accepted an application from Oswego Hydro Partners, LP for a new major license concerning the Phoenix Hydroelectric Project located in New York. This project includes the Phoenix Dam and other structures on the Oswego River, with a total energy capacity of 3.18 megawatts. The application is open for public inspection, and interested parties can submit protests or motions to intervene by February 3, 2025. Oswego Hydro proposes to continue operation in its current mode and has outlined plans for issues like fish passage and environmental protection.

The Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service are proposing to withdraw over 164,000 acres of land in the Upper Pecos River Watershed in New Mexico from being used under mining and leasing laws. This plan aims to protect the area's water quality, cultural resources, wildlife habitats, and recreational values. Public comments are being accepted before a decision is made, and a public meeting will take place in February 2025. During this time, the land may still be used for temporary activities approved by the authorities.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve updates to Oregon’s Smoke Management Plan, which is part of the state's State Implementation Plan (SIP) for air quality. The revisions, submitted in 2014 and 2019, aim to control smoke emissions from prescribed burning, ensuring they meet Clean Air Act standards. These changes involve incorporating more recent data and methods to manage smoke, protecting public health and air quality without increasing fire authorizations. The EPA has determined that these updates comply with national air quality standards and improve upon previous smoke management rules.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized a rule under the Toxic Substances Control Act to regulate the chemical 2,4,6-tris(tert-butyl)phenol (2,4,6-TTBP) due to its persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic nature. This rule prohibits the sale and distribution of products containing more than 0.3% of 2,4,6-TTBP in containers smaller than 35 gallons, effective January 6, 2026. The rule aims to reduce exposure to this chemical, particularly for consumers and small businesses using fuel and oil products. It requires that records of compliance be maintained for three years after the rule takes effect.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is planning to submit a request to extend an existing information collection related to vehicle emission inspection and maintenance programs run by state and local governments. The EPA wants public feedback on different aspects of this collection, which helps evaluate and improve these programs, ensuring they meet set emission reduction standards. The current approval for this data collection is valid only till October 31, 2021, and such projects require displaying a valid approval number to legally collect information from the public. Comments must be submitted by April 30, 2021, through the federal regulations website.

In a new executive order, the President directed all government agencies to review and potentially change or remove regulations from the past four years that conflict with national goals to protect public health and the environment and address climate change. The order also focuses on restoring national monuments and halting oil and gas activity in the Arctic Refuge to address environmental concerns. Additionally, it emphasized the importance of accurately assessing the costs of greenhouse gas emissions and revoked the 2019 permit for the Keystone XL Pipeline, arguing it does not serve the national interest. This executive order seeks to promote environmental justice, reduce emissions, and prioritize the transition to a clean energy economy.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve Pennsylvania's state implementation plan to maintain air quality standards for ozone in the York-Adams area. This plan, submitted by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, aims to uphold the 1997 standard for ozone until 2028, ensuring the region does not exceed limits set for air pollutants. The plan includes specific actions Pennsylvania will take to monitor and manage ozone levels, as well as steps to quickly address any potential violations. Public comments on this proposal are welcomed before final approval.