Search Results for keywords:"environmental regulations"

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved two new methods to test contaminants in drinking water, as outlined in a rule published in the Federal Register. This action permits public water systems and related agencies to use these alternative methods, offering more flexibility and potentially lowering monitoring costs without compromising public health. The approved methods, effective January 16, 2025, are EPA Method 537.1 for detecting selected PFAS chemicals and the e-sens Automated Micro Chlorine Detection Method for measuring free and total chlorine. These alternative methods are considered as effective as existing methods and are added as options for compliance under the Safe Drinking Water Act.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved a change to the Washington State Implementation Plan, removing a ban on small recreational fires in Thurston County. This ban, which was mistakenly added in 2013, covered fires using seasoned firewood or charcoal, commonly seen in backyards and campfires. The EPA confirmed that removing the ban won't harm air quality in the area. This update allows recreational fires in specific cities and surrounding areas within Thurston County, effective February 18, 2025.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), has issued a Letter of Authorization (LOA) to the Murphy Exploration and Production Company for activities in the Gulf of Mexico. This LOA allows the company to incidentally take small numbers of marine mammals while conducting geophysical surveys related to oil and gas activities. The authorization is based on specific regulations ensuring any impact on marine life is negligible, and it includes mitigating measures like monitoring and reporting. The survey is planned to last seven days within designated areas and is expected to comply with all applicable rules regarding the protection of marine mammals.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the release of data regarding emission allowance allocations for certain units under the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR) trading programs. The EPA completed calculations for the second round of allocations from the CSAPR new unit set-asides (NUSAs) for the 2020 control periods and made these details available on their website. The data includes allocations for both newly eligible and existing units. The EPA emphasized that allowances can be revised if a unit doesn't qualify at the start of the control period.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is proposing new procedures to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), including the addition of new categorical exclusions (CEs). These CEs are actions usually not expected to impact the environment significantly. NIST seeks public input on these draft procedures and the justification for the new CEs by January 10, 2025. The proposal is part of a larger effort to streamline and ensure consistency with environmental regulations.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to extend the information collection request related to the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for inorganic arsenic emissions from glass manufacturing plants. This extension, already approved until February 2025, allows for additional public comments until March 31, 2025. The EPA will continue collecting information to ensure these plants comply with environmental regulations, impacting around 16 glass manufacturing facilities. The estimated annual cost for compliance is $470,000, including maintenance expenses updated for inflation.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has updated a Letter of Authorization (LOA) for Shell Offshore Inc. concerning the incidental taking of marine mammals in the Gulf of Mexico during geophysical surveys. The expiration date of the LOA has been extended to October 31, 2025, due to changes in the survey schedule, and updated take estimates have been included in line with recent rule adjustments. No significant changes have been made to Shell's planned activities, and the LOA does not authorize the take of Rice's whales since these activities are not expected to overlap with their habitat. The updates ensure compliance with existing regulations and conservation standards.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved changes to the Ohio EPA's title V air permit rules. These updates redefine hazardous air pollutants and add requirements for a permit explanation that aligns with federal regulations, without making major changes to the existing rules. Most of the revisions are minor and part of Ohio's regular review of its regulations. This rule will take effect on February 28, 2025, unless significant negative feedback is received before January 29, 2025.

The Executive Order 14156 declares a national energy emergency, recognizing that the U.S. energy supply and infrastructure are inadequate to meet the country's needs. The order aims to improve domestic energy production and supply by leveraging emergency authorities, expediting infrastructure projects, and utilizing emergency permitting provisions. It also emphasizes the importance of cooperation between agencies to ensure energy security and addresses potential challenges arising from endangered species regulations. The order calls for coordinated efforts and assessments to protect national security and economic stability.

On December 13, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed changes to the rules about emissions from new and modified stationary combustion and gas turbines, focusing on reducing nitrogen oxides. Originally, the public had until March 13, 2025, to comment on this proposal. However, after receiving requests for more time to review, the EPA has reopened the public comment period, extending it an additional 21 days until April 15, 2025. People can submit their comments through various methods mentioned by the EPA, ensuring they include the correct docket ID in their submissions.