Search Results for keywords:"Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)"

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a final rule under the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act to extend the deadline for installing new variable refrigerant flow (VRF) air conditioning and heat pump systems that use specific hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). These systems can be installed until January 1, 2027, if their components were made or imported before January 1, 2026. An additional extension to January 1, 2028, is allowed for projects with building permits issued before October 5, 2023, approving the use of these HFCs. The aim is to give more time for the installation and avoid wasting unsold VRF system inventories.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved Massachusetts' State Implementation Plan (SIP) submission, which meets most infrastructure requirements for the 2015 ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) under the Clean Air Act. However, EPA issued a finding of failure for certain parts related to the prevention of significant deterioration (PSD) program requirements. Despite this, the finding will not lead to sanctions or new federal requirements, as Massachusetts is already under a Federal Implementation Plan for PSD. The decision was based on Massachusetts demonstrating they have adequate resources and authority for SIP enforcement, even considering potential impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve a revision to New York's State Implementation Plan (SIP) to reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from certain combustion turbines during the ozone season. The revision includes stricter emission limits aimed at improving air quality and meeting federal ozone standards. New York's approach involves phasing in the new limits and offers flexibility to turbine operators through two compliance options. This proposal is part of ongoing efforts to clear harmful pollutants and protect public health by ensuring states adhere to the Clean Air Act.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is issuing a final rule under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to limit the use of pentachlorothiophenol (PCTP), a chemical identified as persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic. The rule prohibits manufacturing, processing, and distributing PCTP and PCTP-containing products if the concentration exceeds 1% by weight. This restriction aims to lower the availability and exposure of PCTP, thereby reducing the potential risks to human health and the environment. By enforcing these limits, the EPA encourages the use of safer alternatives and reduces environmental and human exposure to PCTP.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve updates to Florida's regional haze state implementation plan (SIP), addressing pollution that affects visibility in national parks and wilderness areas. These updates, submitted by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) in 2021 and 2024, comply with the Clean Air Act and EPA's Regional Haze Rule requirements for the second planning period. The plan focuses on reducing pollutants like sulfur dioxide from major sources in Florida and includes cooperative efforts with neighboring states to address cross-border pollution effects. If approved, the updates will become enforceable under federal law.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve a revision to Maryland's air quality plan. This revision confirms that there are no sources in Maryland subject to the 2016 Oil and Gas Control Techniques Guidelines, which set standards to control air pollution from oil and gas facilities. Maryland conducted a thorough review and found no facilities that meet the criteria requiring them to follow these guidelines. The EPA is open to public comments on this proposal and will consider them before making a final decision.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing updates to the fees charged under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) for fiscal years 2022 to 2024. This proposal aims to adjust existing fees and introduce new fee categories to ensure the fees offset a portion of the costs of the EPA's responsibilities under TSCA. New exemptions are also proposed for certain manufacturers to reduce the burden on smaller entities and those engaged in specific activities, like research and development. EPA seeks to redistribute the fees more equitably among manufacturers based on production volume, aiming to refine the fee process from previous implementations and ensure industries that contribute to chemical manufacturing support EPA's oversight and evaluation efforts.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking public comments on a draft risk evaluation for Dicyclohexyl phthalate (DCHP) under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). This evaluation aims to determine if DCHP poses an unreasonable risk to human health or the environment, focusing only on risk factors and not on costs. The draft suggests that DCHP presents a risk, particularly in occupational settings, while consumer and general population risks are not significantly concerning. Public comments are invited until March 10, 2025, and feedback will be considered before finalizing the evaluation.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has decided to partially approve and partially disapprove parts of North Dakota's regional haze plan (SIP) for its second implementation period. This decision was made because certain aspects of the plan, such as its long-term strategy and goals for reasonable progress, did not meet the necessary requirements under the Clean Air Act. Specifically, North Dakota relied on visibility thresholds that the EPA found unreasonable, which led to rejecting feasible and cost-effective controls on pollution sources like Coyote Station and Antelope Valley. However, other elements of the plan, such as calculations of visibility conditions and monitoring strategies, were approved.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved California's request to update its small off-road engine regulations. These updates, made by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) in 2016 and 2021, aim to reduce pollution emissions from engines used in equipment like lawnmowers and leaf blowers. The new standards, starting in 2024, will require most of these engines to emit zero emissions. The EPA granted this authorization because California's regulations are as protective of public health as the current federal standards and are necessary due to California's unique environmental challenges.