Search Results for keywords:"environmental justice"

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing changes to the Regional Haze Rule related to state visibility protection plans. Specifically, they want to extend the deadline for states to submit their implementation plans from 2028 to 2031, allowing more time to address updates that might arise from future revisions to the rule. This proposed extension aims to give states enough time to develop comprehensive plans and coordinate them with other air quality programs. The EPA is seeking public feedback on these proposed changes and alternative deadlines.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized a rule to update the Federal Implementation Plan (FIP) for sulfur dioxide emissions from four sources in Billings and Laurel, Montana. This rule removes the previous allowance for exceeding emission limits during malfunctions, startups, and shutdowns, as it did not align with the Clean Air Act. The EPA conducted an environmental justice analysis and found no significant disparities in pollution burden around the affected facilities. This rule will take effect on February 18, 2025, and is intended to have a neutral to positive impact on local air quality.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a final rule establishing deadlines for states to submit revisions to their air quality plans when a region is reclassified as having worse ozone pollution. This rule specifies the requirements for new deadlines when areas are reclassified under the Clean Air Act, aiming to ensure consistent and timely submission of needed plans to improve air quality. The rule also simplifies the process by removing some past obligations that no longer apply once an area has been reclassified. These changes help to ensure that areas meet national air quality standards effectively.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is inviting public comments on a draft Pesticide Registration Notice about tracking bilingual labeling on pesticide product labels. This effort, required by the Pesticide Registration Improvement Act of 2022, aims to monitor how Spanish translations are added to pesticide labels to improve accessibility for farmworkers. The agency emphasizes that while the draft is a guide and not legally binding, it seeks to enhance environmental justice and compliance with safety instructions. Public comments are due by February 3, 2025.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve revisions submitted by California concerning its State Implementation Plan (SIP), which includes regulations for reducing emissions from new vehicles and engines. The updates encompass several rules on vehicle emissions, such as transitioning to more zero-emission trucks and shuttles, extending warranties for heavy-duty diesel engines, and setting up testing standards for zero-emission powertrains. These regulations are designed to help California meet federal air quality standards and reduce air pollution from vehicles. Comments on this proposal are open until January 21, 2025.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved a final rule regarding air pollution control for municipal solid waste landfills in Missouri. The rule acknowledges measures submitted by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to meet the Clean Air Act's requirements. This approval updates and incorporates specific state rules, setting guidelines to manage emissions effectively and replacing existing federal plans in Missouri. The final rule will take effect on January 15, 2025.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has published a notice about several filings received from various energy companies, which include requests for market power analysis, tariff amendments, rate filings, and waiver requests. Interested parties can comment on these filings by specific dates in January and February 2025. In addition, stakeholders such as landowners and environmental justice communities can seek assistance from FERC's Office of Public Participation for help with engagement in these proceedings. All filings are accessible through FERC's online eLibrary system.

In a Notice of Inquiry, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is seeking new information and viewpoints from stakeholders regarding the certification of new interstate natural gas transportation facilities. This initiative is an effort to explore potential changes in their policies, especially concerning the necessity of proposed projects, environmental impacts, and the effects on communities, including those focused on environmental justice. FERC is also interested in improving the efficiency of the certification process and invites comments on several related questions, due by April 26, 2021, providing guidance on how stakeholders can submit their opinions.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has received a new major license application from Virginia Electric and Power Company, doing business as Dominion Energy Virginia, Allegheny Generating Company, and Bath County Energy, LLC, for the Bath County Pumped Storage Project in Virginia. The project entails substantial infrastructure, including reservoirs, dams, a powerhouse, and transmission lines, and generates and consumes a significant amount of energy annually. Dominion proposes to upgrade the turbine-generator units without any other major changes to the project's structure or operations. FERC provides opportunities for public inspection and participation throughout the licensing process, with a procedural schedule provided for necessary actions.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking public feedback on its proposed decisions regarding four pesticides: alpha methyl mannoside, Duddingtonia flagrans strain IAH 1297, Pepino mosaic virus strain CH2 isolate 1906, and sheep fat. The EPA proposes that no further review is required at this time, as these pesticides meet federal safety standards, showing low levels of toxicity and exposure. Public comments on these proposals are open until February 10, 2025, and should be submitted via the EPA's online portal. The EPA aims to ensure these decisions align with its commitment to environmental justice and user safety.