Search Results for keywords:"environmental policy"

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined that the Las Vegas area did not meet the 2015 ozone national air quality standards by the August 3, 2024, deadline. As a result, the area will be reclassified from "Moderate" to "Serious" nonattainment status on January 21, 2025. This change means that Las Vegas must comply with stricter air quality regulations and achieve the standards by August 3, 2027. The EPA’s decision is based on data showing ozone levels exceeding the allowed limits, and this decision follows the requirements of the Clean Air Act.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has announced the availability of the Record of Decision and Approved Resource Management Plan for the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument, covering lands in Oregon, Washington, and California. This plan, signed on January 7, 2025, sets guidelines for the effective management and protection of the natural resources and cultural sites within the monument. The management plan was developed after collaboration with regulatory agencies and Tribal Nations and ensures that existing policies are updated to meet current management needs. Despite receiving several protest letters and undergoing a review by the Governors of Oregon and California, no changes were needed in the final plan.

In a memorandum dated January 6, 2025, the President of the United States directed the withdrawal of certain areas in the Northern Bering Sea Climate Resilience Area from being available for oil and natural gas leasing. This decision aims to protect marine and coastal environments, considering the area's vulnerability to oil spills and the urgent need to address climate change. The withdrawal affects specific regions but does not impact existing leases or previous withdrawals made under different executive orders. The memorandum emphasizes being responsible stewards of the environment while trying to build resilience against climate change.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reopened the comment period for two proposed rules published on January 17, 2025, and January 21, 2025. These rules involve adding certain PFAS to the Toxics Release Inventory and updating methods for analyzing contaminants under the Clean Water Act. The new deadline for submitting comments is March 24, 2025. Interested parties are encouraged to review these proposed rules and share their feedback with the EPA.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has released the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Bridge Creek Area Allotment Management Plans in southeastern Oregon. This document considers whether to issue 10-year grazing permits and approve management plans for four allotments. The proposed plans discuss adjusting grazing boundaries, animal unit months, and addressing issues like wildfire risk and unauthorized grazing. The BLM is exploring five alternatives, ranging from issuing permits similar to those previously issued to no action being taken. Public comments will be considered, with a 45-day submission window after the EIS is published by the Environmental Protection Agency.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has announced the release of the Record of Decision for the Approved Resource Management Plan for the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument in New Mexico. This plan, which replaces the previous 1993 management guidance, aims to protect and conserve the land's natural and cultural resources. It was finalized after considering public input and aligns with various legal and environmental standards. The new plan also adopts updates on the social cost of greenhouse gases and includes guidelines for a future travel management plan.

The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) is withdrawing its draft guidance on considering greenhouse gas emissions in line with President Biden's Executive Order 13990, which aims to protect public health and the environment. This rescission is part of a larger effort to update and align environmental policies with current climate goals. Although the draft guidance is withdrawn, agencies are encouraged to use available resources, including the 2016 guidance, when assessing the climate impact of their actions. The CEQ will later announce any updates to the previous guidance.

The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) has announced the launch of an online portal that provides access to its guidance documents, in line with Executive Order 13891, "Promoting the Rule of Law Through Improved Agency Guidance Documents." This portal can be found at whitehouse.gov/ceq/resources. The guidance documents available through the portal do not have the force of law unless specified by statute or contract, and are aimed at clarifying existing legal requirements. Additionally, the portal will link to final rules on CEQ’s procedures for issuing guidance documents.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has released a Supplemental Programmatic Environmental Assessment (SPEA) to reassess the analysis from the 2011 Final Programmatic Environmental Assessment for Safe Room Construction. The agency's reevaluation suggests that there will be no significant environmental impacts from building, renovating, or retrofitting safe rooms across the country, which are eligible for FEMA grant funding. FEMA seeks public feedback on the proposed action, affirming that an Environmental Impact Statement is unnecessary and plans to finalize both SPEA and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI). The final documents will be accessible through the FEMA NEPA Repository website.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has released the Record of Decision for the Greater Sage-Grouse habitat management in Oregon, stating no new land use planning is needed. After years of planning and environmental reviews, the BLM has addressed all necessary conservation efforts, and the existing plans from 2019 will remain unchanged. The comprehensive review included analyzing environmental impacts, considering a wide range of alternatives, and discussing compensatory mitigation. This decision is final and not open to protest or appeal.