Search Results for keywords:"environmental protection"

The Coast Guard has issued a temporary rule to create a safety zone in Queensway Bay, Long Beach, due to a fireworks display on December 31, 2024. This safety zone, in effect from 11 p.m. on December 31, 2024, to 12:30 a.m. on January 1, 2025, restricts entry into the area to protect people and the environment from potential hazards. Vessels and individuals are prohibited from entering the zone without permission from the Captain of the Port Los Angeles-Long Beach or a designated representative. The rule is intended to provide safety while minimizing impact on maritime activities, and the Coast Guard encourages small entities affected by the rule to reach out for assistance if needed.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has reviewed the application for a new license for the Chittenden Falls Hydroelectric Project in New York and prepared an Environmental Assessment (EA). The analysis concluded that, with appropriate environmental protections, the project will not significantly impact the environment. FERC is seeking public comments on the EA within 45 days of this notice, with a preference for electronic submissions via their eFiling system. People can view the EA online and register for updates on this project through FERC's website.

The Department of State will hold a public meeting on March 27, 2025, at 10 a.m. ET to prepare for the upcoming International Maritime Organization's (IMO) Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 83) session. The meeting will occur both in person at the Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, DC, and virtually via Microsoft Teams. Participants can discuss agenda items like air pollution prevention, energy efficiency of ships, and marine plastic litter reduction. Interested individuals should RSVP by March 21, 2025, to ensure a spot and receive teleconference details.

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) has rescheduled the meeting dates for the Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals (SACC) regarding the draft risk evaluation of 1,3-butadiene. The preparatory meeting will occur on March 25, 2025, and the peer review meeting will be from April 1 to 4, 2025; these will be virtual public meetings. People can submit comments or register to speak at these meetings through the EPA's website. The meetings will cover the evaluation of potential risks associated with 1,3-butadiene, a chemical substance used in various industrial processes.

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 Executive Order 14225, titled "Immediate Expansion of American Timber Production," aims to boost domestic timber production by reducing regulatory barriers. It directs the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture to update guidance and implement strategies for more efficient timber production and forest management. This involves streamlining processes under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), eliminating unnecessary permitting delays, and considering categorical exclusions to simplify environmental assessments. The Order also emphasizes coordination among agencies to identify and address obstacles to domestic timber production.

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.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of the Army aim to involve various stakeholders in discussions about the "waters of the United States" definition due to a recent Supreme Court ruling. The agencies plan to hold listening sessions and are actively seeking written feedback from the public to inform future administrative actions and clarify the Clean Water Act's jurisdiction. They also address concerns regarding the Revised Definition of "Waters of the United States" stemming from the Supreme Court's decision in Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency, impacting the way certain water bodies are regulated under federal law. This effort emphasizes broad public engagement to ensure clear and consistent understanding and implementation.