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The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has finalized a rule clarifying timelines and requirements for water quality certifications under section 401(a)(1) of the Clean Water Act related to hydroelectric projects. This rule specifies that certifying authorities have one year to act on certification requests and affirms that projects discharging into U.S. waters need such certification or a waiver. The regulation updates language for consistency with Environmental Protection Agency terms and sets a timeline for filing certification requests. Changes include revising when certain certifications are required and ensuring procedural alignment with existing federal laws, aiming to enhance clarity, efficiency, and consistency in related hydroelectric proceedings.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced its decision to grant California a waiver from federal Clean Air Act preemption for its Heavy-Duty Vehicle and Engine "Omnibus" Low NOx Regulations, allowing California to enforce its own stricter emission standards. This decision also includes an authorization for parts of the regulations concerning off-road diesel engines. The EPA concluded that California's regulations are necessary due to the state's specific air quality needs and that they are at least as protective of public health as federal standards. Petitions to review this decision must be submitted by March 7, 2025.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a notice that provides updates on the receipt and status of various chemical notices and reports under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) for November 2020. The notice lists the types of submissions received, such as Premanufacture Notices (PMNs), Significant New Use Notices (SNUNs), and Microbial Commercial Activity Notices (MCANs), and highlights the EPA's ongoing review process. Under the amended TSCA, the EPA is required to publish specific information and determinations regarding new chemical substances. The information is also available on the EPA website and updated weekly for public access.

The Acting Secretary of Homeland Security has decided to waive certain legal requirements to quickly build barriers and roads near the U.S.-Mexico border in Imperial County, California. This determination is based on the high levels of illegal entry, drug seizures, and other security concerns in the area. The barriers aim to prevent unlawful crossings and enhance U.S. border security, as mandated by various laws and executive orders. The waiver covers numerous statutes and regulations to ensure the swift completion of the project.

The Department of Justice announced a proposed legal agreement, or consent decree, in a lawsuit against The Dow Chemical Company, Union Carbide Corp, and Performance Materials, NA, Inc. The lawsuit, filed under the Clean Air Act, accuses these companies of violating environmental regulations at their plants in Louisiana and Texas. The proposed consent decree outlines a requirement for the companies to carry out corrective actions, pay a $3 million fine, and complete environmental projects in Louisiana. The public is invited to comment on this proposal until 30 days after the announcement.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has granted final authorization to Utah's changes in its hazardous waste management program, effective February 21, 2025. This approval means facilities in Utah must comply with state requirements that align with federal standards under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). Utah is authorized to enforce its program except in Indian Country and will issue necessary permits, but the EPA retains the right to conduct inspections and enforce regulations. These changes were codified into the federal regulations, allowing Utah to implement its own hazardous waste management program.

The Susquehanna River Basin Commission issued a notice listing General Permits that were approved during January 2025. These permits include one for the Selinsgrove Municipal Authority related to emergency or maintenance activities for water supply usage. The notice provides the necessary contact information for further inquiries and refers to specific regulatory and statutory provisions. The approval details involve activities set to comply with existing water management regulations.

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) 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 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.