Search Results for keywords:"environmental protection"

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 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized a rule under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) requiring manufacturers to submit unpublished health and safety studies on 16 specific chemicals. This rule, effective January 13, 2025, aims to collect important data to help the EPA understand potential risks associated with these chemicals and manage them appropriately under TSCA guidelines, especially for prioritization and risk evaluation purposes. The rule includes details on which studies need to be reported, exemptions, and how to submit the information; it is intended to address market failures by ensuring the EPA can make informed decisions based on actual data rather than assumptions.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized a rule under the Toxic Substances Control Act to regulate the chemical 2,4,6-tris(tert-butyl)phenol (2,4,6-TTBP) due to its persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic nature. This rule prohibits the sale and distribution of products containing more than 0.3% of 2,4,6-TTBP in containers smaller than 35 gallons, effective January 6, 2026. The rule aims to reduce exposure to this chemical, particularly for consumers and small businesses using fuel and oil products. It requires that records of compliance be maintained for three years after the rule takes effect.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is planning to submit a request to extend an existing information collection related to vehicle emission inspection and maintenance programs run by state and local governments. The EPA wants public feedback on different aspects of this collection, which helps evaluate and improve these programs, ensuring they meet set emission reduction standards. The current approval for this data collection is valid only till October 31, 2021, and such projects require displaying a valid approval number to legally collect information from the public. Comments must be submitted by April 30, 2021, through the federal regulations website.

The National Park Service has finalized new regulations for motor vehicle use in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. These rules update the use of off-road vehicles (ORVs), including prohibiting certain vehicles from using specific roads to protect natural resources, cultural features, and improve visitor experiences. The regulations also address issues like lake access, by requiring closures of specific areas below certain water levels, and establish longer quiet hours in designated areas to reduce noise pollution. The rules result from settlements over previous legal challenges, aiming to balance recreation and conservation efforts in the park.

The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) of the Interior Department is requesting public comments on renewing a collection of information regarding coal exploration activities. This request aims to gather input on the necessity, timeliness, accuracy, and potential improvements of this information collection. The process affects state governments and mine permittees, requiring them to comply with federal environmental protection standards in coal exploration. Public comments are invited by March 16, 2021, and those submitted will be part of the public record.

The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone on the Lower Mississippi River in Natchez, MS, between Mile Marker 368 and 370, due to line pulling operations. This rule, effective from January 14, 2021, to February 5, 2021, aims to protect people and the environment from potential hazards. Unauthorized entry into the zone is prohibited, but vessels can request permission to enter from the Captain of the Port or an appointed representative. The rule ensures safety while not significantly impacting small businesses or the environment.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plans to submit a request to renew its WaterSense Program, which promotes water-efficient products and practices, to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval. Public comments are being sought on various aspects of the information collection before submission. WaterSense partners, including manufacturers and retailers, will be involved voluntarily, with the estimated total burden over three years expected to be 6,830 hours annually, at a cost of $598,527 per year. Recent program changes have reportedly reduced the estimated burden and operational costs.

The Coast Guard is setting up a temporary safety zone on the Atchafalaya River near Cypress Passage for a planned demolition of overhead powerlines scheduled on January 9, 2025. This area will be off-limits to vessels and people within a 500-yard radius, except with permission, to protect against the hazards posed by powerlines on the water's surface during the 12-hour operation. This rule is intended to ensure the safety of personnel, vessels, and the marine environment in the vicinity of the demolition. The regulation will be enforced through communication on VHF radio channels, and it is not expected to have significant economic impacts on small businesses.

The Coast Guard has set up a temporary safety zone in the Richmond Entrance Channel near Richmond, CA, to deal with a hydrocarbon release from the Richmond Long Wharf. Effective from February 10 to 16, 2021, this zone prevents unauthorized people or vessels from entering or passing through the area without permission from the Captain of the Port San Francisco. This measure is necessary to ensure the safety of life, vessels, and the environment while the response to the hydrocarbon release is underway. The rule emphasizes the temporary nature of this safety zone and assures minimal impact on local waterway users through prior notifications.