Search Results for keywords:"environmental law"

The Department of Justice has filed a proposed update to the 2006 Consent Decree with the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut. This case involves the United States and the State of Connecticut seeking action against the Metropolitan District of Hartford for violations of the Clean Water Act. The modification extends the deadline for removing certain sewage overflow points and sets a new plan for reducing water infiltration into the sewer system. Public comments on this proposal are open for thirty days, and the decree can be accessed online or by requesting assistance.

The Department of Justice has announced that it lodged a proposed Consent Decree with the District Court of the Southern District of New York, involving a lawsuit against Toyota Motor Corporation and others. The case is about violations of emission-defect reporting regulations under the Clean Air Act. Under the proposed agreement, Toyota will pay $180 million and agree to injunctive relief. The public can comment on this agreement within 30 days of the notice publication by contacting the Assistant Attorney General and referring to the case details provided.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve two revised rules for the Mendocino County Air Quality Management District as part of California's State Implementation Plan (SIP). These rule changes address deficiencies previously identified by the EPA concerning air pollution permits for new and modified stationary sources. The proposal aims to ensure compliance with the Clean Air Act by incorporating necessary requirements into local rules. The public is invited to comment on this proposal until March 24, 2021.

The Department of Justice has submitted a proposed consent decree to a New Mexico court regarding a lawsuit against HF Sinclair Navajo Refining LLC, alleging that they violated air quality laws at their refinery. The proposed settlement requires HF Sinclair to pay a $35 million civil penalty and undertake various projects to reduce harmful emissions. The public is invited to comment on this decree within 30 days of its publication, with details available on the Department of Justice's website. Comments can be submitted via email or mail, and may be added to the public court record.

The Department of Justice has lodged a proposed consent decree with a North Carolina court involving a lawsuit against Pilkington North America, Inc. for violating the Clean Air Act. The company reportedly failed to secure necessary permits and use technology to control pollutants from its glass manufacturing plant. Under the decree, Pilkington will install equipment to control and monitor emissions and will conduct annual tests. Public comments on this proposal are welcome for 30 days following the notice's publication.

The Department of Justice is notifying the public about a proposed Consent Decree in the case of United States v. Elmore Sand & Gravel, Inc., which was filed in the Middle District of Alabama on January 17, 2025. The United States accused the defendant of violating the Clean Water Act by discharging pollutants without permission. To resolve these charges, the company will implement mandatory measures like stabilization, wastewater management, and preservation. The public can submit written comments on the proposed decree for 30 days from the notice's publication.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has officially listed the swale paintbrush, a plant from New Mexico and parts of Mexico, as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. This final rule provides protections for the plant, which is at risk due to habitat loss, climate change, and other threats, though no critical habitat will be designated due to collection risks. The decision's goal is to prevent the plant from becoming extinct, recognizing its precarious status with actions set to be effective on January 6, 2025.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has announced that the California State Water Resources Control Board received an application for a Clean Water Act section 401 water quality certification from the South Sutter Water District on October 25, 2024. The Water Board must respond to this request by October 25, 2025. If the Board fails to act by then, the certification requirement will be considered waived according to federal law.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed to change the status of Furbish’s lousewort, a plant species, from "endangered" to "threatened" under the Endangered Species Act. The proposal suggests measures to conserve the plant, focusing on preventing harm due to climate change and habitat loss. Public comments are invited, and specific regulations are recommended to protect the species. This action is based on scientific findings indicating that the immediate threat to the plant has been reduced, but long-term challenges remain.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking comments on its draft analyses comparing two sets of protective values for aquatic life affected by pesticides. These values are developed under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and the Clean Water Act (CWA). The agency's findings suggest that the values from both legal frameworks are similarly effective in protecting aquatic life. The EPA is considering adopting the benchmarks from the Office of Pesticides Programs (OPP) as national water quality recommendations, with public comments due by January 27, 2025.