Search Results for keywords:"environmental protection"

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has updated the schedule for a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) related to Idaho Power Company's Hells Canyon Project. Initially, Idaho Power filed a license renewal application in 2003 and a settlement in 2019 to include measures for fish passage and environmental protection. The updated timeline allows more time to analyze new proposals and agreements involving federal lands and wildlife considerations. Idaho Power intends to file revised biological assessments by June 2025, and FERC may adjust the schedule as necessary.

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) has made available a notice about the weekly receipt of Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) for a period ending on January 4, 2021. According to Section 309(a) of the Clean Air Act, the EPA is required to make its comments on EISs from other federal agencies public. One such draft EIS mentioned is for the South Fork Wind Farm and South Fork Export Cable Project, with comments open until February 22, 2021. Cindy S. Barger from the Office of Federal Activities is directing this process.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reviewed a petition requesting testing of 54 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) produced by Chemours Company in North Carolina. The petition, submitted by several health and environmental groups, also asked for a National Academy of Sciences panel to oversee the testing. After considering the information, EPA denied the request, stating that the petition didn't provide enough specific facts to warrant a new rule or order under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). EPA highlighted ongoing actions and research addressing PFAS risks and noted that some existing projects may already cover the requested testing.

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) 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 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.

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 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized a rule targeting the chemical perchloroethylene (PCE), which poses significant health risks. This rule aims to limit the use of PCE in industrial, commercial, and consumer applications. It includes a phaseout of PCE in dry cleaning over a 10-year period and imposes restrictions such as workplace controls to protect workers and consumers. The rule addresses exposure risks such as neurotoxicity and carcinogenicity, promoting safer alternatives and ensuring compliance with new safety standards.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a final rule establishing an exemption from tolerance requirements for Bacillus thuringiensis strain EX 297512. This strain can now be used as a non-active ingredient in pesticides for seed treatment without needing to meet specific residue limits, as supported by a petition from BASF Corporation. The EPA has determined based on scientific data that this exemption poses no harm to human health, including infants and children, as it involves low toxicity levels. The rule is effective from February 25, 2025, with any objections or hearing requests needed by April 28, 2025.