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The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved a revision to Pennsylvania's state implementation plan (SIP), which ensures that the 1997 8-hour ozone national ambient air quality standards will be maintained in the Scranton-Wilkes-Barre area. This action follows Pennsylvania's submission of a second maintenance plan, which fulfills federal requirements for continued air quality management. The EPA received supportive comments on this plan and did not face any opposition. The revision does not impose new requirements but strengthens existing state measures to maintain air quality standards.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve a revision to Pennsylvania's state implementation plan (SIP) to ensure that ozone levels in the Clearfield and Indiana Counties meet the 1997 8-hour ground-level ozone standard through 2029. This plan, submitted by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, includes steps to maintain air quality, such as regular monitoring, an emissions inventory, and a contingency plan to address potential violations. EPA is inviting public comments on this proposal, which aligns with the requirements of the Clean Air Act.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has received a water quality certification request from Northern States Power Company for a specific project. This request was submitted to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy on December 6, 2024. The Michigan authorities have one year, until December 6, 2025, to make a decision on this request. If no action is taken by that date, the certification will be considered waived under the Clean Water Act.

DoD, GSA, and NASA have decided to withdraw a proposed rule that aimed to amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) for disclosing greenhouse gas emissions and climate-related financial risks. The proposal stemmed from Executive Order 14030 and involved major Federal suppliers setting science-based reduction targets. The decision to withdraw is due to the lack of time in the Biden-Harris Administration to finalize the rule and evolving industry practices and standards. The agencies will continue to monitor and consider future actions concerning greenhouse gas disclosure.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved a revision to Pennsylvania's State Implementation Plan (SIP) for maintaining air quality standards for ozone in the Harrisburg-Lebanon-Carlisle area. This revision helps ensure the area continues to meet the 1997 8-hour ozone standards through 2027. The EPA found that Pennsylvania's submission satisfied legal requirements, even after discovering a minor computational error in emission data that did not affect the decision. This approval makes certain air quality maintenance commitments enforceable under federal law.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has been informed by the Washington State Department of Ecology about a request from Seattle City Light for a Clean Water Act section 401(a)(1) water quality certification. This request, related to a specific project, was received on January 30, 2025. Washington Ecology has until January 30, 2026, to act on this request. If they do not respond by this deadline, their authority to certify is considered waived.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a final rule determining that the St. Clair, Michigan area met the 2010 sulfur dioxide (SO₂) national ambient air quality standards by September 12, 2021. This decision is based on various data, including emissions and air quality reports. However, the area remains classified as nonattainment for these standards until specific criteria are met. This action, effective January 27, 2025, does not create new requirements or significantly impact small entities.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced that the rule designating the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary will become effective on November 30, 2024. The final rule was initially published on October 16, 2024, in the Federal Register. This designation is part of NOAA's efforts under the National Marine Sanctuaries Act to protect marine areas and resources.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 9 is planning to renew a permit that allows treated wastewater to be discharged from bulk fuel storage facilities located in Guam. This proposed permit, identified as Permit No. GUG000001, will be valid for five years and is currently open for public comments. People can submit their comments until May 19, 2025. The permit aims to manage resources efficiently while maintaining consistent conditions for similar facilities, and more information can be found on the EPA Region 9 website.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a final rule exempting certain pesticide residues in food from needing a tolerance level when used according to label guidelines. Specifically, residues of Pseudomonas oryzihabitans strain SYM23945 in all food commodities are exempt as they are deemed non-toxic and safe based on data evaluation. This ruling ensures there is no significant risk to human health, including infants and children. The decision, effective March 27, 2025, reiterates that no maximum permissible residue level is required for this strain when used properly.