Search Results for keywords:"environmental regulations"

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), has received a request from the U.S. Navy to renew an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) for the NOAA Office of Marine and Aviation Operations (OMAO). This renewal allows for the incidental taking of marine mammals during the construction needed for relocating NOAA research vessels at Naval Station Newport in Rhode Island. The activities are nearly identical to those already analyzed in an existing authorization and the renewal will allow continuation for up to another year. NMFS has preliminarily determined that the proposed actions will not have a significant impact on marine mammals and seeks additional public comments before making a final decision.

Northern States Power Company-Wisconsin has filed a notice with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) indicating its intent to apply for a new license for the Hayward Hydroelectric Project on the Namekagon River in Wisconsin. They have also been approved to use the Traditional Licensing Process and are seeking to consult with various agencies about environmental and historical regulations. The company has provided a Pre-Application Document, which is available on the FERC website, and has declared their intent to submit the final application by November 30, 2023. Public consultation is being initiated as part of this process.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the release of data regarding emission allowance allocations for certain units under the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR) trading programs. The EPA completed calculations for the second round of allocations from the CSAPR new unit set-asides (NUSAs) for the 2020 control periods and made these details available on their website. The data includes allocations for both newly eligible and existing units. The EPA emphasized that allowances can be revised if a unit doesn't qualify at the start of the control period.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has submitted a request to extend an existing information collection, called the Consolidated Air Rule, which applies to facilities in the Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturing Industry. This rule helps ensure compliance with various environmental regulations by offering a single, consolidated set of requirements. Public comments on the proposal are being requested until January 27, 2025. The EPA reports an increase in the estimated reporting burden due to a rise in facilities choosing this compliance method and industry growth.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) plans to prepare a supplemental environmental impact statement (SEIS) for cleanup efforts at the Santa Susana Field Laboratory in California, focusing on Area IV and the Northern Buffer Zone. This SEIS will explore new alternatives for soil remediation, as prior efforts have faced challenges like unattainable cleanup standards and false positive results in testing. The DOE seeks public comments on these plans during a 60-day scoping period and will hold two public meetings to gather input and discuss the proposed actions and their potential environmental impacts. The SEIS aims to ensure that the cleanup is thorough and complies with environmental regulations to protect public health and safety.

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), acting on behalf of the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), has announced final decisions regarding a highway project in California. The project involves extending the eastbound truck climbing lane on Interstate 10, covering areas in San Bernardino and Riverside Counties. These decisions include granting necessary licenses and approvals, and the public has until July 29, 2021, to file any legal challenges. The actions comply with several environmental regulations, ensuring no significant impact from the project.

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 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) 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.