Search Results for keywords:"Environmental Protection Agency"

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve Wisconsin's request to withdraw a previous declaration that stated it had no Large Municipal Waste Combustors (LMWCs). Now, with one LMWC unit operating, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources wants the federal plan to apply to this single unit instead of creating a new state plan. The EPA believes it would be unreasonable to require Wisconsin to make a state plan for just one unit and is moving forward with allowing the federal plan to remain in effect. This proposed rule will have no significant economic impact on small entities.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve Oklahoma's plan to control emissions from municipal solid waste landfills, as mandated by the Clean Air Act. This state plan aims to regulate existing landfills' pollutants in line with federal guidelines, making the plan federally enforceable if approved. The EPA evaluated the plan, confirming it meets federal requirements, and it will affect certain areas, including specific parts of Indian country in Oklahoma. The public can submit comments on this proposal until February 18, 2025.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined that several areas in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, and Wisconsin have failed to meet the 2015 ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards by the required deadline. As a result, these areas will be reclassified as "Serious" nonattainment zones starting January 16, 2025. This reclassification means that they must now meet stricter regulations to reduce ozone pollution by August 3, 2027. This decision is part of the EPA's duty to ensure air quality improves in areas that do not meet federal standards.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has made an interim final decision regarding changes made to air quality management rules by the Antelope Valley Air Quality Management District in California. The EPA's decision temporarily halts certain penalties and delays others that were set in motion due to earlier disapproval of these rules on July 3, 2023. The decision follows revisions aimed at fixing previous shortcomings, and the public is allowed to comment by April 25, 2025. If no further issues are found, all related sanctions will be fully lifted.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has officially approved the State of Washington's request to redesignate a part of Whatcom County from a "nonattainment" area to an "attainment" area for sulfur dioxide (SO₂) air quality standards. This redesignation follows the closure of the Intalco Aluminum LLC smelter, which previously caused high SO₂ levels. Alongside the redesignation, EPA has approved Washington's maintenance plan to ensure the area continues to meet air quality standards, which includes monitoring strategies for future potential pollution sources. This decision was finalized on December 11, 2024, and becomes effective on January 16, 2025.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed a rule to improve air quality standards for facilities that work with flexible polyurethane foam, as required by the Clean Air Act. This proposal focuses on reducing emissions of hazardous air pollutants by setting new standards for certain operations, like flame laminators and loop slitters, and updating reporting requirements to be fully electronic. These changes aim to provide better monitoring and compliance without significantly changing the current emission levels, ensuring both environmental protection and the continuation of existing industry practices. The proposal also eliminates exemptions during events such as startup and shutdown, meaning that emission standards will apply at all times.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a correction to a previous rule regarding Utah's State Implementation Plans (SIP) for the 2015 ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards. Initially, the EPA mistakenly stated that no comments were received during the public comment period. However, it turned out they had overlooked one electronically submitted comment. The EPA clarified that they had temporarily stopped accepting mailed comments because of COVID-19, but they maintained the requirement to consider public feedback through electronic means. This rule is now effective as of February 23, 2021.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established new tolerances for residues of the herbicide orthosulfamuron on certain agricultural commodities like almond hulls, tree nuts, and small fruit vine climbing plants, excluding fuzzy kiwifruit. Nichino America, Inc. requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). This decision follows a review of scientific data, ensuring that the pesticide is safe for humans, including sensitive groups like infants and children. The regulation is effective as of February 17, 2021, while any objections or requests for a hearing are due by April 19, 2021.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released a notice about the receipt and status of certain chemicals for January 2021 under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). This report covers Premanufacture Notices (PMNs), Significant New Use Notices (SNUNs), and Microbial Commercial Activity Notices (MCANs), including any amendments and test information. It also provides updates on exemption applications, test marketing exemptions, and notices of commencement for new chemical substances under review or those whose review has been recently concluded. The information is available online and is updated weekly to inform the public and interested parties.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced updates to the rules for managing lead and copper in drinking water to better protect public health. These changes include improved methods to detect high levels of lead, enhance sampling reliability, and increase public awareness on the risks of lead exposure. For the first time, community water systems are required to test lead in drinking water at schools and childcare facilities. The rule also aims to speed up the replacement of lead service lines and close existing regulatory gaps to ensure safer drinking water.