Search Results for keywords:"Clean Air Act"

The Department of Justice has lodged a proposed consent decree with a South Carolina court as part of a lawsuit against LANXESS Corporation. The lawsuit, filed under the Clean Air Act, claims that LANXESS failed to properly manage and monitor equipment at its Charleston facility to prevent hazardous air pollutant leaks. The proposed decree includes a $650,000 civil penalty and requires LANXESS to perform substantial environmental projects, costing at least $3.545 million, to comply with the Clean Air Act. The public can submit comments on this proposed decree within 30 days, either by email or mail.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has submitted a request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to extend its information collection regarding the implementation of the 8-hour National Ambient Air Quality Standards for Ozone. This extension is needed to help states manage nonattainment areas for the 2008 and 2015 ozone standards by requiring plans that include solutions for improving air quality. Public comments on this proposal are being accepted until February 18, 2025. The proposal notes a reduction in the annual burden because fewer states now need to comply with the older standards.

The memorandum from the Executive Office of the President outlines a process for considering exemptions to the updated Clean Air Act standards for ethylene oxide emissions from commercial sterilizers. These new standards aim to reduce cancer risks associated with ethylene oxide exposure. The process allows facilities to request a temporary exemption if they can't meet compliance deadlines due to unavailable technology, provided that this doesn't disrupt the essential supply of medical products like devices and pharmaceuticals. The President’s goal is to protect public health while ensuring medical supplies remain available.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve updates to Oregon’s Smoke Management Plan, which is part of the state's State Implementation Plan (SIP) for air quality. The revisions, submitted in 2014 and 2019, aim to control smoke emissions from prescribed burning, ensuring they meet Clean Air Act standards. These changes involve incorporating more recent data and methods to manage smoke, protecting public health and air quality without increasing fire authorizations. The EPA has determined that these updates comply with national air quality standards and improve upon previous smoke management rules.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has requested approval from the Office of Management and Budget to extend an information collection related to the Clean Air Act's National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP). These standards apply to chemical recovery combustion sources at certain pulp mills. Public comments on this request are open for an additional 30 days. The EPA also noted a decrease in the number of facilities affected by these standards, which has led to a reduction in estimated costs and responses.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized a rule stating that greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from electric utility generating units (EGUs) significantly contribute to air pollution that endangers public health and welfare. This determination is based on a framework where EGUs, due to their large emissions, surpass the established 3-percent threshold of total U.S. GHG emissions. While other factors could also influence this decision, the major emissions from EGUs alone justify regulation. The rule does not expect to impact energy supply, costs, or emissions notably.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve New Jersey's revisions to their State Implementation Plan (SIP) related to air quality permits and certificates for minor and major facilities without operating permits. The goal is to ensure that these revised regulations meet the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and are in line with the existing state regulations. The proposed changes involve several areas, such as altering the applicability of permits, defining new sources, and establishing conditions for permits and certificates. The EPA is currently seeking public comments on these proposed revisions until January 16, 2025.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has made an interim final decision to delay sanctions against the State of Alaska after it submitted a plan that meets Clean Air Act requirements related to air quality standards for fine particulate matter in Fairbanks North Star Borough. These sanctions were initially triggered due to the past disapproval of Alaska's air quality plan. The EPA's decision relies on a proposed approval of Alaska's revised plan and gives the public the opportunity to comment on this delay of sanctions. This action aims to avoid imposing penalties while the approval process for the revised plan is ongoing. The EPA is not requiring any new changes or imposing burdens as part of this action.

The U.S. Department of Justice has proposed a Consent Decree as part of a lawsuit against the Atlantic County Utilities Authority in New Jersey for violating the Clean Air Act. The lawsuit, filed on behalf of the Environmental Protection Agency and New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection, alleges violations related to solid waste combustion and sewage sludge incineration units. The proposed decree requires the utility to pay a $75,000 fine, establish new operating procedures, and complete a supplemental project of installing electric vehicle charging stations. The notice invites public comments on the decree, which can be submitted via email or mail within 30 days.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing new rules to reduce hazardous air pollutants from chemical manufacturing processes, particularly focusing on ethylene oxide (EtO) emissions. Under this proposal, the EPA aims to introduce stricter monitoring, reporting, and emission reduction standards for facilities using, producing, or emitting EtO. The proposed changes are expected to impact 280 facilities, reducing overall hazardous emissions by about 158 tons annually and EtO emissions by approximately 4.6 tons per year. These measures are intended to mitigate health risks, including cancer, for those living near these facilities.