Search Results for keywords:"environmental regulations"

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved changes to the Ohio EPA's title V air permit rules. These updates redefine hazardous air pollutants and add requirements for a permit explanation that aligns with federal regulations, without making major changes to the existing rules. Most of the revisions are minor and part of Ohio's regular review of its regulations. This rule will take effect on February 28, 2025, unless significant negative feedback is received before January 29, 2025.

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.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized a rule for managing commercial and industrial solid waste incineration units (CISWI) that were built on or before June 4, 2010, and not updated since August 7, 2013. This rule applies to states without approved plans for reducing emissions from these units and entails adopting federal guidelines to decrease pollutants like lead, mercury, and sulfur dioxide. In addition, the rule introduces changes to testing, monitoring, and recording requirements, emphasizing reductions in emissions and the implementation of stricter operational practices to curb pollution. Units in Alaska that qualify as "small, remote incinerators" are exempt from certain standards until further regulations address this category.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to extend the information collection request related to the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for inorganic arsenic emissions from glass manufacturing plants. This extension, already approved until February 2025, allows for additional public comments until March 31, 2025. The EPA will continue collecting information to ensure these plants comply with environmental regulations, impacting around 16 glass manufacturing facilities. The estimated annual cost for compliance is $470,000, including maintenance expenses updated for inflation.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing new rules under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) for certain chemical substances previously submitted for premanufacture notices. These rules, known as Significant New Use Rules (SNURs), will require any person planning to manufacture or process these chemicals in a way that has been identified as a significant new use to notify the EPA at least 90 days before starting. This allows the EPA to assess the potential risks and decide on any necessary actions before the activity begins. Additionally, the chemicals must not be manufactured or processed for these new uses until they receive EPA approval.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved two new methods to test contaminants in drinking water, as outlined in a rule published in the Federal Register. This action permits public water systems and related agencies to use these alternative methods, offering more flexibility and potentially lowering monitoring costs without compromising public health. The approved methods, effective January 16, 2025, are EPA Method 537.1 for detecting selected PFAS chemicals and the e-sens Automated Micro Chlorine Detection Method for measuring free and total chlorine. These alternative methods are considered as effective as existing methods and are added as options for compliance under the Safe Drinking Water Act.

The Susquehanna River Basin Commission issued a notice listing General Permits that were approved during January 2025. These permits include one for the Selinsgrove Municipal Authority related to emergency or maintenance activities for water supply usage. The notice provides the necessary contact information for further inquiries and refers to specific regulatory and statutory provisions. The approval details involve activities set to comply with existing water management regulations.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve a Tribal Implementation Plan (TIP) submitted by the Northern Cheyenne Tribe. The TIP aims to regulate air pollution on the Tribe's Indian Reservation and tribal trust parcels by maintaining national air quality standards through an open burning program. The plan includes standards for pollutants like sulfur dioxide, particulate matter, and ozone, along with enforcement protocols. The EPA's approval would make these regulations federally enforceable, aligning with the Clean Air Act.

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.

The Executive Order 14156 declares a national energy emergency, recognizing that the U.S. energy supply and infrastructure are inadequate to meet the country's needs. The order aims to improve domestic energy production and supply by leveraging emergency authorities, expediting infrastructure projects, and utilizing emergency permitting provisions. It also emphasizes the importance of cooperation between agencies to ensure energy security and addresses potential challenges arising from endangered species regulations. The order calls for coordinated efforts and assessments to protect national security and economic stability.