Search Results for keywords:"environmental protection"

The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) of the Interior Department is requesting public comments on renewing a collection of information regarding coal exploration activities. This request aims to gather input on the necessity, timeliness, accuracy, and potential improvements of this information collection. The process affects state governments and mine permittees, requiring them to comply with federal environmental protection standards in coal exploration. Public comments are invited by March 16, 2021, and those submitted will be part of the public record.

The Coast Guard is setting up a temporary safety zone on the Atchafalaya River near Cypress Passage for a planned demolition of overhead powerlines scheduled on January 9, 2025. This area will be off-limits to vessels and people within a 500-yard radius, except with permission, to protect against the hazards posed by powerlines on the water's surface during the 12-hour operation. This rule is intended to ensure the safety of personnel, vessels, and the marine environment in the vicinity of the demolition. The regulation will be enforced through communication on VHF radio channels, and it is not expected to have significant economic impacts on small businesses.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve a plan from Pennsylvania to maintain air quality standards for ozone in Tioga County under the Clean Air Act. This plan shows how the area has maintained safe ozone levels and includes measures to ensure it continues through 2027. The EPA is asking for public comments by March 10, 2021, and will consider these before making a final decision. This action is part of efforts to manage and improve air quality to protect public health.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has rescheduled the meeting dates for the Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals (SACC) regarding the draft risk evaluation of 1,3-butadiene. The preparatory meeting will occur on March 25, 2025, and the peer review meeting will be from April 1 to 4, 2025; these will be virtual public meetings. People can submit comments or register to speak at these meetings through the EPA's website. The meetings will cover the evaluation of potential risks associated with 1,3-butadiene, a chemical substance used in various industrial processes.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized a rule under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to regulate the chemical known as Phenol, Isopropylated Phosphate (3:1) (PIP (3:1)). This rule prohibits the processing and distribution of PIP (3:1) and products containing it, with certain exceptions for specific industries like aviation and automotive, where no safer alternatives exist. The rule also bans the release of this chemical into water and mandates that commercial users follow best practices to prevent such releases. The regulation aims to reduce the manufacture, use, and disposal of PIP (3:1), thereby lowering the risk of exposure to humans and the environment.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of the Army aim to involve various stakeholders in discussions about the "waters of the United States" definition due to a recent Supreme Court ruling. The agencies plan to hold listening sessions and are actively seeking written feedback from the public to inform future administrative actions and clarify the Clean Water Act's jurisdiction. They also address concerns regarding the Revised Definition of "Waters of the United States" stemming from the Supreme Court's decision in Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency, impacting the way certain water bodies are regulated under federal law. This effort emphasizes broad public engagement to ensure clear and consistent understanding and implementation.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has accepted an application from Oswego Hydro Partners, LP for a new major license concerning the Phoenix Hydroelectric Project located in New York. This project includes the Phoenix Dam and other structures on the Oswego River, with a total energy capacity of 3.18 megawatts. The application is open for public inspection, and interested parties can submit protests or motions to intervene by February 3, 2025. Oswego Hydro proposes to continue operation in its current mode and has outlined plans for issues like fish passage and environmental protection.

The Department of State will hold a public meeting on March 27, 2025, at 10 a.m. ET to prepare for the upcoming International Maritime Organization's (IMO) Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 83) session. The meeting will occur both in person at the Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, DC, and virtually via Microsoft Teams. Participants can discuss agenda items like air pollution prevention, energy efficiency of ships, and marine plastic litter reduction. Interested individuals should RSVP by March 21, 2025, to ensure a spot and receive teleconference details.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed updates to the Clean Water Act methods for analyzing pollutants in effluent. This rule aims to improve data quality and consistency by introducing new methods for detecting specific substances like PFAS and PCB congeners, while withdrawing outdated testing parameters and methods. Additionally, the proposal includes simplifying certain sampling requirements and making minor corrections to existing tables of approved methods. Public comments on this proposal are invited until February 20, 2025.

The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone on the Lower Mississippi River in Natchez, MS, between Mile Marker 368 and 370, due to line pulling operations. This rule, effective from January 14, 2021, to February 5, 2021, aims to protect people and the environment from potential hazards. Unauthorized entry into the zone is prohibited, but vessels can request permission to enter from the Captain of the Port or an appointed representative. The rule ensures safety while not significantly impacting small businesses or the environment.