Search Results for keywords:"environmental regulations"

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a notice about receiving requests from registrants to either voluntarily cancel certain pesticide registrations or amend them to terminate specific uses. These actions are in accordance with the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). The EPA plans to approve these requests unless there are significant public comments for reconsideration or the registrants withdraw their requests. Any sale or use of affected products after cancellations and terminations will only be allowed if it complies with the final order's terms.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed a new rule to list the bleached sandhill skipper, an insect subspecies from Humboldt County, Nevada, as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act. The listing is due to threats from climate change and groundwater pumping affecting its habitat. The agency invites public comments until March 10, 2025, and will conduct a public hearing if requested. The rule would extend protections to the species, although a critical habitat designation is not yet determined.

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.

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 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is asking for public comments on draft lists of companies responsible for fees related to evaluating the risks of five chemical substances under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). These substances are labeled as High-Priority due to potential health or environmental risks. Companies that make or import these chemicals must self-identify to ensure they're correctly listed for fee payments, but they can also claim exemptions or correct errors. The final list, setting out those liable for fees, will be released alongside the risk evaluation's scope documents.

The Federal Highway Administration, Federal Railroad Administration, and Federal Transit Administration are seeking public comments on their revised guidance for environmental reviews in surface transportation projects. This new guidance updates and replaces previous guidelines and reflects recent changes in laws that aim to improve project evaluation processes. The authorities are accepting comments on its implementation until February 18, 2025, and further details are available online. This notice is part of their ongoing efforts to ensure that transportation projects comply with environmental regulations while improving efficiency.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is proposing new procedures to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), including the addition of new categorical exclusions (CEs). These CEs are actions usually not expected to impact the environment significantly. NIST seeks public input on these draft procedures and the justification for the new CEs by January 10, 2025. The proposal is part of a larger effort to streamline and ensure consistency with environmental regulations.

On December 13, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed changes to the rules about emissions from new and modified stationary combustion and gas turbines, focusing on reducing nitrogen oxides. Originally, the public had until March 13, 2025, to comment on this proposal. However, after receiving requests for more time to review, the EPA has reopened the public comment period, extending it an additional 21 days until April 15, 2025. People can submit their comments through various methods mentioned by the EPA, ensuring they include the correct docket ID in their submissions.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve a State Implementation Plan (SIP) revision from South Carolina's Department of Health and Environmental Control. This revision updates the state's participation in the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR) emissions trading programs for nitrogen oxides (NOX) and sulfur dioxide (SO2). These programs are designed to help reduce air pollution that affects other states. The EPA believes the proposed changes align with federal requirements and do not impose new obligations beyond what state law already specifies.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved Tennessee's request to update some of its authorized programs to allow for electronic reporting. This change is part of the Cross-Media Electronic Reporting Rule (CROMERR) which ensures electronic documents are as reliable as paper ones. The Tennessee Department of Environmental Conservation (TDEC) will begin using electronic systems for reporting under specific parts of the EPA regulations, like the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). These updates were confirmed after TDEC showed they had the legal ability to implement these electronic systems.