Search Results for keywords:"environmental justice"

In a new executive order, the President directed all government agencies to review and potentially change or remove regulations from the past four years that conflict with national goals to protect public health and the environment and address climate change. The order also focuses on restoring national monuments and halting oil and gas activity in the Arctic Refuge to address environmental concerns. Additionally, it emphasized the importance of accurately assessing the costs of greenhouse gas emissions and revoked the 2019 permit for the Keystone XL Pipeline, arguing it does not serve the national interest. This executive order seeks to promote environmental justice, reduce emissions, and prioritize the transition to a clean energy economy.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking public feedback on its proposed decisions regarding four pesticides: alpha methyl mannoside, Duddingtonia flagrans strain IAH 1297, Pepino mosaic virus strain CH2 isolate 1906, and sheep fat. The EPA proposes that no further review is required at this time, as these pesticides meet federal safety standards, showing low levels of toxicity and exposure. Public comments on these proposals are open until February 10, 2025, and should be submitted via the EPA's online portal. The EPA aims to ensure these decisions align with its commitment to environmental justice and user safety.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has received a new major license application from Virginia Electric and Power Company, doing business as Dominion Energy Virginia, Allegheny Generating Company, and Bath County Energy, LLC, for the Bath County Pumped Storage Project in Virginia. The project entails substantial infrastructure, including reservoirs, dams, a powerhouse, and transmission lines, and generates and consumes a significant amount of energy annually. Dominion proposes to upgrade the turbine-generator units without any other major changes to the project's structure or operations. FERC provides opportunities for public inspection and participation throughout the licensing process, with a procedural schedule provided for necessary actions.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized a rule to update the Federal Implementation Plan (FIP) for sulfur dioxide emissions from four sources in Billings and Laurel, Montana. This rule removes the previous allowance for exceeding emission limits during malfunctions, startups, and shutdowns, as it did not align with the Clean Air Act. The EPA conducted an environmental justice analysis and found no significant disparities in pollution burden around the affected facilities. This rule will take effect on February 18, 2025, and is intended to have a neutral to positive impact on local air quality.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has received a petition to establish or modify regulations regarding pesticide chemical residues on various foods. The request is open for public comments until March 26, 2021, and the EPA is seeking input on potential environmental justice issues and other related concerns. This petition includes requests for specific tolerances and exemptions, such as for the insecticide pyrifluquinazon on persimmons and the fungicide Kosakonia cowanii on all foods, with the agency not yet determined whether to approve these requests. The EPA has invited the public to comment before making a final decision.

In a Notice of Inquiry, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is seeking new information and viewpoints from stakeholders regarding the certification of new interstate natural gas transportation facilities. This initiative is an effort to explore potential changes in their policies, especially concerning the necessity of proposed projects, environmental impacts, and the effects on communities, including those focused on environmental justice. FERC is also interested in improving the efficiency of the certification process and invites comments on several related questions, due by April 26, 2021, providing guidance on how stakeholders can submit their opinions.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has introduced new rules for evaluating water resources projects, offering specific procedures to implement principles from federal guidelines established for such investments. This rule aims to maximize public benefits by balancing economic, environmental, and social considerations while prioritizing collaboration and public engagement, including with Tribal Nations. The rule will apply to new and significant projects and does not impose new mandates on small entities or Tribal governments. It emphasizes transparency, public participation, and the consideration of climate change and environmental justice in decision-making processes.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a final rule establishing deadlines for states to submit revisions to their air quality plans when a region is reclassified as having worse ozone pollution. This rule specifies the requirements for new deadlines when areas are reclassified under the Clean Air Act, aiming to ensure consistent and timely submission of needed plans to improve air quality. The rule also simplifies the process by removing some past obligations that no longer apply once an area has been reclassified. These changes help to ensure that areas meet national air quality standards effectively.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing changes to the Regional Haze Rule related to state visibility protection plans. Specifically, they want to extend the deadline for states to submit their implementation plans from 2028 to 2031, allowing more time to address updates that might arise from future revisions to the rule. This proposed extension aims to give states enough time to develop comprehensive plans and coordinate them with other air quality programs. The EPA is seeking public feedback on these proposed changes and alternative deadlines.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing a rule to revoke most tolerances for the insecticide chlorpyrifos, except for specific uses on 11 crops, including alfalfa, apple, and soybean, in certain states. This action is in response to a 2007 petition by the Natural Resources Defense Council and Pesticide Action Network, which called for the revocation of all chlorpyrifos tolerances due to health concerns, particularly its potential effects on neurodevelopment. The EPA has determined that while some tolerances will be revoked based on voluntary cancellations, the remaining tolerances are considered safe under new restrictions. Public comments on this proposal are being accepted until February 10, 2025.