Search Results for keywords:"environmental protection"

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is planning to renew a collection related to Antarctic emergency response and environmental protection. In line with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, NSF invites public comments by February 3, 2025, before seeking official approval from the Office of Management and Budget. The proposed rule affects non-governmental Antarctic expeditions and requires them to ensure that vessel owners have emergency response plans and that expedition members are informed about their environmental obligations. The expected paperwork burden is estimated to take 40 hours or less and cost $500 to $1400 per respondent.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve Pennsylvania's state implementation plan to maintain air quality standards for ozone in the York-Adams area. This plan, submitted by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, aims to uphold the 1997 standard for ozone until 2028, ensuring the region does not exceed limits set for air pollutants. The plan includes specific actions Pennsylvania will take to monitor and manage ozone levels, as well as steps to quickly address any potential violations. Public comments on this proposal are welcomed before final approval.

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 Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has updated its procedures under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to include a new categorical exclusion (CX) for certain geothermal resource confirmation activities. This exclusion applies to activities like drilling to confirm a geothermal resource, provided they do not involve resource extraction and meet specific conditions, such as limiting surface disturbance to 20 acres and adhering to reclamation guidelines. This update aims to streamline approval processes while still protecting environmental resources, but it does not apply to geothermal power plant operations, which will undergo further review. Public feedback was considered, and changes were made to clarify the scope and requirements of the CX.

The Executive Order 14225, titled "Immediate Expansion of American Timber Production," aims to boost domestic timber production by reducing regulatory barriers. It directs the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture to update guidance and implement strategies for more efficient timber production and forest management. This involves streamlining processes under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), eliminating unnecessary permitting delays, and considering categorical exclusions to simplify environmental assessments. The Order also emphasizes coordination among agencies to identify and address obstacles to domestic timber production.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is starting the process to prioritize five chemical substances as High-Priority Substances for risk evaluation under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). These chemicals are 4-Tert-Octylphenol, Benzene, Ethylbenzene, Naphthalene, and Styrene. The EPA is looking for public comments and information about these chemicals over a 90-day period, which ends on March 18, 2025. The agency is also seeking information about other chemicals considered but not selected for this round of prioritization to ensure a thorough evaluation of potential risks.

The New England Hydropower Company, LLC has filed an application with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for a license to develop the Ashton Dam Hydroelectric Project on the Blackstone River in Rhode Island. The project will include modifying and adding structures to generate about 793 kW of power, as well as facilities for fish passage and measures to protect the environment. The public and interested agencies are invited to submit study requests or requests to cooperate on the environmental document by March 22, 2025, with the project following a procedural schedule that includes assessments and issuing of necessary documents throughout 2025. For more information or to get involved, individuals can contact FERC or visit their website.

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 planning to submit a request to extend an existing information collection related to vehicle emission inspection and maintenance programs run by state and local governments. The EPA wants public feedback on different aspects of this collection, which helps evaluate and improve these programs, ensuring they meet set emission reduction standards. The current approval for this data collection is valid only till October 31, 2021, and such projects require displaying a valid approval number to legally collect information from the public. Comments must be submitted by April 30, 2021, through the federal regulations website.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized a rule under the Toxic Substances Control Act to regulate the chemical 2,4,6-tris(tert-butyl)phenol (2,4,6-TTBP) due to its persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic nature. This rule prohibits the sale and distribution of products containing more than 0.3% of 2,4,6-TTBP in containers smaller than 35 gallons, effective January 6, 2026. The rule aims to reduce exposure to this chemical, particularly for consumers and small businesses using fuel and oil products. It requires that records of compliance be maintained for three years after the rule takes effect.