Search Results for keywords:"greenhouse gas emissions"

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is preparing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for 3,224 oil and gas leases across seven states, including Colorado, Montana, and Wyoming. This action follows multiple lawsuits challenging the leases based on environmental concerns, such as greenhouse gas emissions and climate change impacts. The BLM is initiating a public scoping process allowing individuals to submit comments and suggestions until March 17, 2025, which will help shape the EIS. The process is meant to ensure the leasing decisions comply with environmental laws and policies, and it includes opportunities for public input throughout different stages.

The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) is withdrawing its draft guidance on considering greenhouse gas emissions in line with President Biden's Executive Order 13990, which aims to protect public health and the environment. This rescission is part of a larger effort to update and align environmental policies with current climate goals. Although the draft guidance is withdrawn, agencies are encouraged to use available resources, including the 2016 guidance, when assessing the climate impact of their actions. The CEQ will later announce any updates to the previous guidance.

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 Department of the Army is adding to a previous environmental impact statement concerning necessary heat and electrical upgrades at Fort Wainwright in Alaska. The current coal-powered heating and power plant is old and poses safety and reliability issues, and its potential failure could impact mission readiness. The Army is examining several alternatives, including building new power infrastructure or continuing periodic upgrades to the existing system. They plan to release the updated environmental impact statement in 2025 and will invite the public to provide feedback.

The Department of the Navy announced a 45-day public comment period on a Draft Amended Analysis for their environmental impact study regarding the EA-18G Growler operations at the Naval Air Station Whidbey Island Complex. This follows a court ruling that identified specific areas requiring further analysis, such as greenhouse gas emissions, classroom impact, bird species effects, and alternative locations. The Navy plans to hold both in-person and virtual public meetings to discuss the analysis and gather feedback. People can review the document at local libraries, submit comments online or by mail, and participate in scheduled meetings.

DoD, GSA, and NASA have decided to withdraw a proposed rule that aimed to amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) for disclosing greenhouse gas emissions and climate-related financial risks. The proposal stemmed from Executive Order 14030 and involved major Federal suppliers setting science-based reduction targets. The decision to withdraw is due to the lack of time in the Biden-Harris Administration to finalize the rule and evolving industry practices and standards. The agencies will continue to monitor and consider future actions concerning greenhouse gas disclosure.

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is considering a temporary waiver for the Buy America requirements on battery electric minibuses due to the lack of U.S.-manufactured options that meet these standards. This waiver would allow transit providers to buy these buses despite not meeting local manufacturing rules, as long as certain conditions are met, like having a battery-powered system and specific vehicle size and design features. The FTA seeks public feedback on whether they should implement this waiver or make any changes to it. If the waiver is granted, it will help improve access to zero-emission public transportation for routes with fewer passengers, potentially leading to reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has assessed that its proposed rule to implement consumer protections for Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing will not have a significant impact on the environment. PACE loans help finance home improvements like solar panels and energy efficiency projects. The proposed rule would require lenders to ensure borrowers can repay these loans, potentially reducing the number of loans issued. While some argue this could limit environmental benefits from such projects, the CFPB found the rule's effect on the environment would be minimal and does not necessitate a more extensive environmental review.

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. Department of Energy (DOE) is asking for public comments on a new plan to gather information about greenhouse gas emissions from electricity producers. This information will help producers apply for certain tax credits related to emissions. The DOE plans to collect this data with the help of National Laboratories and aims to keep the process efficient through automated methods. The deadline for submitting comments is March 14, 2025.