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Clean Water Act Under Fire Again: The Legal Landscape of WOTUS

The Clean Water Act (CWA) establishes the basic structure for regulating discharges of pollutants into the waters of the United States (WOTUS) and regulating quality standards for surface waters.  Under the CWA, the EPA has implemented pollution control programs such as setting wastewater standards for industry. The EPA has also developed national water quality criteria […]

Back to Basics: Oil Spills

Back to Basics is a weekly feature that highlights important but possibly overlooked information that any EHS professional should know. This week, we examine oil spills and OSHA’s recommendations for preparedness. Oil spill emergencies pose great threats to both the safety of workers and the environment. According to OSHA, employers are responsible for protecting workers […]

Morgan Stanley Report Predicts Renewable Energy Will Replace Coal By 2033

A February 2023 Morgan Stanley report says renewable energy will replace coal-fired power plants by 2033, reports Power magazine. “The report published Feb. 1 said renewable energy such as solar and wind power will provide nearly 40% of U.S. electricity in 2030, and as much as 55% in 2035,” the Power article says. “The U.S. […]

BP Faces $156K OSHA Fine in Refinery Explosion

On March 16, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced citations and penalties following an investigation into two workers’ fatal burns at an Oregon, Ohio, refinery’s crude unit operated by BP Products North America Inc. The agency cited BP with 10 serious violations and one other-than-serious violation and proposed penalties totaling $156,250. As workers […]

Master Class Offers the Latest on OSHA Compliance and Recordkeeping

Get caught up on the latest changes to OSHA policies and regulations and equip yourself with the skills you need to keep your company in continued compliance with these notoriously tricky regulations! This master class will provide best practices, information, and regulatory compliance guidance for navigating the inspection and enforcement process, assessing and mitigating hazards, […]

EHSDA Song of the Week: Airbag

Motor vehicle safety has always been a major issue in the U.S. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration earlier this year estimated that 31,785 people died in traffic crashes in the first nine months of 2022, down 0.2% from the same period in 2021. This week’s EHSDA Song of the Week focuses on car safety […]

Dollar General Facing $1 Million in New OSHA Fines

Discount retailer Dollar General faces over $1 million in new Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) fines for violations at four stores in Florida and Georgia, the agency announced March 13. OSHA inspected stores in Ocala, Florida, and Columbus, Georgia, finding repeat violations, including blocked exits and fire extinguishers, locked exit doors, and improperly stacked […]

EPA Announces Settlement on Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting Violations

The EPA and the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced a settlement with Logan Square Aluminum Supply Inc., resolving alleged violations of the federal Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) regulations at renovation projects Logan Square and its contractors performed in Chicago and Chicago suburbs. Under the court settlement, Logan Square will: Implement a comprehensive program […]

The EPA’s Ongoing Battle to Ban Asbestos

The EPA continues to attempt to pass regulations banning asbestos, while industry remains committed to blocking any forthcoming laws. At this time, the only remaining form of asbestos imported into the United States is chrysotile, or “white,” asbestos, which is found in products like asbestos diaphragms, sheet gaskets, brake blocks, aftermarket automotive brakes/linings, other vehicle […]