Category: Regulatory Developments

Pesticide application, glyphosate

EPA Proposes Revisions to Pesticide Exclusion Zones

Following discussions with agricultural establishments and State Lead Agencies (SLA), the EPA is proposing amendments to the Application Exclusion Zone (AEZ) requirements of the Agency’s Worker Protection Standard ((WPS), 40 CFR part 170). According to the Agency, the “modest” amendments will improve enforceability for SLAs and reduce regulatory burdens for farmers.

Agency Guidance Documents Restricted by Executive Orders

The Trump administration extended its campaign to curtail the power of federal agencies to “stifle economic growth and hurt small businesses” into the area of guidance documents. In two Executive Orders (EO) published October 9, 2019, President Donald Trump placed restrictions on the issuance of significant guidance documents as well as on how guidance documents […]

Thumb press the drinking water fountain

EPA Proposes New Lead Trigger Level to Reduce Exposure

The EPA’s new proposal to reduce childhood exposure to lead in drinking water seeks to strike a balance between the need for more protection and the stubborn complexity of the risk. Under the proposal, public water systems (PWSs) would be subject to six new general requirements (which include many more specific requirements), including taking an […]

Oil refinery

Revisions for Flaring Proposed for Ethylene Production Facilities

Following its Clean Air Act (CAA) Section 112 Residual Risk and Technology Review (RTR) of the 2002 and 2005 National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for the Ethylene Production source category, the EPA is proposing significant revisions for flaring at these facilities.

Valley Fever, Coccidioidomycosis

California Now Requires Valley Fever Training

Construction firms and other employers in California must begin training employees in Valley fever risks and control measures under a new state law. Employers must offer initial worker training by May 1, 2020.

Health care, gloves, hospital, pharmacy

Hospital-Level Disinfectants: EPA Issues Draft Strategy

The EPA has released a draft strategy to evaluate the effectiveness of hospital-level antimicrobial disinfectants after they have been registered. The strategy describes a risk-based approach intended to help the Agency prioritize and select hospital-level disinfectants and label claims for testing.

OSHA Proposes Changes to Construction, Shipyard Beryllium Standards

OSHA proposed to amend the construction and shipyard standards for beryllium exposures. The proposal leaves the permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 0.2 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m3) and short-term exposure limit (STEL) of 2.0 µg/m3 in place but would revise several portions of the standards’ ancillary provisions.

USTs

The Projected E15 Rule and Its Effect on USTs

Appeals from the petroleum industry notwithstanding, the EPA recently announced that it will continue to take action to “significantly increase the 2020 U.S. biofuel mandate.” One promised action is rulemaking to streamline labeling and “remove other barriers” to the sale of E15, a fuel comprising 85 percent (%) conventional gasoline and 15% ethanol.