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On April 12, 2023, the EPA announced new proposed federal vehicle emissions standards for light-, medium-, and heavy-duty vehicles for model year (MY) 2027 and beyond that are expected to accelerate the ongoing transition to a clean vehicles future and tackle the climate crisis. On the same day, the EPA also announced new proposed standards […]
On April 11, 2023, the EPA issued two proposals aimed at reducing ethylene oxide (EtO) emissions, including more stringent air emissions standards and additional protections for workers who are exposed to the gas used to sterilize medical devices and certain spices. If finalized, the EPA’s proposals are estimated to cut EtO emissions from commercial sterilization […]
North Dakota Federal District Court Judge Daniel Hovland granted a preliminary injunction that will block the EPA from enforcing its new waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule in 24 states. The ruling comes in response to a lawsuit filed by 24 state attorneys general (AGs). “The group says the EPA’s WOTUS rule ‘goes beyond […]
On Aril 17, 2023, Texas Attorney General (AG) Ken Paxton issued a press release announcing he was joining 18 other AGs in providing critical commentary on the EPA’s proposed rule to alter the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for particulate matter (PM). In the commentary letter, the AGs state, “The EPA should withdraw the […]
In its final report on a chemical fire and toxic gas release at a Westlake, Louisiana, chemical facility, the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) suggested that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and EPA revise their regulations for reactive chemical hazards. On August 27, 2020, over 1 million pounds of trichloroisocyanuric […]
In April 2023, the EPA announced a proposed rule to strengthen and update the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) for coal-fired power plants, achieving important hazardous air pollutant emissions reductions and ensuring standards reflect the latest advancements in pollution control technologies. If passed, the rule represents the most significant update to date since the […]
The EPA issued a decision on March 31, 2023, granting two requests for waivers of preemption regarding four California Air Resources Board (CARB) regulations related to California’s heavy-duty vehicle and engine emissions standards. California has significant air quality standard challenges. In order to reduce emissions, the state must seek waivers from the EPA for new […]
In March 2023, an industry challenge to the EPA’s April 2021 Revised Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR) Update Rule was rejected by the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals. The rule required “power plants in 12 upwind states to reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx), an ozone precursor, emissions such that those states did not inhibit downwind states’ […]
Due to a reported increase in cybersecurity attacks, the EPA issued a memorandum on March 3, 2023, advising public water systems (PWSs) of various approaches to protect themselves from these types of attacks. The memo stresses the need for states to assess cybersecurity risk at drinking water systems to protect public drinking water. “While some […]
Common household water leaks waste an average of 1 trillion gallons (gal) of water each year, says Beth Livingston, EPA WaterSense lead environmental specialist, according to the Federal News Network. While most people have heard of the EPA Energy Star program, its WaterSense program is not as well known. The program is a voluntary partnership […]