Environmental Protection News
Environmental Protection
OxyChem spokesman Eric Moses on Passaic River: 'DOJ’s proposed changes to its settlement do nothing to advance actual river cleanup'
Eric Moses, a spokesman for OxyChem, a chemical manufacturer, addressed Federal Newswire on Jan. 25, stating that the proposed settlement from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is insufficient to address the cleanup of the Passaic River. The DOJ announced in November an extension to the timeline for the proposed settlement regarding the cleanup of New Jersey's Passaic River, which is part of the Diamond Alkali Superfund site.
Environmental Protection
OxyChem recommends 'that all responsible parties – not the public – pay for the cleanup of the Passaic River'
Eric Moses, a spokesperson for global chemical manufacturer OxyChem, indicated in a Jan. 25 statement to Federal Newswire that the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) proposed settlement for the cleanup of New Jersey's Passaic River only covers a portion of the total funding needed for remediation. This could potentially leave taxpayers to cover the remaining costs. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has declined to comment on this matter.
Environmental Protection
Environmental Protection Agency announces filing of modified proposed consent decree for Diamond Alkali Superfund site
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has informed Federal Newswire that a modified consent decree, related to the cleanup of the Diamond Alkali Superfund site in New Jersey, was filed on Jan. 17. The EPA stated that the funds allocated for the settlement could be utilized for a variety of purposes.
Environmental Protection
Doomsday Clock remains at 90 seconds to midnight
The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists has announced that the Doomsday Clock remains set at 90 seconds to midnight, indicating the world's ongoing perilous state.
Environmental Protection
Texas lawmakers, community leaders and landowners collaborate at Water in the Desert
Last week, lawmakers, water experts, community leaders, and landowners from Texas convened in Alpine for the Water in the Desert conference. The event was hosted by Sul Ross State University with the aim of discussing new challenges and opportunities in west Texas water management.
Environmental Protection
Coalition of food and packaging organizations launches Alliance for Sustainable Packaging for Foods
The National Wooden Pallet and Container Association (NWPCA) has announced the establishment of the Alliance for Sustainable Packaging for Foods (ASPF). This global coalition, composed of non-profit industry and non-governmental organizations, was formed to engage with regulators and governments on sustainable packaging.
Environmental Protection
EPA to set regulations for methane emissions for oil and gas industry
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has indicated that the oil and gas sector will need to reduce methane emissions as part of a new initiative under consideration. This measure is an extension of the Inflation Reduction Act, which encourages industry best practices to decrease pollution through incentives.
Environmental Protection
EPA provides $15.8 million to two Missouri school district to purchase EV school buses
Two school districts in Missouri are set to receive over $15.8 million through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Clean School Bus Program Grants Competition. This initiative aims to enhance air quality by supporting the districts in purchasing new electric school buses, a move backed by the Investing in America Agenda under the Biden administration.
Environmental Protection
City of Ontario, Calif. to receive $3.5 million EPA grant to enhance recycling efforts
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a $3.5 million grant to the City of Ontario, California, aimed at enhancing recycling efforts through a new digital donation tool. The funding comes from the EPA’s Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling (SWIFR) Grants program, supported by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Environmental Protection
Texas Southern University receives $50 million for environmental friendly projects
Texas Southern University (TSU) is set to receive a $50 million grant for various environmental projects. The funds, facilitated by the Inflation Reduction Act, represent the largest investment in climate action to date.
Environmental Protection
Kansas-based municipal sanitary landfill operator found to be in violation of Clean Care Act
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has imposed a fine on Hamm Inc., a sanitary landfill operator based in Lawrence, Kansas, to settle claims of violation of the federal Clean Air Act. The company is expected to pay a civil penalty of $4,206 and allocate approximately $30,000 towards monitoring air pollution emissions.
Environmental Protection
Two trucking companies found to be in violation of California rule that requires exhaust regulation
Two interstate trucking companies have agreed to settle with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) over violations related to the California Air Resources Board (CARB) Truck and Bus Regulation. This regulation requires heavy-duty diesel vehicles operating in California to reduce toxic air contaminants emissions from their exhaust. The EPA enforced these violations under the Clean Air Act.
Environmental Protection
Environmental Defense Fund SVP Elizabeth Gore: Concrete ‘contributes significantly to overheating the planet’
Elizabeth Gore, Senior Vice President for Political Affairs at the Environmental Defense Fund, has expressed her support for the Concrete and Asphalt Innovation Act of 2023. This legislation, introduced by U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), aims to fund research and provide alternative methods to assist cement and concrete producers in reducing emissions.
Environmental Protection
EPA gives $500K to program that aims to get underserved Harlem students into environmental job training programs
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will provide a $500,000 grant to the Research Foundation of the City College of New York in support of environmental job training programs. The funds will be allocated from the EPA’s Brownfields Job Training Program, an initiative designed to train workers for rehabilitation at brownfield sites across New York.
Environmental Protection
Environmental services provider to pay over $1.6 million to settle hazardous waste violations
A leading national environmental services provider has reached a settlement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to address violations at multiple facilities across the country. The U.S. Department of Justice also participated in the announcement, accusing Heritage-Crystal Clean, LLC (HCC) of breaching laws related to the disposal of used oil.
Environmental Protection
EPA announces a total of $20 million in grants to improve Long Island Sound
Federal and state environmental agencies, alongside officials from New England and New York, recently collaborated with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to announce that they will provide $12 million in grants aimed at enhancing the Long Island Sound. These funds represent part of an extensive effort to protect and improve the water quality and overall health of this vital estuary.
Environmental Protection
World’s largest producer of biofuel in violation of Clean Air Act
Menlo, Iowa-based bioethanol producer, POET Biorefining – Menlo LLC and its parent company POET LLC, has been fined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for violations of the Clean Air Act. The world's largest producer of biofuel has been identified as a "major air emission source", with an imposed penalty amounting to $89,860.
Environmental Protection
National ice cream manufacturer to pay fine for violating Clean Air Act
A national ice cream manufacturer will pay $115,849 to settle claims by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that it violated federal laws regulating the handling and storage of ammonia at its facility in Suffield, Conn. The settlement arises from a violation of the Clean Air Act's chemical accident prevention regulations, which puts public health and safety at risk.
Environmental Protection
Artificial turf installation company to pay over $1 million after EPA finds violations of Clean Water Act
Thom Fischer, CEO of Electron Hydro, LLC, will have to pay over a $1 million civil penalty after the U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) found that the company violated the Clean Water Act. The settlement arises from an incident in 2020 involving inappropriate installation of artificial turf at a construction site.
Environmental Protection
Coffeyville, Kansas-based refinery reaches $13 million settlement with EPA
A Coffeyville, Kansas-based refinery has reached a settlement with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Justice for alleged violations of the Clean Air Act. This comes as part of a larger crackdown on industrial companies contributing to air pollution.
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