News and reports from the Environmental Protection Agency.

Eric Moses, a spokesperson for the global chemical manufacturer OxyChem, has voiced concerns about the settlement process for the Diamond Alkali Superfund site. In a statement to Federal Newswire, Moses claimed that the process has attempted to bypass the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). The Superfund site in question is located in New Jersey and encompasses the Lower Passaic River.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.