Environmental Protection News
Environmental Protection
Biden-Harris Administration Finalizes Critical Rule to Clean up PFAS Contamination to Protect Public Health
WASHINGTON – Today, April 19, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized a critical rule to designate two widely used PFAS chemicals, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), as hazardous substances under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), also known as Superfund. This action aims to clean up PFAS contamination in communities and protect public health from the harmful effects of these substances.EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan emphasized the importance of this rule,...
Environmental Protection
EPA Issues Emergency Fuel Waiver for E-15 Sales
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has taken decisive action to address fuel supply challenges by issuing an emergency fuel waiver to allow the sale of E15 gasoline during the upcoming summer driving season. This move aims to provide relief to consumers at the pump amidst ongoing market supply issues resulting from global conflicts.Administrator Michael S. Regan highlighted the importance of this waiver, stating, “Allowing E15 sales during the summer driving season will increase fuel supply, while supporting American farmers, strengthening our nation’s energy...
Environmental Protection
EPA Begins Cleanup at the Cheboygan Tissue Fire Site in Michigan
CHICAGO (April 18, 2024) – This spring, the U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has commenced the cleanup of hazardous waste resulting from a structural fire that occurred on Sept. 13, 2023, at 502 N. Main St. in Cheboygan, Michigan. The agency expects the cleanup operation to span several months.The cleanup efforts involve the removal of various hazardous materials, as stated by an EPA official who mentioned, "The cleanup involves removing hazardous debris including a catch basin contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs, along with a large quantity of...
Environmental Protection
Registration Opens for EPA's 3rd Annual Mid-Atlantic Summit with Focus on Environmental Equity
The Environmental Protection Agency's Mid-Atlantic Region has announced the opening of registration for its upcoming 3rd Annual environmental summit, scheduled to take place virtually on May 16, 2024. The summit, themed "Empowering Communities for Environmental Equity," aims to facilitate discussions on equitable access to healthy and sustainable communities.Senior Advisor and Assistant to President Biden, Tom Perez, will be delivering opening remarks alongside EPA Deputy Administrator Janet McCabe at the event. The summit will bring together a diverse range of...
Environmental Protection
EPA fines six East Bay cities and the East Bay Municipal Utility District $372,876 for sewer discharge into San Francisco Bay
The East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) and six East Bay cities have been levied a fine of $372,876, as per an announcement by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board. The penalty is associated with the discharge of untreated sewage into San Francisco Bay, constituting a violation.
Environmental Protection
EPA to help mitigate toxins at superfund site in Brooklyn
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced an initiative to address the issue of toxins in the Greenpoint/East Williamsburg area of Brooklyn, particularly those affecting the Meeker Avenue Plume Superfund Site. The agency's primary concern is that buildings in this area are at risk of exposure to chlorinated volatile organic compounds (CVOCs), which can vaporize into soil and infiltrate structures.
Environmental Protection
Protect the Public’s Trust announces new development in investigation of EPA ethics complaint
Protect the Public’s Trust (PPT) announced its findings during an investigation into a former Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) official’s ethics violations. Recent findings show an omission of important details during the initial investigation into the ethics complaint.
Environmental Protection
EPA fines four Southern California-based automotive parts distributors for violating Clean Air Act
Four automotive parts distributors based in Southern California have reached settlements over allegations of Clean Air Act violations, according to an announcement by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The companies collectively paid $52,271 in fines for offering illegal aftermarket auto parts.
Environmental Protection
U.S. Bureau of Land Management announces third year of wild horse and burro overpopulation declining
This week, the US Bureau of Land Management (BLM) unveiled a report focusing on the overpopulation estimates of wild horses and burros on public lands. The document indicates that the overpopulation issue has seen a decline since 2020.
Environmental Protection
Environmental groups issue joint response to BLM's methane waste final rule
The Wilderness Society, in collaboration with four other environmental organizations, issued a joint statement this week in response to the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) final rule on methane waste. This newly released regulation is the first significant update to rules that have been in place for decades.
Environmental Protection
National Parks Conservation Association commends tribal collaboration in Bears Ears draft management plan
The National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) has lauded the draft management plan for Bears Ears National Monument in Utah, released by the Bureau of Land Management. The plan is notable for its inclusion of contributions from five Native American tribes through consultations with federal agencies, marking it as a historic initiative.
Environmental Protection
Exide Baton Rouge added to hazardous contaminated site list by EPA
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has included the Louisiana Superfund site, Exide Baton Rouge, in the National Priorities List (NPL). The NPL is a catalog of locations known to harbor toxic chemicals that pose potential threats to human health or the environment across America and its territories.
Environmental Protection
American Lung Association poll shows majority of voters support stricter standards for particle pollution
A recent poll conducted by the American Lung Association (ALA) reveals that a significant majority of American voters are in favor of stricter standards for particulate matter (PM), also known as particle or soot pollution. This finding emerges a month after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced its decision to reinforce the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for Particulate Matter.
Environmental Protection
New EPA office to help rural communities with enhanced infrastructure and economic opportunities
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established a new office aimed at guiding rural and agricultural communities towards economic opportunities. The initiative is designed to enhance the vitality of these communities and small towns, while also bolstering environmental stewardship.
Environmental Protection
EPA announces updated guidelines to mitigate hazardous chemical accidents
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has revised a program designed to provide protective safety provisions, aiming to shield vulnerable communities from the potential dangers of chemical mishaps. The initiative is set to prevent the accidental release of hazardous chemicals.
Environmental Protection
EPA partners with other federal agencies to mitigate lead hazards
Several governmental agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), are collaborating to reduce health risks from lead hazards, particularly among children. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) have also signed agreements to spearhead this initiative.
Environmental Protection
International Institute for Sustainable Development report spotlights deforestation best practices from the Global South
The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) has released a new study exploring how best practices from the Global South can assist nations worldwide in curbing deforestation. The findings of this report will be presented at the World Trade Organization’s Thirteenth Ministerial Conference next week.
Environmental Protection
EPA announces $5.8 billion in funds to upgrade water infrastructure projects across US
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has unveiled a $5.8 billion plan to bolster water infrastructure upgrades, courtesy of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This substantial sum forms part of an approximately $50 billion investment aimed at fortifying water projects that supply reliable drinking water to the public.
Environmental Protection
US Bureau of Land Management announces proposal to protect 4,000+ acres in New Mexico
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has proposed new protections for a tract of land located within the Placitas area of Sandoval County, New Mexico. The focus of these protections would be on new mining claims and mineral activity, and the BLM is currently inviting public comments on this proposal.
Environmental Protection
EPA removes Portsmouth Naval Shipyard from superfund list
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has decided to remove the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard from the National Priorities List (NPL), also known as the "superfund" list. The shipyard, located in Kittery, Maine, no longer requires remediation according to the EPA.
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