December 2016
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President Obama Bans Drilling in Over 100 Million Acres of the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans
On December 20, 2016, President Obama announced that he was using his authority under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (43 U.S.C. §§ 1331 et seq.) to prohibit drilling and oil exploration in certain areas of the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans. Continue reading
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DTSC Seeks Comments on New Safer Consumer Products Guidance
The California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) has issued draft guidance titled Alternatives Analysis Guide and is seeking comments through January 20, 2017. California’s Safer Consumer Products (SCP) Program challenges product designers and manufacturers to reduce toxic chemicals in their products. Continue reading
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EPA Publishes Proposed Rule to Ban Certain Uses of TCE
On December 7, 2016, EPA published a proposed rule to ban certain uses of trichloroethylene (TCE) under section 6(a) of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) due to risks to human health from those uses. Continue reading
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U.S. EPA Issues Final Rule Adding Vapor Intrusion to NPL Site Scoring System
On December 7, 2017, U.S. EPA published a final rule which added “subsurface instrusion” or “SsI component to CERCLA’s Hazard Ranking System (HRS). Continue reading
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Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt Picked to Lead EPA
Several news outlets are reporting that President-elect Donald Trump will nominate Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt to serve as the Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Continue reading
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OSHA’S New Anti-Retaliation Rule: Effect on Safety Incentive Programs
On May 12, 2016, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) issued a final rule addressing employers’ workplace injury and illness reporting and recording obligations addressing retaliation against employees who report a work-related injury or illness to an employer. Continue reading
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TSCA Reform in Action: EPA Releases List of 10 Chemicals Slated for Risk Evaluations
On November 29, 2016, EPA announced the first 10 chemicals it will evaluate for potential risks to human health and the environment under the new Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Reform Act, which was signed into law back in June. Continue reading