Greenhouse Gas
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Environmental & Energy Cert. Petition Watch
As part of the “Environmental & Energy Cert. Petition Watch” project, in the past week, the following EHS-related petitions have been filed, denied, or granted. For a full list of EHS-related cert. petitions submitted from August 2013 through the present (as of January 12, 2014), click here. Continue reading
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NIOSH Issues Updated Nanotechnology Research And Guidance Plan
In December 2013, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH or “the institute”) released its most updated nanotechnology strategic plan – Protecting the Nanotechnology Workforce: NIOSH Nanotechnology Research and Guidance Strategic Plan, 2013-2016 (the “Plan”). Nanotechnology involves the manipulation of matter on a near-atomic scale to produce new materials and devices. Many of… Continue reading
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EPA Issues Final Rule Confirming New ASTM E1527-13 Standard Will Meet “All Appropriate Inquiries” Under CERCLA, Older ASTM E1527-05 Standard Still Good . . . For Now
On December 30, 2013, the US EPA issued its final rule confirming that the new ASTM E1527-13 standard, in addition to the older ASTM E1527-05 standard, is acceptable for prospective purchasers of real property to conduct “All Appropriate Inquiries” (AAI) under CERCLA. The Final Rule can be found here and became effective on December 30,… Continue reading
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USACE Issues Long Awaited Great Lakes/Asian Carp Report
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers this week submitted to Congress the Great Lakes and Mississippi River Interbasin Study (GLMRIS) report detailing a range of options and technologies to prevent the transfer of aquatic nuisance species (ANS) between the Great Lakes and Mississippi River basins through aquatic pathways. At issue is blocking the infamous Asian… Continue reading
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Sale Of Hazardous Materials On Craigslist Triggers CERCLA Liability
In 2006, a small screen print shop owner advertised a semi-trailer for sale on Craigslist. For $900, a buyer could purchase the trailer alone. However, for $300 less, the trailer could be purchased “as is.” “As-is” turned out to be filled with various containers of screen printing materials (some of which were hazardous materials). In… Continue reading
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Environmental & Energy Cert. Petition Watch
As part of the “Environmental & Energy Cert. Petition Watch” project, in the past week, no EHS-related petitions have been filed, denied, or granted. The following three EHS-related petitions are set for conference early next year (Jan. 10, 2014). For a full list of EHS-related cert. petitions submitted from August 2013 through the present (as… Continue reading
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Three New Superfund Sites Named In Indiana
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has added three contaminated sites in Indiana to the Superfund National Priorities List Continue reading
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OMB Seeks Public Comment On Social Cost of Carbon
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) requests comments on the Technical Support Document entitled Technical Update of the Social Cost of Carbon for Regulatory Impact Analysis Under Executive Order 12866. The Social Cost of Carbon (SCC) is used to estimate the value to society of marginal reductions in carbon emissions. This Technical Support Document… Continue reading
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First Criminal Conviction Under Migratory Bird Treaty Act For Wind Farms
Duke Energy Renewables Inc., a subsidiary of Duke Energy Corp., pled guilty in the deaths of golden eagles and other birds at two wind farms in Wyoming. According to the Justice Department, it is the first criminal conviction under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act for unlawful avian takings at wind projects. Continue reading
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Vote For Nuclear Option Likely to Ease The Logjam For U.S. EPA Appointments
When the United Senate voted to require only a simple majority to approve cloture motions dealing with nominations for executive agencies and judicial posts (excepting the United States Supreme Court), it opened the door for many Obama-appointees to various posts within U.S. EPA. Continue reading