News

State of Nevada Priority Climate Action Plan (PCAP)

The Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) received a grant from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to develop plans to reduce Nevada’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The Priority Climate Action Plan (PCAP) is the first of two plans funded by this grant. The main goal is to identify and prioritize near-term measures for GHG reduction, aiming for eligibility for further funding.  The PCAP includes a GHG inventory, emission projections, and priority measures across six focus areas, each accompanied by …

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US EPA Finalizes Stronger Clean Air Standards for Chemical Plants

On April 9, 2024, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a final action to provide crucial health protections to communities near chemical plants. The action aims to reduce emissions of hazardous air pollutants, including chloroprene and ethylene oxide (EtO), while also decreasing pollution contributing to smog. This rule implements sections 111 and 112 of the Clean Air Act, strengthening regulations for various equipment and processes used in chemical plants, including those producing synthetic organic chemicals, polymers, and resins like …

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Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) Bureau of Air Pollution Control Improvement Survey

Our partners at the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) Bureau of Air Pollution Control (BAPC) are currently surveying their air quality permittees to get a better understanding of how NDEP can improve its services to support permittees and reduce the number of violations found during inspections. If your business holds an active air permit with NDEP, we highly encourage you to take this opportunity to provide NDEP with your feedback through this 100% anonymous survey. Results will be used by NDEP to evaluate …

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Free Mercury Collection Event

The Nevada Division of Environmental Protection and the Southern Nevada Health District are holding a free Mercury collection event from 8am – 2pm. Saturday, April 13, 2024 Southern Nevada Health District Main Office 280 S. Decatur Blvd Las Vegas, NV. 89107 Accepting elemental mercury in household quantities delivered in a sealed, undamaged, or original plastic or metal container that does not leak. CLICK HERE to learn more.

Electronics Scrap Recycling Advancement Prize

The US Department of Energy launched the Electronics Scrap Recycling Advancement Prize and will award up to $4 million to competitors to substantially increase the production and use of critical materials recovered from electronic scrap, known as e-scrap. The cash prizes and assistance awarded in Phases 1 and 2 are intended to support teams as they advance in the competition. E-scrap—which includes mobile phones, home appliances, medical or office equipment, and anything else powered by electricity—represents the fastest growing waste stream globally. …

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Revisions to Standards for the Open Burning/Open Detonation of Waste Explosives

Upcoming US EPA Webinar; Public Comment Period Open On March 20, 2024, US EPA proposed changes that would amend the standards for facilities to use open burning/open detonation (OB/OD) to treat waste explosives. The proposed revisions would reduce OB/OD of waste explosives and increase control of air emissions through improved implementation of existing requirements that facilities must evaluate and use safe and available alternative technologies in lieu of OB/OD.  US EPA will host a webinar on Thursday, April 18, 2024 at 10AM …

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Resources for Household Wastes: e-Cigarette Disposal Fact Sheet and Household Medication Disposal Website

On February 23, 2024, US EPA published a new fact sheet on how individual consumers can dispose of e-cigarettes safely. Individuals should dispose of e-cigarettes as a household hazardous waste and not put them in household trash or recycling bins. The lithium batteries inside e-cigarettes can become damaged and cause fires; and the nicotine inside the devices is toxic, posing a risk to both workers and the environment. Access the new fact sheet here. On February 26, 2024 US EPA launched …

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US EPA Issues Final Rule for Ethylene Oxide Sterilization Facilities

On March 14, 2024, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced final decisions regarding the regulation of Commercial Sterilization Facilities under the Clean Air Act. This includes defining affected sources, establishing emission standards for previously unregulated sources, and making amendments to address ethylene oxide (EtO) emissions from various vents and room air emissions. Additionally, the EPA is correcting and clarifying regulations related to emissions during startup, shutdown, and malfunction periods, removing exemptions for these periods.  Owners and operators will now …

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US EPA Finalizes “Commonsense” Standards for Gasoline Distribution Facilities

On March 14, 2024, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced it was implementing new standards to reduce toxic air pollution from gasoline distribution facilities, excluding gas stations. These rules target storage tanks, loading operations, and equipment leaks, aiming to cut emissions of air toxics and volatile organic compounds significantly. The regulations consider public input and include adjustments to enhance environmental protection while minimizing impacts on small businesses and gas prices.  Gasoline distribution facilities are required to adopt cost-effective practices …

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US EPA Finalizes Rule Banning Use of Asbestos

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a final rule on March 18, 2024, prohibiting ongoing uses of chrysotile asbestos, the only form currently used in or imported to the United States. This ban is the first under the 2016 amendments to the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), aiming to address health risks associated with asbestos exposure, including various cancers.  The rule includes strict compliance deadlines for transitioning away from asbestos use, especially in the chlor-alkali sector. It also bans …

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