Regulatory Updates

NDEP To Hold WORKSHOPS TO SOLICIT COMMENTS ON PROPOSED RULEMAKING UNDER NEVADA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE CHAPTER 445B

Relating to the establishment of certain requirements for the Clean Trucks and Buses Incentive Program The Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) is proposing to adopt regulations into NAC 445B relating to the establishment of certain requirements for the Clean Trucks and Buses Incentive Program pursuant to Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) 445B.932. A workshop has been scheduled to solicit comments from persons interested in the amendments. The workshop will be held on September 23, 2024 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 …

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Register for US EPA’s Working Sessions on Mid-Format Battery Recycling

The US EPA is hosting a series of four meetings on mid-format battery recycling and collection from September through November, 11AM to 1PM PST. Mid-format batteries are rechargeable batteries between 11 and 25 pounds and 300 to 2,000 watt-hour ratings. Examples of mid-format batteries include e-bikes, e-scooters, portable power stations, and outdoor power equipment. Register today here and check out the topics for the working sessions:

Amendments to the Clean Air Act Rules for Stationary Engines

On August 19, 2024, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) amended the Clean Air Act rules for stationary engines. The amendments introduce electronic reporting requirements and correct minor errors in the regulations. These changes apply to the National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for Reciprocating Internal Combustion Engines (RICE), as well as the New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) for Stationary Compression Ignition (CI) and Stationary Spark Ignition (SI) Internal Combustion Engines.  The amendments do not change existing emission standards. US …

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All-Hazards Waste Management Planning Tool

New Resource Now Available The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) developed and launched the All-Hazards Waste Management Planning Tool to assist emergency managers and planners for all communities (state, local, Tribal, and territorial), and large industrial and municipal facilities. The tool guides users through the process of creating or updating a comprehensive pre-incident plan for managing materials and wastes generated from manmade and natural disasters, and preparing for plan implementation post-incident.  This tool is intended to encourage communities to begin planning for …

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AirToxScreen Tool Updates

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently released the fourth edition of AirToxScreen, a national screening assessment that estimates cancer and noncancer health risks from air toxics using 2020 data. This tool provides broad estimates of potential health risks and helps identify areas with potential air toxics issues for further assessment in areas around the Country. Key updates in this edition include: This update aims to improve understanding of local air toxics issues and guide further risk assessments. For more …

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US EPA Signs Proposal to Remove “Affirmative Defense” from Several Standards

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently signed a proposal to remove “affirmative defense” provisions from 18 rules in the New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) and National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) under the Clean Air Act. These provisions had previously protected sources from civil penalties for emission standard violations during malfunctions if specific actions were followed. The move follows a 2014 D.C. Circuit court decision (NRDC v. EPA) that vacated such provisions in one EPA regulation. This …

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Final Memo Issued: Climate Resilience in Hazardous Waste Permitting

On June 5, 2024, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a final memorandum that provides guidance to EPA Regions, states, and territories on when and how to consider potential adverse climate change impacts in the hazardous waste permitting process under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. This guidance includes recommendations for conducting climate change vulnerability screenings and assessments for treatment, storage, and disposal facilities to determine whether there are climate vulnerabilities that hazardous waste permits should address.  Read the …

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US EPA Finalizes Rule for Oil and Natural Gas Operations

The US EPA has issued a final rule, effective May 7, 2024, intended to significantly reduce methane and other emissions from oil and natural gas operations, including existing sources nationwide. The rule includes New Source Performance Standards for new, modified, and reconstructed sources, and Emissions Guidelines for states to develop plans to limit methane from existing sources. Methane is regarded as a potent climate pollutant contributing to global warming. US EPA has indicated that cutting methane emissions can provide immediate …

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US EPA Rule Update Regarding Fossil Fuel Fired Power Plants

On April 25, the US EPA announced a set of final rules attempting to reduce pollution from fossil fuel-fired power plants and protect communities and improve public health without compromising reliable electricity delivery. These rules, established under the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, aim to cut climate, air, water, and land pollution from the power sector. The rules include: To read more about these rules please visit the US EPA website here.