• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) News

  • By: Quiet. Please
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Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) News

By: Quiet. Please
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  • Summary

  • "Discover insightful discussions on environmental conservation and public health with the 'Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)' podcast. Tune in to explore expert interviews, latest policy updates, and innovative solutions for safeguarding our planet. Join us in promoting sustainability and protecting our environment for future generations."

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Episodes
  • EPA's Enforcement Wins, PFAS Actions, and Methane Reductions: A Comprehensive Update

    EPA's Enforcement Wins, PFAS Actions, and Methane Reductions: A Comprehensive Update
    Dec 11 2024
    Welcome to our latest podcast on the Environmental Protection Agency's recent news and developments. This week, we're focusing on several significant updates that could have far-reaching impacts on American citizens, businesses, and state and local governments.

    The most significant headline from the EPA this week comes from their annual enforcement and compliance assurance results, which include the strongest outcomes since 2017. The EPA delivered outcomes in key areas such as clean air, safe drinking water, healthy rivers and streams, and reduced exposure to toxic chemicals in communities across the nation. Precedent-setting cases, record-breaking penalties, and increased onsite inspections to address noncompliance helped protect public health and the environment[3].

    One of the key developments is the EPA's reform of the new chemicals review process to better protect public health and promote efficiency and consistency. The final amendments will ensure that new PFAS and persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic (PBT) chemicals are subject to safety review processes prior to manufacture.

    Additionally, the EPA has been busy with several significant announcements, including the proposal to add 16 new per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and 15 PFAS categories to the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) list. This move aims to increase transparency and accountability for industries handling these chemicals. The public comment period for this proposal is open until December 9, 2024[4].

    The EPA has also finalized a rule to reduce methane emissions from the oil and gas sector, a potent greenhouse gas responsible for approximately one-third of global warming. This rule, part of President Biden's Methane Emissions Reduction Action Plan, aims to conserve valuable energy resources and reduce pollution.

    In terms of budget allocations, the EPA's FY 2024 budget provides $757 million and 3,354 FTE to strengthen compliance with the nation's environmental laws and hold violators accountable. The budget includes an increase of $22.6 million and 38.3 FTE above the FY 2023 enacted levels to rebuild the inspector corps, which is EPA's highest enforcement priority[2].

    EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan emphasized the agency's commitment to ensuring agricultural and rural communities are fully engaged as partners in their work to protect the environment and advance public health.

    Looking ahead, the EPA is seeking public comment on the draft framework for cumulative impacts until February 19, 2025. Citizens can engage by providing feedback through the Federal Register notice.

    For more information on these developments and how to get involved, visit the EPA's website. Stay tuned for more updates and remember to engage with the EPA on these critical issues.

    Next steps to watch include the implementation of the new chemicals review process and the methane emissions reduction rule. Resources for more information can be found on the EPA's website. Public input is needed on the draft framework for cumulative impacts, so we encourage citizens to provide feedback through the Federal Register notice. Thank you for tuning in.
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    4 mins
  • EPA Enforcement Hits Highest Levels Since 2017, Boosting Environmental Justice and Climate Action

    EPA Enforcement Hits Highest Levels Since 2017, Boosting Environmental Justice and Climate Action
    Dec 9 2024
    Welcome to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) news update. This week, we're focusing on the EPA's latest enforcement and compliance assurance results, which have delivered the strongest outcomes since 2017.

    The EPA announced its Fiscal Year 2024 Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Annual Results, highlighting enhanced efforts to hold polluters accountable and protect communities from harm. According to David M. Uhlmann, Assistant Administrator for EPA's Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance, "The progress made under the Biden-Harris Administration has sent a clear signal that polluters will be held accountable and that protecting communities from harm is a top priority."

    Key developments include over 1,800 concluded civil cases, more than 120 criminal defendants charged, and over 225 million pounds of pollution reductions in overburdened communities. The EPA also conducted 53% of on-site inspections in these communities, surpassing its annual goal of 50%. Half of EPA's civil enforcement cases addressed facilities in overburdened areas, emphasizing the agency's commitment to environmental justice.

    The EPA's "Climate Enforcement and Compliance Strategy" directed all enforcement and compliance offices to address climate change in their actions, focusing on cutting climate super pollutants like methane from oil and gas operations and landfills. Over 450 inspections were conducted as part of this effort, coordinating criminal, civil, and administrative actions in unprecedented ways.

    The agency also made significant progress in addressing contamination from coal ash facilities, forever chemicals like PFAS, and air toxics. The FY 2024 budget provided $757 million and 3,354 full-time equivalents to strengthen compliance with environmental laws and hold violators accountable. This includes an increase of $22.6 million and 38.3 full-time equivalents to rebuild the inspector corps, a critical enforcement priority.

    The EPA's enforcement efforts resulted in 2.7 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions reduced, treated, or eliminated, and $1.7 billion in penalties, the highest level since FY 2017. The agency concluded 1,851 civil cases, the highest number since FY 2017, and charged 121 criminal defendants, the highest since FY 2019.

    These developments have significant impacts on American citizens, ensuring cleaner air, water, and land. Businesses and organizations must comply with stricter regulations, while state and local governments benefit from increased enforcement and compliance assurance efforts.

    Looking ahead, the EPA is poised for even greater gains in the years to come, thanks to investments from Congress. Citizens can engage by staying informed about EPA's enforcement and compliance activities and providing input on upcoming policy changes.

    For more information, visit EPA's Enforcement and Compliance Annual Results for Fiscal Year 2024. Stay tuned for future updates and remember, protecting the environment is a collective responsibility. Thank you for listening.
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    4 mins
  • EPA Update: PFAS Regulations, Safer Chemicals, and Enforcement Priorities

    EPA Update: PFAS Regulations, Safer Chemicals, and Enforcement Priorities
    Dec 6 2024
    Welcome to our podcast on the latest news from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This week, we're focusing on significant developments that impact American citizens, businesses, and state and local governments.

    The EPA has been busy this year, particularly with its efforts to regulate per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). In April 2024, the EPA finalized a rule designating two PFAS compounds, PFOA and PFOS, including their salts and structural isomers, as hazardous substances under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). This move is part of the EPA's broader strategy to address PFAS contamination, building on its 2021 PFAS Strategic Road Map and 2023 Second Annual Progress Report[1].

    Additionally, the EPA has updated its Safer Choice and Design for the Environment (DfE) Standard, effective August 30, 2024. This update aims to promote safer chemicals in products and processes[2].

    The agency has also issued an Enforcement Alert regarding the illegal importation of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) into the United States. This alert highlights common compliance issues and recent enforcement actions, emphasizing the need for companies to comply with the law to address the climate crisis[2].

    Looking at broader enforcement priorities, the EPA announced its 2024 to 2027 National Enforcement and Compliance Initiatives, focusing on six priority areas to address serious and widespread environmental problems. These initiatives include addressing environmental justice across all six areas, which include reducing greenhouse gas emissions and tackling water pollution[3].

    Budget allocations are also a critical aspect of the EPA's work. The Fiscal Year 2024 budget for the EPA totals $12.083 billion, a 19% increase from the previous year, with a focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, advancing environmental justice, and funding scientific research[4]. However, the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for 2024 reduces funding for the EPA by $977 million, or 9.6%, from the previous year[5].

    These developments have significant impacts on American citizens, businesses, and state and local governments. For instance, the PFAS regulations will require companies to report on the manufacture or importation of these substances, which could lead to increased costs for compliance but also better protection for public health.

    As Peter Zalzal, Associate Vice President for Clean Air Strategies at the Environmental Defense Fund, noted, "EPA’s announcement today is important in helping to advance justice and protect communities and the climate."

    Citizens can engage with these developments by staying informed about upcoming changes and deadlines. For example, the EPA's PFAS regulations will require significant action in 2024, and companies must comply with the new HFC importation rules to avoid enforcement actions.

    To stay updated, visit the EPA's website for more information on these initiatives and regulations. Public input is crucial in shaping environmental policies, so we encourage listeners to participate in public comment periods and engage with local environmental organizations.

    Next steps to watch include the implementation of the PFAS regulations and the EPA's continued enforcement activities under the AIM Act. Stay tuned for further updates on these critical environmental issues. Thank you for listening.
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    4 mins

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