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

  • Dec 11 2024
  • Length: 4 mins
  • Podcast

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

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  • Summary

  • 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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