• EPA Tackles Emissions, Cumulative Impacts, and PFAS in Latest Environmental Actions

  • Nov 22 2024
  • Length: 4 mins
  • Podcast

EPA Tackles Emissions, Cumulative Impacts, and PFAS in Latest Environmental Actions

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  • Summary

  • Welcome to this week's environmental update, where we dive into the latest news from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Our top story this week comes from Pennsylvania, where the EPA, along with the Department of Justice, has announced two significant settlements with oil and gas operators to reduce harmful emissions.

    On November 21, 2024, the EPA and the Department of Justice revealed that XTO Energy Inc. and Hilcorp Energy Company have agreed to pay civil penalties of $4 million and $1.275 million, respectively, for violating the Clean Air Act and the Pennsylvania Air Pollution Control Act. These settlements aim to reduce methane and volatile organic compound emissions from oil and gas production facilities in Western Pennsylvania. Assistant Administrator David M. Uhlmann for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance emphasized, "These settlements are the latest in EPA’s urgent efforts to limit the greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change and hold corporate polluters accountable for jeopardizing public health."

    In addition to these settlements, the EPA has been busy with other initiatives. On November 21, 2024, the agency released a draft framework to advance the consideration of cumulative impacts on communities. This framework provides tools and principles for EPA programs and regional offices to assess how pollution and other burdens interact to affect individuals’ and communities’ health and well-being. Theresa Segovia, Principal Deputy Assistant Administrator for EPA’s Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights, noted, "Solving environmental inequities starts with acknowledging that not all communities face the same barriers and challenges."

    The EPA has also made significant strides in addressing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) pollution. The agency proposed adding 16 individual PFAS and 15 PFAS categories to the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) list of toxic chemicals subject to reporting under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) and the Pollution Prevention Act (PPA). This move is part of the EPA's broader strategy to confront PFAS pollution in communities across the country.

    Furthermore, the EPA has announced the appointment of new members to the Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Federal Advisory Committee. This committee provides independent policy advice and recommendations to the Administrator on crucial environmental issues affecting agriculture and rural communities. EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan stated, "EPA remains committed to ensuring agricultural and rural communities are fully engaged as partners in our work to protect our 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.

    In conclusion, this week's updates from the EPA highlight the agency's ongoing efforts to protect public health and the environment. From addressing PFAS pollution to promoting environmental justice, the EPA is working to ensure that all communities have access to clean air and water. Stay tuned for more updates and remember to engage with the EPA on these critical issues.
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