Episodes

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

    EPA Tackles Emissions, Cumulative Impacts, and PFAS in Latest Environmental Actions
    Nov 22 2024
    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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    4 mins
  • EPA Tackles Forever Chemicals: PFAS Regulations and Roadmap Unveiled

    EPA Tackles Forever Chemicals: PFAS Regulations and Roadmap Unveiled
    Nov 21 2024
    Welcome to this week's environmental update, where we dive into the latest news from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This week, the EPA made significant strides in addressing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as "forever chemicals" due to their persistence in the environment.

    The EPA announced the release of its third annual progress report on PFAS, highlighting unprecedented progress under the Biden-Harris Administration's whole-of-government strategy to protect communities from PFAS pollution. This includes the establishment of the first-ever, nationwide, legally enforceable drinking water standards for PFAS, which will reduce PFAS exposure for approximately 100 million people, prevent thousands of deaths, and reduce tens of thousands of serious illnesses[2][3].

    Additionally, the EPA proposed a rule to add 16 individual PFAS and 15 categories of PFAS, representing more than 100 individual chemicals, 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)[1][5].

    EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan emphasized the agency's commitment to protecting public health and the environment. "The EPA has delivered bold and concrete actions to protect people from PFAS in their water and everyday lives while dramatically increasing investments in research and solutions," he stated[3].

    The EPA also finalized a rule designating PFOA and PFOS as hazardous substances under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), also known as Superfund, to compel those most responsible for PFAS contamination to pay for cleanup, rather than taxpayers[3].

    These developments have significant impacts on American citizens, businesses, and state and local governments. For citizens, the new drinking water standards and expanded TRI reporting will provide greater transparency and protection from PFAS exposure. For businesses, the regulations will require increased compliance and potentially significant investments in cleanup and mitigation efforts. State and local governments will need to work closely with the EPA to implement these new standards and ensure effective enforcement.

    Looking ahead, the EPA will continue to develop the science and research related to PFAS, partner with states, Tribes, and local leaders to implement funding and solutions, and set and update strong standards to ensure all Americans are safe from potential contamination.

    For more information on the EPA's PFAS Strategic Roadmap and to stay updated on future developments, visit the EPA's website. Public input is crucial in shaping these policies, so we encourage you to engage with the EPA and provide your feedback.

    That's all for this week's environmental update. Thank you for tuning in, and we'll see you next time.
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    3 mins