A bill to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act with respect to permitting terms. (Congressional Record 14 March 2025 [House] Pages H1158-H1162)

EPA is postponing the effectiveness of certain regulatory provisions of the final rule entitled "Trichloroethylene (TCE); Regulation Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)" for 90 days pending judicial review. Specifically, this postponement applies to the conditions imposed on the uses with TSCA exemptions. As of 21 March 2025, the EPA further postpones the conditions imposed on each of the TSCA section 6(g) exemptions, as described in this document, in the final rule published on 17 December 2024 at 89 FR 102568 until 20 June 2025. POC is Gabriela Rossner, Existing Chemicals Risk Management Division, Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20460-0001; tele: (202) 565-2426; address: TCE.TSCA@epa.gov. (Federal Register 2 April 2025 [Rule] Pages 14415-14417)

A bill to amend the Clean Air Act with respect to the ethanol waiver for Reid Vapor Pressure under that Act. (Congressional Record 13 February 2025 [House] Pages H705-H710)

The EPA and the Department of the Army intend to engage with State and Tribal co-regulators; industry and agricultural stakeholders; environmental and conservation stakeholders; and the public on certain key topics related to the implementation of the definition of "waters of the United States" in light of the Supreme Court's 2023 decision in Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency. This notice includes an announcement of forthcoming listening sessions on specific key topic areas to hear interested stakeholders' perspectives on defining "waters of the United States" consistent with the Supreme Court's interpretation of the scope of Clean Water Act jurisdiction and how to implement that interpretation as the agencies consider next steps. The agencies are also accepting written recommendations from members of the public via a recommendations docket. These opportunities are intended to provide for broad, transparent engagement with a full spectrum of stakeholders. Written recommendations must be received on or before 23 April 2025. POC is Stacey Jensen, Oceans, Wetlands and Communities Division, Office of Water (4504-T), EPA, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20460; tele: (202) 564-2281; email: WOTUS-outreach@epa.gov. (Federal Register 24 March 2025 [Proposed Rule] Pages 13428-13431)

The EPA is promulgating this final rule to extend the reporting deadline under the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Rule for reporting year 2024 data from March 31, 2025, to May 30, 2025. This rule only changes the reporting deadline for annual greenhouse gas (GHG) reports for reporting year 2024. This rule does not change the reporting deadline for future years, and it does not change the requirements for what regulated entities must report. This rule is effective 20 March 2025. POC is Jennifer Bohman, Climate Change Division, Office of Atmospheric Protection (MC-6207A), Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20460; telephone number: (202) 343-9548; email address: GHGReporting@epa.gov. (Federal Register 20 March 2025 [Rule] Pages 13085-13089).

A bill to sunset new Federal regulatory rules after 5 years. (Congressional Record: 12 February 2025 [House] Pages H673-H677)

A bill to exempt certain entities from liability under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 with respect to releases of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances. (Congressional Record: 12 February 2025 [House] Pages H673-H677)

A bill to extend the customs waters of the United States from 12 nautical miles to 24 nautical miles from the baselines of the United States, consistent with Presidential Proclamation 7219. (Congressional Record: 12 February 2025 [House] Pages H673-H677)

A bill to amend the Clean Air Act to modify the Methane Emissions Reduction Program. (Congressional Record 11 February 2025 [Senate] Pages S859-S860)

A bill to amend the Clean Air Act to modify Reid Vapor Pressure requirements and to provide for the return of certain retired credits. (Congressional Record 13 February 2025 [Senate] Pages S970-S972)

A bill to amend the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to address measuring methane emissions. (Congressional Record 11 February 2025 [House] Pages H643-H645)

EPA is extending the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) compliance reporting deadline for the 2024 compliance year. EPA is also making several minor amendments and technical corrections to other RFS provisions. This rule is effective on 13 March 2025. For operational purposes under the Clean Air Act (CAA), this final rule is effective as of 7 March 2025.POC is For questions regarding this action, contact Nick Parsons, Office of Transportation and Air Quality, Assessment and Standards Division, EPA, 2000 Traverwood Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48105; tele: (734) 214-4479; email: RFS-Rulemakings@epa.gov. (Federal Register 14 March 2025 [Rule] Pages 12109-12114)

The Agency's 2024 assessment of the availability of capacity for the treatment and disposal of hazardous waste generation, as documented in the 2024 National Capacity Assessment Report, indicates that there exists adequate capacity nationwide through the year 2049. This report describes the data and analyses that provide the information needed for the capacity assurance. The focus of the assessment is on commercial management for land disposal, incineration, and energy recovery since these management types are often costly and difficult to permit.

This "Model Permit" is a guide to help permit writers draft and review RCRA permit conditions for incorporation into a RCRA hazardous waste permit. Using language that is based on best example language from actual permits that has been vetted by subject matter experts, including legal and enforcement experts, should reduce the time to issue permits, promote national consistency, and result in clearer, more readily implementable, enforceable permit conditions.

Discover how recent EPA rules are transforming the future of refrigerants, a significant source of emissions found in nearly every type of building. Participants learned how to identify, categorize, and track refrigerants in building portfolios and strategies to avoid leaks that generate fugitive emissions.

Abstracts for this Alliance of Hazardous Materials Professional summit are being accepted until April 18, 2025. Submitters have the option of choosing up to three tracks for their presentation including sustainability, regulatory update, emerging contaminants, remediation technologies, ehs compliance, or Hazmat/Emergency response, among others.

In accordance with the memorandum of January 20, 2025, from President Donald J. Trump, entitled "Regulatory Freeze Pending Review," this action temporarily delays until March 21, 2025, the effective date of the regulations listed in the table below. EPA has identified two additional regulations that meet the criteria in the memo and may identify additional regulations in subsequent notices. As of February 5, 2025, the effective dates of the rules published at 89 FR 99727 (December 11, 2024), and 90 FR 573 (January 6, 2025), are delayed to March 21, 2025. POC is William Nickerson, Director, Office of Regulatory Policy and Management, Office of Policy, Mail code 1804, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20460; (202) 566-0326; nickerson.william@epa.gov. (Federal Register 5 February 2025 [Final Rule] Page 9010)

A bill to amend sections 111, 169, and 171 of the Clean Air Act to clarify when a physical change in, or change in the method of operation of, a stationary source constitutes a modification or construction. (Congressional Record 3 January 2025 [House] Pages H27-H36)

In accordance with the memorandum of January 20, 2025, from President Donald J. Trump, entitled "Regulatory Freeze Pending Review," this action temporarily delays until March 21, 2025, the effective date of the regulations listed in the table below. EPA has initially identified 4 regulations that meet the criteria in the memo and may identify additional regulations in subsequent notices. As of January 28, 2025, the effective date of the rules published at 89 FR 102568 (12/17/2024), 89 FR 95034 (11/29/2024), 89 FR 106357 (12/30/2024), and 89 FR 107012 (12/31/2024), are delayed to a new effective date of March 21, 2025. POC is William Nickerson, Director, Office of Regulatory Policy and Management, Office of Policy, Mail code 1804, EPA, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20460; (202) 566-0326; nickerson.william@epa.gov. (Federal Register 28 January 2025 [Rule] Pages 8254-8255)

EPA is proposing to promulgate new methods and update the tables of approved methods for the Clean Water Act. The Clean Water Act requires the EPA to promulgate test procedures for the analysis of pollutants. Promulgating new methods and updating the tables of approved methods increases the quality and consistency of data collected for the purposes of the Clean Water Act. In this rule, the EPA proposes to add new EPA methods for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners, and add methods previously published by voluntary consensus bodies that industries and municipalities would use for reporting under the EPA's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit program. The EPA also proposes to withdraw the seven Aroclor (PCB mixtures) parametersComments must be received on or before 20 February 2025. POC is Adrian Hanley, Engineering and Analysis Division, Office of Water (4303T), Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20460-0001; telephone: 202-564-1564; email: hanley.adrian@epa.gov. (Federal Register 21 January 2025 [Proposed Rule] Pages 6967-7037)

EPA is finalizing amendments to the National Volatile Organic Compound Emission Standards for Aerosol Coatings. This action revises national emission standards for the aerosol coatings (aerosol spray paints) category under the Clean Air Act (CAA), which requires control of volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from certain categories of consumer and commercial products for purposes of reducing VOC emissions contributing to ozone formation and ozone nonattainment. The regulation employs a relative reactivity-based approach to control aerosol coating products' contribution to ozone formation by encouraging the use of less reactive VOC ingredients in formulations. In this final rule, the EPA is updating coating category product-weighted reactivity (PWR) limits, adding new compounds and reactivity factors, updating existing reactivity factors, revising the rule's default reactivity factor, and amending thresholds for VOC regulated by the rule. The effective date of this final rule is 17 January 2025. POC is Kaye Whitfield, U.S. EPA, Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, Sector Policies and Programs Division; tele: (919) 541-2509; email: whitfield.kaye@epa.gov. (Federal Register 17 January 2025 [Rule] Pages 5697-5718)

This guide is provided to assist the regulated community in complying with regulations for trichloroethylene (TCE) under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). The guide provides an overview of the requirements set by the final rule, including important regulatory deadlines. While the EPA's rule will result in a complete prohibition of TCE, the prohibition will take longer to phase in for certain uses, and the rule sets strict workplace protection requirements for those uses in the interim. It is important for the regulated community to understand these compliance obligations. Being aware of and following these regulations correctly will reduce injuries and long-term illness. This guide is intended for persons who own or operate a business that manufactures (including imports), processes, distributes in commerce, uses or disposes of TCE. This guide may also be of interest to people who may be exposed to TCE in the workplace, as well as consumers, community members or anyone else that may be affected by exposure to TCE.

RCRA Compliance Assistance Presentations for Labs Consistent with all other regulated entities, federal labs must comply with regulatory requirements of the environmental statutes, including the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) for solid and hazardous waste management (RCRA-C). EPA's Federal Facilities Enforcement Office (FFEO) developed a compliance assistance presentation to help federal labs comply with RCRA-C requirements. (see attached pdf FederalLabCAPresentation.pdf)

Guides on the use of perchloroethylene (PCE) for dry cleaning and energized electrical cleaning to help users and others comply with new regulations under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). The guides provide an overview of the requirements set by the final rule, including important regulatory deadlines.

DoD, GSA, and NASA are withdrawing the proposed rule to amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) titled: Disclosure of Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Climate-Related Financial Risk. Executive Order 14030, directed the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council to consider amending the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) require major Federal suppliers to publicly disclose greenhouse gas emissions and climate-related financial risk and to set science-based reduction targets. A proposed rule was published on 14 November 2022. The agencies lack sufficient time during the Biden-Harris Administration to finalize the proposal. In addition, the agencies' analysis of public comments indicates an evolving practices and standards in industry, and an evolving domestic and international regulatory landscape. Accordingly, this proposed rule is withdrawn, and the FAR case is closed. The proposed rule published on 14 November 2022, at 87 FR 68312 is withdrawn as of 13 January 2025. POC is Ms. Jennifer Hawes, Procurement Analyst, at 202-255-9194 or by email at jennifer.hawes@gsa.gov.

This action finalizes the Clean Air Act (CAA) technology review (TR) conducted for the commercial and industrial dry cleaning facilities using perchloroethylene (PCE) as the cleaning solvent (PCE Dry Cleaning) source categories regulated under National Emission Standards for Hazardous air Pollutants (NESHAP). This final rule does not finalize the changes made at proposal and makes no amendments to the current NESHAP given the recently finalized action under the Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA) which has instituted a 10-year phaseout of the use of PCE for dry cleaning. This action is effective on 7 January 2024. POC is Reginald Goodwin, Mail Drop: D243-04, 109 T.W. Alexander Drive, P.O. Box 12055, RTP, North Carolina 27711; tele: (919) 541-5313; and email: goodwin.reginald@epa.gov. (Federal Register 7 January 2025 [Rule] Pages 1041-1048)

EPA has decided not to proceed with the development of a regulation addressing the manufacture, processing, or distribution in commerce of lead for wheel-balancing weights ("lead wheel weights") under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). This action relates to a citizen petition filed with the Agency in 2009 ("2009 petition"). The 2009 petition, which EPA granted, asked EPA to initiate a rulemaking proceeding to regulate the manufacturing, processing, or distribution in commerce of lead wheel weights. In 2023, the same parties filed a petition for a writ of mandamus ("mandamus petition") that sought to compel EPA to initiate the rulemaking proceeding requested in the 2009 petition. After reviewing the information submitted in response to an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) issued in April 2024 and EPA's technical analysis thereof, EPA has decided not to proceed with the development of a proposed rule. This decision is effective 23 December 2024. POC is Sean Duenser, Existing Chemicals Risk Management Division (7404M), Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20460-0001; telep: (202) 343-9157; email: duenser.sean@epa.gov. (Federal Register 23 December 2024 [Rule] Pages 104486-104493)

Based on the EPA's review of the air quality criteria for ecological effects and secondary national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) for oxides of nitrogen (N oxides), oxides of sulfur (SOX), and particulate matter (PM), the EPA is revising the existing secondary sulfur dioxide (SO2) standard to an annual average, averaged over three consecutive years, with a level of 10 parts per billion (ppb). Additionally, the Agency is retaining the existing secondary standards for N oxides and PM, without revision. The EPA is also finalizing revisions to the data handling requirements for the secondary SO2 NAAQS. This final rule is effective on 27 January 2025. POC is Ms. Ginger Tennant, EPA, Health and Environmental Impacts Division, Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards (mail code C539-04), Research Triangle Park, NC 27711; tele: (919) 541-4072; email: tennant.ginger@epa.gov. (Federal Register 27 December 2024 [Rule] Pages 105692-105788)

ACE 2025 will address critical topics such as new regulations and policy, clean technology, sustainable energy futures, environmental and climate justice, PFAS, green transportation solutions, and ESG approaches and reporting. Hot topics include the environmental impact of electric vehicles and battery energy storage, impacts of AI and data centers, the use of satellite data for air quality and emissions assessments, and the future of hydrogen as a fuel.

Environmental professionals from across the country gather each year at the NAEP Annual Conference & Training Symposium to share in the opportunity to learn about new projects, share technical knowledge, network with other industry professionals, engage with leaders in environmental technologies and practice.

EPA is finalizing a rule to address the unreasonable risk of injury to health presented by carbon tetrachloride (CTC) under its conditions of use. TSCA requires that EPA address by rule any unreasonable risk of injury to health or the environment identified in a TSCA risk evaluation and apply requirements to the extent necessary so that the chemical no longer presents unreasonable risk. EPA's final rule will establish workplace safety requirements for most conditions of use, including the condition of use related to the making of low Global Warming Potential (GWP) hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs); prohibit the manufacture (including import), processing, distribution in commerce, and industrial/commercial use of CTC for conditions of use where information indicates use of CTC has ceased; and establish recordkeeping and downstream notification requirements. This final rule is effective on 17 January 2025. POC is Emilia Echeveste Briseño, Existing Chemicals Risk Management Division (7404M), Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics, EPA, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20460-0001; tele: (202) 566-0543; email: CarbonTetrachlorideTSCA@epa.gov. (Federal Register 18 December 2024 [Rule] Pages 103512-103558)

EPA is finalizing a rule to address the unreasonable risk of injury to health presented by perchloroethylene (PCE) under its conditions of use. TSCA requires that EPA address by rule any unreasonable risk of injury to health or the environment identified in a TSCA risk evaluation and apply requirements to the extent necessary so that the chemical no longer presents unreasonable risk. EPA's final rule will, among other things, prevent serious illness associated with uncontrolled exposures to the chemical by preventing consumer access to the chemical, restricting the industrial and commercial use of the chemical while also allowing for a reasonable transition period where the industrial and commercial use of the chemical is being prohibited. This final rule is effective on 17 January 2025.POC is Kelly Summers, Existing Chemicals Risk Management Division (7405M), Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics, EPA, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20460-0001; telephone number: (202) 564-2201; email address: pce.tsca@epa.gov. (Federal Register 18 December 2024 [Rule] Pages 103560-103616)

EPA is finalizing a rule to address the unreasonable risk of injury to health presented by trichloroethylene (TCE) under its conditions of use. TSCA requires that EPA address by rule any unreasonable risk of injury to health or the environment identified in a TSCA risk evaluation and apply requirements to the extent necessary so that the chemical no longer presents unreasonable risk. EPA's final rule will, among other things, prevent serious illness associated with uncontrolled exposures to the chemical by preventing consumer access to the chemical, restricting the industrial and commercial use of the chemical while also allowing for a reasonable transition period with interim worker protections in place where an industrial and commercial use of the chemical is being prohibited, and provide time-limited exemptions for critical or essential uses of TCE for which no technically and economically feasible safer alternatives are available. This final rule is effective on 16 January 2025. POC is Gabriela Rossner, Existing Chemicals Risk Management Division, Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20460-0001; tele: (202) 565-2426; email: TCE.TSCA@epa.gov. (Federal Register 17 December 2024 [Rule] Pages 102568-102635)

This year's theme for the Symposium "Supporting the Mission Through Environmental Compliance" focuses on the sharing of best practices, success stories, partnerships, and challenges and achievements of the federal practitioner community as they apply to your Agency's mission. The symposium is also expected to bring together federal agencies and their partnering organizations to provide existing and relevant environmental policy perspectives.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is making corrections to a final rule that appeared in the Federal Register of 12 November 2024, that finalized several revisions to EPA's lead-based paint (LBP) regulations. Subsequent to publication, the Office of the Federal Register (OFR) informed the Agency that there were errors in the amendatory instructions that describe specific revisions for two sections of the regulation. The corrections to the amendatory instructions will allow for the proper revisions to be incorporated into the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). This final rule correction is effective 13 January 2025. POC is Claire Brisse, Existing Chemicals Risk Management Division (7404M), Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20460-0001; tele: (202) 564-9004; email: brisse.claire@epa.gov. (Federal Register 16 December 2024 [Rule] Pages 101489-101490)

Beginning January 22, 2025, Large and Small Quantity Generators (LQGs and SQGs) are required to register and maintain an account in RCRAInfo (https://rcrainfo.epa.gov/rcrainfoprod/action/secured/login) to meet the new regulatory changes made by the e-Manifest Third Final Rule. For instructions on how to register visit the e-Manifest User Registration webpage (https://www.epa.gov/e-manifest/e-manifest-user-registration) For a list of LQGs and SQGs without a Site Manager or Certifier, please visit the e-Manifest Third Rule Compliance Check (https://rcrapublic.epa.gov/rcra-public-export/?outputType=CSV) to download the list. https://www.epa.gov/e-manifest/final-rule-integrating-e-manifest-exports-and-other-manifest-related-reports-pcb

EPA is finalizing the Health and Safety Reporting Rule under the Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA) to require manufacturers (including importers) of the sixteen chemical substances identified in this rulemaking to submit copies and lists of certain unpublished health and safety studies to EPA. Health and safety studies sought by this action will inform EPA actions in carrying out its responsibilities pursuant to TSCA, including prioritization, risk evaluation, and risk management. This rule is effective on 13 January 2025. POC is Lameka Smith, Data Gathering, Management, and Policy Division (7406M), Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20460-0001; tele: (202) 564-1629; email: smith.lameka@epa.gov. (Federal Register 13 December 2024 [Rule] Pages 100756-100763)

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing a narrow modification to its 2022 CGP to expand the list of areas eligible for coverage to include construction projects in Lands of Exclusive Federal Jurisdiction. This modification is necessary because the EPA is the permitting authority in Lands of Exclusive Federal Jurisdiction, and when the CGP was issued on 17 February 2022, the permit did not specifically provide eligibility for all of these areas. The proposed modification would also clarify the CGP requirements that apply to projects that discharge to receiving waters within Lands of Exclusive Federal Jurisdiction. The EPA seeks comment only on the proposed permit revisions and the accompanying fact sheet. The fact sheet and proposed permit modification can be found at https://www.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater-discharges-construction-activities. Comments on the proposed permit modification must be received on or before 13 January 2025. POC is Greg Schaner, EPA Headquarters, Office of Water, Office of Wastewater Management at (202) 564-0721 or by email at schaner.greg@epa.gov. (Federal Register 13 December 2024 [Proposed Rule] Pages 100929-100934)

EPA is proposing amendments to the Standards of Performance for new, modified, and reconstructed stationary combustion turbines and stationary gas turbines. These amendments are based on a review of available control technologies aimed at limiting emissions of criteria air pollutants. The review of the NSPS is mandated by the CAA. As part of this review, the EPA proposes to create size-based subcategories for new, modified, and reconstructed stationary combustion turbines. These subcategories will also recognize differences in turbines that operate at varying loads or capacity factors and those using natural gas or non-natural gas fuels. The EPA proposes that the BSER for limiting NOX emissions from these turbines is the use of combustion controls along with post-combustion SCR, with some limited exceptions. Based on this BSER and updates in technical information, the EPA aims to lower the NOX standards for most stationary combustion turbines in this source category. Finally, the Agency is proposing amendments to address specific technical and editorial issues to clarify existing regulations. Comments must be received on or before 13 March 2025. POC is John Ashley tele: (919) 541-1458; and email: ashley.john@epa.gov. (Federal Register 13 December 2024 [Proposed Rule] Pages 101306-101356)

This action finalizes the Federal plan for existing commercial and industrial solid waste incineration units (CISWI). This final action implements the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) emission guidelines adopted on 7 February 2013, as amended on 23 June 2016, and on 16 April 2019, in states that do not have an approved state plan implementing the emission guidelines in place by the effective date of this Federal plan. The implementation of the emission guidelines will result in emissions reductions of the regulated pollutants including cadmium, hydrogen chloride, lead, mercury, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and sulfur dioxide from the affected CISWI. This final action is also revising the definition of "small, remote incinerator" to reflect new statutory prohibitions on the implementation of CISWI standards to units in the State of Alaska. This final rule is effective 10 January 2025. POC is Dr. Felica Davis, Sector Policies and Programs Division (E14305), Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, EPA, 109 T.W. Alexander Drive, P.O. Box 12055, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711; tele: (919) 541-4857; and email: davis.felica@epa.gov. (Federal Register 11 December 2024 [Rule] Pages 100092-100136)

EPA's Enforcement and Compliance History Online (ECHO) website has implemented a new feature responding to frequent requests that Clean Air Act activities be presented showing associations between compliance monitoring, violations, and enforcement. Historically, ECHO organized data in the Detailed Facility Report (DFR) by activity type, listing compliance monitoring activities, violations, and formal and informal enforcement actions in separate tables. Now, an additional "pipeline view" will help users understand how Clean Air Act violations relate to compliance monitoring (i.e., what was the violation discovery activity?) and enforcement (i.e., what violations did enforcement actions address?). To see this new view, navigate to the Enforcement and Compliance section of a Detailed Facility Report for any Clean Air Act permitted facility with past or current violations.

EPA Water Technical Assistance (WaterTA) connects communities to experts who help assess and implement solutions for their drinking water, sewage, and stormwater needs. EPA's free water technical assistance initiatives help communities identify their water challenges, develop plans, build capacity, and develop their application materials to access federal funding. The Tackling Emerging Contaminants initiative builds on EPA's robust suite of technical assistance programs and includes diagnostic water quality sampling and analysis, source water assessment, preliminary treatment design and evaluations, operational and sampling training, and identifying solutions to address emerging contaminants and PFAS contamination including community engagement and outreach support.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is promulgating a regulation to facilitate compliance with the requirements of the Waste Emissions Charge in the Clean Air Act's (CAA) Methane Emissions Reduction Program (MERP). Enacted as part of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), this program requires the EPA to impose and collect an annual charge on methane emissions that exceed waste emissions thresholds specified by Congress. This final rule is effective 17 January 2025. POC is Jennifer Bohman, Climate Change Division, Office of Atmospheric Protection (MC-6207A), Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20460; tele: (202) 343-9548; email: merp@epa.gov. (Federal Register 18 November 2024 [Rule] Pages 91094-91195)

EPA is correcting a final rule that appeared in the Federal Register (FR) on 17 April 2024. The EPA finalized the Other Solid Waste Incinerators (OSWI); Title V Permitting Provisions rule which removed title V permitting requirements for air curtain incinerators that burn only wood waste, clean lumber, yard waste, or a mixture of these three types of waste. Following publication of this final rule, the EPA discovered inadvertent errors in the regulatory text and is correcting them in this action. The final rule is effective on 14 November 2024. POC is Dr. Felica Davis, Sector Policies and Programs Division (E143-05), Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, EPA, 109 T.W. Alexander Drive, P.O. Box 12055, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711; tele: (919) 541-4857; and email: davis.felica@epa.gov. (Federal Register 14 November 2024 [Rule] Pages 89928-89933)

As part of EPA's efforts to reduce childhood lead exposure EPA is finalizing its proposal to lower the dust-lead hazard standards to any reportable level as analyzed by a laboratory recognized by EPA's NLLAP. EPA's LBP regulations do not compel property owners or occupants to evaluate their property for LBP hazards or to take control actions, but if a LBP activity such as an abatement is performed, then EPA's regulations set requirements for doing so. EPA is also finalizing changes to lower the post-abatement dust-lead clearance levels to 5 micrograms per square foot (µg/ft2), 40 µg/ft2, and 100 µg/ft2 for floors, window sills and troughs respectively. Due to feedback from public comments, EPA is also finalizing changes to adopt the terms dust-lead reportable levels (DLRL) and dust-lead action levels (DLAL). Given the decoupling of the action levels from the reportable levels, EPA is finalizing revisions to the definition of abatement so that the recommendation for action based on dust-lead applies when dust-lead loadings are at or above the action levels, rather than the hazard standards. The dust-lead hazard standards will be described as DLRL moving forward and the dust-lead clearance levels will be described as DLAL. This final rule is effective 13 January 2025. POC is Claire Brisse tele: (202) 564-9004; email: brisse.claire@epa.gov. (Federal Register 12 November 2024 [Rule] Pages 89416-89461)

In December 2023, the EPA requested comment on the proposed the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI), which informed the revisions to the National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR) for lead and copper. After consideration of public comment on the LCRI, and consistent with the provisions set forth under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), the EPA is finalizing revisions to the NPDWR for lead and copper. In this rule, the agency is finalizing requirements for drinking water systems to replace lead and certain galvanized service lines. The final rule also removes the lead trigger level, reduces the lead action level to 0.010 mg/L, and strengthens tap sampling procedures to improve public health protection and simplify implementation relative to the 2021 Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR). The final rule will significantly reduce the adverse human health impacts of exposure to toxic lead in drinking water. This final rule is effective on 30 December 2024. POC is Michael Goldberg, Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water, Standards and Risk Management Division (Mail Code 4607M), EPA, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20460; tele: 202-564-1379; email: LCRI@epa.gov. (Federal Register 30 October 2024 [Rule] Pages 86418-86667)

This conference will be hosted by the Water Environment Federation in cooperation with the Chesapeake Water Environment Association.

Environmental Protection Agency is announcing the cancellation of all products containing the pesticide dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate (DCPA or Dacthal) under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). In making this decision, EPA relied on the best available science, which included robust studies demonstrating thyroid toxicity. Unborn babies whose pregnant mothers are exposed to DCPA from handling, entering or working in areas where DCPA has already been applied, could experience changes to fetal thyroid hormone levels. These changes are generally linked to low birth weight, impaired brain development, decreased IQ, and impaired motor skills later in life, some of which may be irreversible. The final cancellation prohibits anyone from distributing, selling or carrying out other similar activities for the remaining pesticide products containing DCPA. It also means that no person can continue using existing stocks of those products. AMVAC has developed a voluntary return program for existing DCPA products. In advance of the cancellation order, AMVAC implemented a plan to identify existing stocks and coordinated a collection process. When the return program concludes in the fall of 2024, EPA will continue monitoring this process to ensure that the collected DCPA products are disposed in a manner in accordance with applicable laws. EPA plans to release additional information about any remaining stocks in the coming months.

On 11 October 2024, EPA finalized a rule on the phasedown of hydrofluorocarbons under the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020. This Act directs the EPA to establish regulations to maximize reclamation and minimize releases of hydrofluorocarbons and their substitutes, as well as ensure the safety of technicians and consumers. In this rule, EPA also finalized alternative recycling criteria for ignitable used refrigerants, including some hydrofluorocarbons and their equivalents under RCRA authority. These final RCRA alternatives largely defer to existing Clean Air Act standards for refrigerant recovery equipment and reclaimer certification. They also include a prohibition on speculative accumulation and requirements for emergency preparedness and response for refrigerant reclaimers. These final changes to the hazardous waste regulations aim to decrease emissions and support safe recycling of used refrigerants. EPA has provided a series of questions and answers about the RCRA refrigerant recycling alternative standards.

On 7 October 2024, EPA published several new frequent questions about managing end-of-life solar panels under RCRA. Find out how to use knowledge or analytical testing to make a hazardous waste determination on solar panels, how the RCRA regulations apply to solar panels that are reused and recycled, how solar panels can be recycled, and more on our website.

EPA is finalizing amendments to the NSPS for Volatile Organic Liquid Storage Vessels (Including Petroleum Liquid Storage Vessels) pursuant to the review required by the Clean Air Act (CAA). The EPA is finalizing revisions to the NSPS that are applicable to volatile organic liquid (VOL) storage vessels that commence construction, reconstruction, or modification after October 4, 2023, under a new NSPS subpart, as well as amendments to an existing subpart. In the new NSPS subpart Kc, the EPA is finalizing requirements to reduce the vapor pressure applicability thresholds and revise the volatile organic compound (VOC) standards to reflect the best system of emission reduction (BSER) for affected storage vessels. In addition, the EPA is finalizing degassing emission controls; clarification of startup, shutdown, and malfunction (SSM) requirements; additional monitoring requirements; and other technical improvements. This final rule is effective on 15 October 2024. POC is Mr. Michael Cantoni III, Sector Policies and Programs Division (E143-01), Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 109 T.W. Alexander Drive, P.O. Box 12055, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711; telephone number: (919) 541-5593; and email address: cantoni.michael@epa.gov. (Federal Register 15 October 2024 [Rule] Pages 83296-83336)

EPA is issuing regulations to implement certain provisions of the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020. This rulemaking establishes an emissions reduction and reclamation program for the management of hydrofluorocarbons that includes requirements for leak repair and installation and use of automatic leak detection systems for certain equipment using refrigerants containing hydrofluorocarbons and certain substitutes; the servicing and/or repair of certain refrigerant-containing equipment to be done with reclaimed hydrofluorocarbons; the initial installation and servicing and/or repair of fire suppression equipment to be done with recycled hydrofluorocarbons, technician training, and recycling of hydrofluorocarbons prior to the disposal of fire suppression equipment containing hydrofluorocarbons. In addition, EPA is establishing alternative Resource Conservation and Recovery Act standards for certain ignitable spent refrigerants being recycled for reuse. This rule is effective 10 December 2024. POC is Christian Wisniewski, Stratospheric Protection Division, Office of Atmospheric Protection (Mail Code 6205A), EPA, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20460; tele: 202-564-0417; email: wisniewski.christian@epa.gov. (Federal Register 11 October 2024 [Rule] Pages 82682-82872)

OSHA is correcting several inadvertent errors in its Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) which were published in the Federal Register on 20 May 2024. The agency has identified several errors in the regulatory text and appendices to the HCS which pertain to the classification of hazardous chemicals and information presented on labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDSs). The agency believes these errors, although minor and primarily typographical in nature, should be addressed expeditiously to avoid confusion or unnecessary costs in the regulated community due to incorporation of errors on labels and SDSs. OSHA is continuing its review of the regulatory text and will issue another correction document to address additional minor errors at a later date. The effective date of this rule is 9 October 2024. POC is Mr. Frank Meilinger, Director, OSHA Office of Communications, U.S. Department of Labor; telephone: (202) 693-1999; email: meilinger.francis2@dol.gov. (Federal Register 9 October 2024 [Rule] Pages 81829-81836)

This action establishes recordkeeping and reporting requirements for uses of ozone-depleting substances as process agents and updates related definitions. Codified recordkeeping and reporting requirements will provide clear notice of information the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency collects, aggregates, and reports each year on behalf of the United States as a party to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer; effectively monitor these narrow uses in a more routine and consistent manner under the Clean Air Act; and enhance understanding of emissions of substances harmful to the stratospheric ozone layer. This final rule is effective on 12 November 2024. POC is John Feather, Stratospheric Protection Division, Office of Atmospheric Protection (Mail Code 6205A), EPA, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20460; tele: 202-564-1230; or email:feather.john@epa.gov. (Federal Register 10 October 2024 [Final] Pages 82414-82451)

EPA is promulgating a regulation under the Vessel Incidental Discharge Act that establishes Federal standards of performance for marine pollution control devices for discharges incidental to the normal operation of primarily non-Armed Forces and non-recreational vessels 79 feet in length and above into the waters of the United States or the waters of the contiguous zone. The final standards, once made final, effective, and enforceable through corresponding USCG regulations addressing implementation, compliance, and enforcement, will control the discharge of pollutants from vessels described above and repeal certain existing Federal, State, and local vessel discharge requirements, thus streamlining regulation of such vessel incidental discharges. EPA is also promulgating procedures states must follow if they choose to petition EPA to require the use of an emergency best management practice to address aquatic nuisance species (ANS) or water quality concerns ("emergency order"), to review any standard of performance, regulation, or policy. The effective date of this rule is 8 November 2024. POC is Jack Faulk, Oceans, Wetlands, and Communities Division, Office of Water (4504T), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20460; tele: (202) 564-0768; email: faulk.jack@epa.gov. (Federal Register 9 October 2024 [Rule] Pages 82074-82158)

EPA is announcing a final rule to restore the pesticide Application Exclusion Zone (AEZ) requirements under the 2015 Agricultural Worker Protection Standard (WPS). The AEZ is an area surrounding outdoor pesticide application equipment where people are prohibited while pesticides are applied. This rule finalizes the agency's 2023 proposed rule without change and advances the Administration's commitment to environmental justice, protecting farmworkers, pesticide handlers, their families and agricultural communities. It reinstates AEZ protections, extends protections for neighboring communities, makes requirements easier to understand, and provides flexibilities for family farms without compromising protections. These changes are a critical part of EPA's efforts to protect the health of farmworkers and support the agency's priority to advance equity and justice for all communities. Learn more about EPA's extensive efforts to train, support and enhance safe working conditions for agricultural workers at local, state and national levels on EPA's website.

EPA issued two enforcement alerts addressing regulatory requirements and associated compliance issues at municipal solid waste landfills (MSW landfills). The alerts address Clean Air Act requirements that control the release of landfill gases (LFG), particularly methane, a climate super pollutant from MSW landfills. The alerts provide an overview of the Clean Air Act regulatory requirements related to landfill air emissions and are intended to help address the climate crisis and ensure that landfill owners, operators, and contractors comply with the law and take the necessary steps to avoid potential EPA enforcement actions.

These standards, issued through EPA's Vessel Incidental Discharge National Standards of Performance final rule, address discharges that occur with normal operation of large vessels. EPA's final rule will help address harmful pollutants, including bacteria, pathogens, oil, grease, and metals while reducing the spread of invasive species that can damage ecosystems and infrastructure. EPA's Vessel Incidental Discharge National Standards of Performance final rule applies primarily to non-recreational, non-Armed Forces vessels 79 feet or longer (such as commercial, research and emergency rescue vessels) and ballast water from fishing vessels and non-recreational, non-Armed Forces vessels less than 79 feet long. Discharges can happen during normal operation of these vessels while operating equipment and systems onboard, such as oil from machinery and wastewater from showers and sinks. Through best management practices and treatment standards, the EPA's final rule addresses 20 discharges and their associated pollutants.

New mapping tool allows users to analyze water data and identify pollution problems in their communities including the potential polluters. Environmental Protection Agency released the Water Quality Indicators (WQI) tool, the first EPA interface that allows users to compare millions of data records from water monitoring stations. Facilitated by a mapping tool, the WQI makes it easy to explore nutrient and pathogen data and identify the potential sources that are contributing to water quality problems. The WQI allows users to see pollutant level trends from nearby monitoring stations and compare to other stations across the country. The tool provides data on facilities including compliance records and as well as environmental justice indicators gathered through EJScreen, EPA's environmental justice screening and mapping tool.

EPA is undertaking this rulemaking to assess the eligibility of six applications to receive priority access to allowances allocated pursuant to the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020. This rulemaking proposes the framework for how EPA will assess whether to renew the eligibility of applications to receive application-specific allowances; decisions to renew or not renew each of the six applications that currently receive application-specific allowances; revisions to the Technology Transitions regulations as relevant to the specific applications under review; a procedural process for submitting a petition to designate a new application as eligible for priority access to allowances; narrow revisions to the methodology used to allocate allowances to application-specific allowance holders for calendar years 2026 and beyond; and limited revisions to existing regulations. EPA is also proposing to authorize an entity to produce regulated substances for export. Lastly, EPA is proposing certain confidentiality determinations for newly reported information if this rulemaking is finalized as proposed. Comments must be received on or before 31 October 2024. POC is Michelle Graff, EPA, Stratospheric Protection Division, tele: 202-564-5387; or email: graff.michelle@epa.gov. (Federal Register 16 September 2024 [Proposed Rule] Pages 75898-75943).

EPA announced a direct final rule to delay the reporting period for the October 2023 final rule requiring companies to report on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). The reporting period was scheduled to begin on 12 November 2024, but the final rule delays the beginning of the reporting period until July 2025 due to resource constraints. The reporting rule under section 8(a)(7) of TSCA is a statutory requirement established by the FY2020 National Defense Authorization Act that requires all manufacturers (including importers) of PFAS and PFAS-containing articles in any year since 2011 to report information related to chemical identity, uses, volumes made and processed, byproducts, environmental and health effects, worker exposure, and disposal to EPA.

EPA , HUD, and HHS announced two complementary agreements to further their "whole of government" approach to strengthen these agencies' shared work in ensuring that children, especially those at high risk, are not exposed to human health risks from lead hazards. These two Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) support commitments made in the Lead and Paint Action Plan, EPA's Strategic Plan , HUD's Strategic Plan, and HHS's Strategic Plan, which seek to reduce lead exposures locally with a focus on underserved communities and promote environmental justice through a whole of government approach. The first MOU expands, updates and reaffirms a 1997 agreement between EPA and HUD to coordinate their enforcement efforts addressing lead-based paint hazards in housing.

This action proposes revisions, updates, and corrections to EPA's streamlined fuel quality regulations. This action does not propose to change the stringency of the existing fuel quality standards. Comments must be received on or before 15 October 2024. (Federal Register 28 August 2024 [Proposed Rule] Pages 70046-70093) POC is Nick Parsons, Office of Transportation and Air Quality, Assessment and Standards Division, EPA, 2000 Traverwood Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48105; tele: 734-214-4479; email:parsons.nick@epa.gov.

EPA is issuing an Emergency Order directing the suspension of all registrations issued under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) for pesticide products containing the active ingredient dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate (DCPA), also marketed under the trade name Dacthal. EPA has determined that continued sale, distribution, or use of DCPA products during the time required to cancel such products would pose an imminent hazard and that an emergency exists that does not permit EPA to hold a hearing before suspending such products. These determinations are based primarily on a risk of thyroid hormone perturbations in the fetuses of female bystanders and workers who apply DCPA or who enter treated fields after application. This Emergency Order is issued and effective immediately upon signature. POC is Jean Overstreet, Pesticide Re-Evaluation Division (7508P), Office of Pesticide Programs; tele: 202-566-2425; email: overstreet.anne@epa.gov. (Federal Register 7 August 2024 [Notice] Pages 64445-64458)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Inspector General is issuing a fraud alert to highlight an increasingly common phishing scam involving fraudulent EPA Notice of Violation letters. In this scam, a fraudster sends a falsified EPA Notice of Violation letter to a target business and requests that the business respond by phone or email.

A slide deck presented to Veteran Affairs Administration discussing general lead paint awareness, and a video recording on lead paint. The topics also include the lead disclosure rule, renovation, repair, and painting rule, and lead activities rule. (see attached pdf and video)

EPA published preliminary Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) data about chemical releases, waste management and pollution prevention activities that took place during 2023 at more than 20,000 federal and industrial facilities across the country. For 2023, 21 chemicals were added to the TRI list, and facilities were required to report on these if the reporting thresholds for each were met. The chemicals included nine per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) added to the TRI chemical list per the requirements of the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

EPA proposed to designate five chemicals as High-Priority Substances for risk evaluation under the nation's chemical safety law, the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). If EPA finalizes these designations as proposed, the agency would immediately move forward with the risk evaluation process. This step is consistent with a commitment from the Administration to understand and address environmental and toxic exposures to ensure that every community has access to clean air and water, supports the Cancer Moonshot's mission to end cancer as we know it, and bolsters the Administration's efforts to make progress on delivering environmental justice and tackling plastic pollution. The five chemical substances EPA is proposing to designate as High-Priority Substances are: Vinyl Chloride (CASRN 75-01-4), Acetaldehyde (CASRN 75-07-0), Acrylonitrile (CASRN 107-13-1), Benzenamine (CASRN 62-53-3), and 4,4'-methylene bis(2-chloroaniline) (MBOCA) (CASRN 101-14-4).

The All-Hazards Waste Management Planning Tool is an interactive tool to assist emergency managers and planners for all communities (state, local, Tribal, and territorial), and large industrial and municipal facilities, such as airports and stadiums. The tool helps these parties create or update a comprehensive pre-incident plan for managing materials and wastes generated from manmade and natural disasters.

The EPA released a compliance guide for the 2024 methylene chloride risk management rule issued under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). The compliance guide will help industry, workers and other interested stakeholders understand and comply with the new regulations to prevent injuries, long-term illnesses and deaths. In April 2024, EPA finalized a ban on most uses of methylene chloride, a dangerous chemical known to cause liver cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, brain cancer, cancer of the blood, and cancer of the central nervous system, as well as neurotoxicity, liver harm and even death. This regulation will protect people from health risks while allowing key uses to continue safely with a robust Workplace Chemical Protection Program (WCPP).

This rule amends certain aspects of the hazardous waste manifest regulations under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, specifically about the e-Manifest system. A manifest accompanies shipments of hazardous waste. This rule is intended to reduce the reporting burden on industry and states, increase information availability, improve compliance monitoring, and prepare for future potential integration with biennial reporting requirements. EPA aims to modernize and streamline the manifest process, increasing expected benefits of the e-Manifest system and encouraging further adoption of electronic manifests through increased utility of the system

EPA issued a 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 RCRA. 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.

A slide deck presented to Veteran Affairs Administration discussing general lead paint awareness. The topics also include the lead disclosure rule, renovation, repair, and painting rule, and lead activities rule. (see attached pdf)

EPA is proposing a regulatory framework for states and public water systems (PWSs) to identify and assess restructuring alternatives to ensure that every community receives safe, affordable, and reliable drinking water. The proposed regulations would: establish a new mandatory restructuring assessment authority for states; require states with primary enforcement authority (primacy) to develop mandatory restructuring assessment programs and submit primacy revisions for EPA review and approval; establish requirements for states and PWSs that implement system-specific mandatory restructuring assessments; and establish eligibility requirements and limitations for restructuring incentives under state-approved restructuring plans. This proposed rulemaking is required under amendments to the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). By taking this action, the EPA intends to strengthen the ongoing efforts of states and PWSs to protect public health. Comments must be received on or before 29 July 2024. POC is Will Bowman, Drinking Water Capacity & Compliance Assistance Division, Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water (MC-4606M) Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20460; tele: (202) 564-3782; email: bowman.will@epa.gov. (Federal Register 30 May 2024 [Proposed Rule] Pages 46998-47026)

EPA finalized a ban on most uses of methylene chloride, a dangerous chemical known to cause liver cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, brain cancer, cancer of the blood, and cancer of the central nervous system, as well as neurotoxicity, liver harm and even death. Ending most uses of methylene chloride will save lives and complements the President's Cancer Moonshot, a whole-of-government initiative to end cancer as we know it. EPA's final action, also known as a risk management rule under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), will protect people from health risks while allowing key uses to continue safely with a robust new worker protection program. This is the second risk management rule to be finalized using the process created by the 2016 TSCA amendments.

EPA announced a suite of final rules to reduce pollution from fossil fuel-fired power plants in order to protect all communities from pollution and improve public health without disrupting the delivery of reliable electricity. These rules, finalized under separate authorities including the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, will significantly reduce climate, air, water, and land pollution from the power sector, delivering on the Administration's commitment to protect public health, advance environmental justice, and confront the climate crisis.

The EPA is amending specific provisions in the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Rule to improve data quality and consistency. This action updates the General Provisions to reflect revised global warming potentials; expands reporting to additional sectors; improves the calculation, recordkeeping, and reporting requirements by updating existing methodologies; improves data verifications; and provides for collection of additional data to better inform and be relevant to a wide variety of Clean Air Act provisions that the EPA carries out. This action adds greenhouse gas monitoring and reporting for five source categories. These revisions also include changes that will improve implementation of the rule such as updates to applicability estimation methodologies, simplifying calculation and monitoring methodologies, streamlining recordkeeping and reporting, and other minor technical corrections or clarifications. This rule is effective 1 January 2025. POC is Jennifer Bohman, Climate Change Division, Office of Atmospheric Programs (MC-6207A), EPA, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20460; tele: (202) 343-9548; email: GHGReporting@epa.gov. (Federal Register 25 April 2024 [Rule] Pages 31802-31959)

EPA is announcing the launch of a new website, epa.gov/permits, a centralized web-based platform for information about federal environmental permitting. It highlights EPA's permitting and environmental review programs and shares information on related statutes and environmental justice initiatives. In support of EPA's commitments under Title 41 of the Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act (FAST-41), it also displays the status of EPA permits for large scale infrastructure projects covered by this statute. The website is a resource for the public, permit applicants and federal agency partners.

A centralized web-based platform for information about federal environmental permitting. It highlights EPA's permitting and environmental review programs and shares information on related statutes and environmental justice initiatives. The website is a resource for the public, permit applicants, and federal agency partners.

EPA announced a final rule to prohibit ongoing uses of chrysotile asbestos, the only known form of asbestos currently used in or imported to the United States. The ban on ongoing uses of asbestos is the first rule to be finalized under the 2016 amendments to the nation's chemical safety law, the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), which received near-unanimous support in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate. The action marks a major milestone for chemical safety after more than three decades of inadequate protections and serious delays during the previous administration to implement the 2016 amendments. Exposure to asbestos is known to cause lung cancer, mesothelioma, ovarian cancer, and laryngeal cancer, and it is linked to more than 40,000 deaths in the U.S. each year.

On March 12, 2024, EPA announced proposed amendments to the regulations for the open burning and open detonation of waste explosives. The proposed rule would improve implementation of requirements for how facilities must evaluate and use alternative technologies determined to be safe and available for treating waste explosives in lieu of OB/OD. EPA is also proposing changes to the OB/OD requirements for: • Waste analysis and characterization. • Wastes prohibited from OB/OD. • Minimum technical standards for OB/OD units. • Potential de minimis exemption to evaluating and implementing alternative treatment technologies. • Delay of closure applicability to OB/OD units. • Applicability to emergencies. • Timelines for implementing alternative treatment technologies. • Permitting of mobile treatment units. EPA will be taking public comment for 60 days once the proposed rule is published in the Federal Register. During the comment period, EPA will host a public webinar about this proposal and will post that information on this webpage.

The Department of Defense's National Defense Center for Energy and Environment (NDCEE) is excited to announce the opening of proposals for demonstrations of environmental, safety, occupational health, and energy technologies from March 1st to April 1st. They welcome submissions from all DoD Services, inviting innovative technologies, processes, and strategies that enhance energy security, Warfighter protection, military operations efficiency, or reduce environmental impacts. NDCEE wants your help shaping the future of defense through initiatives that bolster national security, safeguard our planet, and contribute to a more robust, greener, and secure tomorrow.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has published a new compliance advisory titled Federal Facility Compliance with the Asbestos NESHAP. The Asbestos NESHAP requirements protect the public by minimizing the release of asbestos fibers during building renovations and demolitions. This compliance advisory reminds federal facilities of their compliance obligations under the Asbestos NESHAP and the Clean Air Act during building renovations and demolitions, even when those activities are performed by contractors.

To reduce the rate of significant noncompliance with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits at lagoon facilities, improve water quality, and protect environmental and public health, the EPA has developed this troubleshooting manual. Specifically, this manual is designed to help operators at small wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) lagoons, also called wastewater stabilization ponds, identify causes of lagoon upset conditions and the corresponding troubleshooting steps.

Facilities that need to submit SDSs or the list of hazardous chemicals under Section 311, also need to submit an annual inventory report for the same chemicals (EPCRA Section 312). This inventory report must be submitted to the State or Tribal Emergency Response Commission (SERC or TERC), Local or Tribal Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC or TEPC), and the local fire department by March 1 of each year. Most States require the Tier II form. Tier II forms require basic facility identification information, employee contact information for both emergencies and non-emergencies, information about chemicals stored or used at the facility, and additional data elements which would be useful to local planners and responders.

This portal is intended to help generators find hazardous waste compliance assistance resources. The portal includes both federal and state information and it covers most industrial and commercial business sectors. The portal catalogs over 800 hazardous waste compliance resources, including guidebooks, fact sheets, reports, checklists, web sites, contacts, and regulations. Various features are available to assist users in finding the best guidance materials and answers to specific questions.

The EPA is proposing amendments to the new source performance standards (NSPS) and emission guidelines (EG) for large municipal waste combustion (MWC) units. These proposed amendments reflect the results from a reevaluation of the maximum achievable control technology (MACT) floor levels, a 5-year review, and the removal of startup, shutdown and malfunction exclusions and exceptions. These proposed amendments also streamline regulatory language, revise recordkeeping and electronic notification and reporting requirements, re-establish new and existing source applicability dates, clarify requirements for certain air curtain incinerators, close a 2007 proposed reconsideration action, correct certain typographical errors, make certain technical corrections, and clarify certain provisions in the NSPS and EG. These proposed amendments would revise all emission limits in the EG, except for carbon monoxide (CO) limits for two subcategories of combustors, and all nine emission limits in the NSPS.. Comments must be received on or before 25 March 2024. POC is Charlene E. Spells, Sector Policies and Programs Division (E143–05), Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, EPA, Research Triangle Park, P.O. Box 12055, North Carolina 27711; tele: (919) 541–5255; email:spells.charlene@epa.gov. (Federal Register 23 January 2024 [Proposed Rule] pages 4243-4268)

EPA published the 2023 Mercury Inventory Report on the supply, use, and trade of mercury in the U.S. This is the second inventory report published after finalizing the 2018 mercury inventory reporting rule, adding to the suite of completed mandates related to elemental mercury and mercury compounds per the 2016 amendments to the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). The 2023 report is the first report that reflects the January 1, 2020, effective date of the 2016 TSCA amendment to prohibit the export of five mercury compounds. The data in the 2023 report will further assist the U.S. in its implementation of the Minamata Convention on Mercury, a global treaty to protect human health and the environment from the adverse effects of mercury. High exposure to mercury can cause kidney damage, respiratory failure, and death. Other health effects include difficulty breathing, headaches, muscle weakness, memory loss, and mood swings. Additionally, mercury does not biodegrade and can build up in the environment.