The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a robust Clean Air Act agenda for 2015. Not only has a new interstate pollution and allowance trading regime kicked in (effective Jan. 1), but the agency has announced that it will publish final carbon standards this summer for new and existing power plants and embark on an aggressive strategy to reduce methane emissions.
An amendment to the Keystone XL Bill aims to eliminate the corn ethanol mandate in the Renewable Fuel Standard. On January 16, 2015, Sens. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and Pat Toomey (R-PA) introduced the “Corn Ethanol Mandate Elimination Act of 2015” as an amendment to the Keystone XL Pipeline Act (S1) introduced on January 6. The… Keep reading →
Ed. note: This is a new weekly column by Elie Mystal, Managing Editor of Above the Law Redline. This space will focus on the laws that exist, should exist, and should be put out of their misery. UNDER-REGULATED Ancient Aliens: Here’s a dirty secret, I watch Ancient Aliens all the time. Yes, I know that… Keep reading →
The EPA has issued an interim rule delaying the CSAPR compliance deadlines by three years consistent with the recent court-ordered schedule. On November 21, 2014, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued an interim final rule amending the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule’s (CSAPR) compliance deadlines to align with the October 23 ruling – of the U.S. Court… Keep reading →
As we approach the 25-year anniversary of EDF’s work with the corporate sector, it’s an opportune time to reflect on our successes and plan for the work ahead. Over the years we have worked with McDonalds, Walmart, FedEx, KKR and many others to integrate sustainability into their operations, strategy, and supply chain management. Together, we… Keep reading →
On Monday, June 2, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is expected to propose the first-ever national Carbon Pollution Standards for future and existing power plants, under Section 111(d) of the Clean Air Act. The Carbon Pollution Standards will take the form of emission guidelines that, once finalized, will establish quantitative environmental performance benchmarks… Keep reading →
EPA’s proposed update for petroleum refinery emission standards includes benzene concentration monitoring for the first time. On May 15, 2014, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a proposed rule updating toxic air pollution standards for petroleum refineries located near neighborhoods. It is the first EPA proposal requiring monitoring of air concentrations for benzene around fence… Keep reading →
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has embarked on a vital effort — accompanied by extensive outreach to states, power companies, environmental organizations, and other stakeholders, including you — to establish the nation’s first limits on carbon pollution from fossil fuel-fired power plants. EPA was directed to take this critical step for public health and the environment in the… Keep reading →
The US Supreme Court heard oral arguments yesterday in a case regarding whether the Obama administration acted within its authority when it used the EPA to regulate greenhouse gas emissions – carbon dioxide specifically – as pollutants under the Clean Air Act. Unable to advance their climate change mitigation strategy in Congress, the administration has… Keep reading →
In the United States, coal is facing hard times. The welcome, though unexpected expansion of unconventional natural gas resources and production in North America has made natural gas the economically attractive fuel choice for new electricity generating power plants and, in many cases, has replaced older existing coal fired plants. From 2003 to 2013 coal’s… Keep reading →
