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Our What's New page tells you what information has been recently added or updated at FedCenter.gov. Stop back here periodically to stay current on all recent activity at FedCenter.
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April 17, 2024
The Innovative Grid Deployment Liftoff report is focused on identifying pathways to accelerate deployment of key commercially available but underutilized advanced grid solutions on the existing transmission and distribution system to address near-term hotspots and modernize the grid to prepare for a wide range of energy futures.
The EPA Mid-Atlantic Summit is a one-day virtual event that is geared towards addressing environmental health topics relevant to the Mid-Atlantic Region. The summit is held annually and features an opening plenary with state environmental secretaries and concurrent sessions focused on various topics, including equity, environmental justice, sustainability, grant opportunities, and more.
Presenters have a combined two decades of experience helping landowners achieve their pond management objectives, whether it's growing bigger bass, treating aquatic weeds or keeping their ponds healthy and attractive.
April 16, 2024
EPA is finalizing changes to its test procedures required to be used by industries and municipalities when analyzing the chemical, physical, and biological properties of wastewater and other samples for reporting under the EPA's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit program. The Clean Water Act requires the EPA to promulgate these test procedures (analytical methods) for analysis of pollutants. The EPA anticipates that these changes will provide increased flexibility for the regulated community in meeting monitoring requirements while improving data quality. In addition, this update to the CWA methods will incorporate technological advances in analytical technology and make a series of minor changes and corrections to existing approved methods. As such, the EPA expects that these changes will not result in any negative economic impacts. This final rule is effective on 17 June 2024. POC is Tracy Bone, Engineering and Analysis Division, Office of Water (4303T), EPA, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20460-0001; tele: 202-564-5257; email: bone.tracy@epa.gov.
(Federal Register 16 April 2024 [Rule] Pages 27288-27327)
FAST 2024 is a three-day virtual conference that brings together GSA category and acquisition professionals with agency and industry partners to explore practical ways in which government and industry collaborate. This event will help government agencies access the capabilities and innovative solutions needed to stay on the cusp of emerging innovations and trends.
More Information...
NatureServe, with support from the DoD Legacy Resource Management Program, created high-resolution Species Habitat Models (SHMs) for priority species across DoD installations. These models integrate species occurrence data and environmental factors to map areas of suitable habitat. Developed through virtual workshops and online tools involving field biologists and practitioners, the models were refined with expert feedback. The resulting outputs supplement information on imperiled species' distribution and aid management decisions at DoD installations. Additionally, models supported the assessment of natural infrastructure vulnerability to climate change, which is summarized for installation reports in the DoD Climate Assessment Tool. Learn more about these habitat models and their applications with NatureServe. Please note this webinar will be held through Microsoft Teams, and a recording of the presentation will be posted DENIX.
Teams link
April 15, 2024
A bill to clarify that noncommercial species found entirely within the borders of a single State are not in interstate commerce or subject to regulation under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 or any other provision of law enacted as an exercise of the power of Congress to regulate interstate commerce.
(Congressional Record Volume 14 March 2024 [Senate] Pages S2400-S2401)
April 12, 2024
EPA develops an annual report called the Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks (Inventory), that tracks U.S. greenhouse gas emissions and sinks by source, economic sector, and greenhouse gas going back to 1990. EPA has prepared the Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks since the early 1990s. This annual report, provides a comprehensive accounting of total greenhouse gas emissions for all man-made sources in the United States, including carbon dioxide removal from the atmosphere by "sinks," (e.g., through the uptake of carbon and storage in forests, vegetation, and soils) from management of lands in their current use or as lands are converted to other uses. The gases covered by the Inventory include carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, sulfur hexafluoride, and nitrogen trifluoride.
The Administration issued the first-ever national, legally enforceable drinking water standard to protect communities from exposure to harmful per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as forever chemicals. Exposure to PFAS has been linked to deadly cancers, impacts to the liver and heart, and immune and developmental damage to infants and children. This final rule represents the most significant step to protect public health under EPA's PFAS Strategic Roadmap. The final rule will reduce PFAS exposure for approximately 100 million people, prevent thousands of deaths, and reduce tens of thousands of serious illnesses.
The 2024 updated interim guidance presents available information on the destruction and disposal of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and PFAS-containing materials. This update identifies available, effective and methods to remediate, dispose of and destroy PFAS contamination. It provides information on the current state of science and associated uncertainties for three large-scale capacity technologies that can destroy PFAS or control PFAS release into the environment: thermal destruction, landfills, and underground injection.?This guidance will help decision-makers select technologies based on characteristics of the waste and options available to prevent releases and keep PFAS out of the environment.??The primary audience of this guidance is decision makers who need to identify the most effective means for destroying or disposing of PFAS-containing materials and wastes.
Fact Sheet: 2024 Interim Guidance on the Destruction and Disposal of PFAS (pdf)
EPA issued a final rule that will significantly reduce toxic air pollution from chemical plants, including ethylene oxide and chloroprene. EPA's action will advance the President's commitment to environmental justice by slashing more than 6,200 tons of toxic air pollution each year, dramatically reducing the number of people with elevated cancer risk due to toxic air pollution in communities surrounding plants covered by the rule. Once implemented, the rule will reduce both EtO and chloroprene emissions from covered processes and equipment by nearly 80%. A requirement for these facilities to conduct fence line monitoring for key toxic chemicals is included, and EPA will make the data publicly available to better inform and safeguard nearby communities.
April 23, 2024 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Eastern)
April 24, 2024 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Eastern)
April 25, 2024 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Eastern)
The National Environmental Justice Advisory Council (NEJAC) will convene an in-person public meeting with a virtual option (hybrid). The meeting is free and open to all members of the public. The meeting discussions will focus on several topics including, but not limited to, workgroup updates, final recommendations for council consideration, presentations, panels, and discussions on protentional charges with various EPA national program offices.
Read the draft agenda (https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2024-04/draft-nejac-public-meeting-agenda-april-23-25-2024.pdf)
DoD's Natural Resources Program (NR Program) supports the military's testing and training mission by protecting its biological resources. The NR Program's goal is to support the military's combat readiness mission by ensuring continued access to realistic habitat conditions, while simultaneously working to ensure the long-term sustainability of our nation's priceless natural heritage. The DoD Legacy Program provides funding for research to achieve the NR's Program goals. Past and upcoming presentations about these projects are located on the DENIX website.
April 11, 2024
The Wildlife Society's Annual Conference is one of the largest gatherings of wildlife professionals and supporters in North America. For over 30 years, TWS has hosted this unique and informative event that spotlights the latest advancements in wildlife management and research while providing abundant opportunities for networking and career advancement.
Because preservation is an interconnected practice, PastForward 2024 sessions and speakers will address three of our nation's biggest challenges: Creating Climate Resilience Through Historic Preservation, Ensuring a Representative Preservation Movement, and Encouraging Historic Preservation-Based Community Development.
April 10, 2024
Join the EPA on April 11, 2024, (2:00 -3:30 PM (Eastern)) for a webinar on the availability of nearly $24 million in grants to support states, U.S. territories and Tribes in providing technical assistance to businesses to develop and adopt pollution prevention (P2) practices. The webinar will review information about two Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs) for EPA's P2 program and the grant application process to help potential applicants submit a high-quality application to EPA for consideration. Time will be provided during the webinars for questions from participants.
On April 22, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM (Eastern) outside the Whitten Building (1400 Independence Ave. SW Washington, D.C. USDA agencies, People's Garden, Xerces Society, and partners are joining together for an Earth Day celebration! Learn about the USDA Agencies' sustainability initiatives for agriculture and rural communities, connect with community partners, and participate in activities for all ages.
The I2SL Annual Conference and Technology Fair focuses on energy efficiency, decarbonization, and sustainability in laboratories and other high-tech facilities. Nearly 600 lab owners, operators, designers, engineers, managers, builders, and developers attend technical sessions, view Technology Fair vendors, network with peers, and visit lab sites.
This conference encourages civil engineering leaders to engineer, innovate, and lead. Common topics include AI, climate change, and workforce dynamics. Technical tours, pre-conference workshops, and and networking opportunities are available
April 09, 2024
The North American Hazardous Materials Management Associations Annual Conference is a gathering for individuals and companies working to reduce and properly manage hazardous materials from entering municipal waste streams from households, small businesses, and other entities. The Annual Conference provides attendees with the opportunity to Network, Train and Transform their careers and their organizations. Join them in Austin!
WEFTEC, the Water Environment Federation's Technical Exhibition and Conference, is the largest annual water quality exhibition in North America and offers water quality professionals with water quality education and training.
The expansive exhibition provides access to cutting-edge technologies. WEFTEC serves as a forum for domestic and international business opportunities; and promotes invaluable peer-to-peer networking.
You will hear from people who experience the same challenges you do – and learn actionable solutions you can take back to your own community. Whether you are striving towards a professional certification or building your personal knowledge base to better serve your community, they offer hundreds of CEU sessions.
NTICC offers access to relevant training and an opportunity for Tribal transportation professionals to engage with federal officials and their Tribal transportation peers regarding Tribal transportation issues and challenges.
NTICC provides information and resources for all who are committed to improving the transportation infrastructure of Indian Country and the safety of those who live, work, and travel the roadways of Alaska Native and Native American lands.
The Water Industry is always in flux -- innovative technology, new regulations or changing funding formulas. The WaterPro Conference offers a full range of educational opportunities that cover all aspects of the water/wastewater industry.
Join your peers to discuss energy management, decarbonization, energy efficiency, automation, data analytics, policy, supply, procurement, resiliency, sustainability, and more.
April 08, 2024
USFWS and the NMFS finalize revisions to portions of our regulations that implement section 4 of the ESA. The revisions to the regulations clarify, interpret, and implement portions of the Act concerning the procedures and criteria used for listing, reclassifying, and delisting species on the Lists of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants (Lists) and designating critical habitat. This final rule is effective 6 May 2024. POC is Carey Galst, USFWS, Division of Ecological Services, Branch of Listing Policy and Support Chief, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041-3803, tele 703-358-1954.
(Federal Register 5 April 2024 [Rule] Pages 24300-24335)
USFWS revise their regulations concerning protections of endangered species and threatened species under the ESA. They reinstate the general application of the "blanket rule" option for protecting newly listed threatened species pursuant to section 4(d) of the Act, with the continued option to promulgate species-specific section 4(d) rules. They also extend to federally recognized Tribes the exceptions to prohibitions for threatened species that the regulations currently provide to the employees or agents of the Service and other Federal and State agencies to aid, salvage, or dispose of threatened species. They also make minor changes to clarify or correct the existing regulations for endangered species and threatened species; these minor changes do not alter the substance or scope of the regulations. This final rule is effective 6 May 2024. POC is Carey Galst, USFWS, Division of Ecological Services, Branch of Listing Policy and Support Chief, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041-3803, tele 703-358-1954.
(Federal Register 5 April 2024 [Rule] Pages 23919-23941)
As the U.S. building stock electrifies and decarbonizes in the coming decades, an unprecedented amount of new electrical load will be added to the grid. How easy or difficult this transition will be depends, in part, on both building energy codes like the IECC and ASHRAE 90.1 and the electrical codes like the National Electric Code (NEC). This session will address NEC requirements around solar PV, home batteries, Energy Management systems, as well as exploring implications for electric panel sizing. Speakers from Lawrence Berkeley National Lab (LBNL) and New Buildings Institute (NBI) will summarize the barriers identified in the electrical code and proposed changes, present on guidelines for complying with the NEC, and discuss various ways that the electrical and energy code intersect.
April 05, 2024
This action finalizes the residual RTR conducted for the Commercial Sterilization Facilities source category regulated under NESHAP under the CAA. The EPA is finalizing decisions concerning the RTR, including definitions for affected sources, emission standards for previously unregulated sources, amendments pursuant to the risk review to address ethylene oxide (EtO) emissions from certain sterilization chamber vents (SCVs), aeration room vents (ARVs), chamber exhaust vents (CEVs), and room air emissions, and amendments pursuant to the technology review for certain SCVs and ARVs. In addition, we are taking final action to correct and clarify regulatory provisions related to emissions during periods of SSM, including removing exemptions for periods of SSM. We are also taking final action to require owners and operators to demonstrate compliance through the use of EtO CEMS, with exceptions for very small users of EtO; add provisions for electronic reporting of performance test results and other reports; and include other technical revisions to improve consistency and clarity. We estimate that these final amendments will reduce EtO emissions from this source category by approximately 21 tons per year (tpy). This final rule is effective on 5 April 2024. POC is Jonathan Witt, tele: (919) 541-5645 and email:witt.jon@epa.gov.
(Federal Register 5 April 2024 [Rule] Pages 24090-24203)
April 04, 2024
EPA finalized the residual risk and technology review (RTR) conducted for the Ethylene Production source category, which is part of the Generic Maximum Achievable Control Technology Standards NESHAP. Amendments to the Petroleum Refinery Sector NESHAP were most recently finalized on 4 February 2020. Subsequently, the EPA received and granted various petitions for reconsideration on these NESHAP for, among other things, the provisions related to the work practice standards for pressure relief devices (PRDs), emergency flaring, and degassing of floating roof storage vessels. This action finalizes proposed amendments to remove the force majeure exemption for PRDs and emergency flaring, incorporate clarifications for the degassing requirements for floating roof storage vessels, and address other corrections and clarifications. This final action is effective on 4 April 2024. POC is Michael Cantoni, Sector Policies and Programs Division, Mail Drop: E143-01, 109 T.W. Alexander Drive, P.O. Box 12055, RTP, North Carolina 27711; tele: (919) 541-5593; and email: cantoni.michael@epa.gov.
(Federal Register 4 April 2024 [Rule] Pages 23840-23873)
Successful service acquisitions require precise task and performance definitions. Performance standards are set by determining the necessary execution level to meet requirements. The Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) checks whether the contractor meets Performance Work Statement (PWS) standards and quality levels and ensures that the government only pays for the services received. Join GSA and learn how to create standards that clearly communicate contractor outcomes and performance goals.
April 03, 2024
This final rule makes non-substantive, technical, organizational, and conforming amendments to existing Coast Guard regulations. This final rule is a continuation of our practice of periodically issuing rules to keep our regulations up-to-date and accurate. This final rule will have no substantive effect on the regulated public. This final rule is effective 3 April 2024. POC is Dale Murad, Coast Guard; telephone 202-372-3747, email Dale.Murad@uscg.mil.
(Federal Register 3 April 2024 [Rule] Pages 22942-22949)
EPA is requesting comments to assist in the potential development of regulations for the manufacture (including importing), processing, and distribution in commerce of lead for wheel-balancing weights ("lead wheel weights") under the TSCA. To inform this consideration, EPA is requesting comment from all stakeholders on the use and exposure to lead from the manufacture (including importing), processing (including recycling), distribution, use, and disposal of lead wheel weights, as well as information on their substitutes, to help determine if there is unreasonable risk to human health and the environment associated with this use. This action is relevant to a petition for a writ of mandamus filed in August 2023, by the Ecology Center, Center for Environmental Health, United Parents Against Lead & Other Environmental Hazards, and Sierra Club in the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit requesting the court to direct EPA to conduct a rulemaking regulating lead wheel weights under TSCA. This final rule is effective 3 May 2024. POC is Sofie Sonner, Existing Chemicals Risk Management Division (7404M), Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics, EPA, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20460-0001; tele: (202) 565-2414; email: sonner.sofie@epa.gov. (Federal Register 3 April 2024 [Rule] Pages 22972-22974)
(Federal Register 3 April 2024 [Rule] Pages 22972-22974)
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.
The Decarbonizing the U.S. Economy by 2050: A National Blueprint for the Buildings Sector, is a comprehensive plan to reduce GHG emissions from buildings by 65% by 2035 and 90% by 2050. DOE led the Blueprint's development in collaboration with the HUD, the EPA, and other federal agencies. The Blueprint is the first sector-wide strategy for building decarbonization developed by the federal government.
April 02, 2024
USFWS proposes to remove the Roanoke logperch (Percina rex) from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife due to recovery. The species is currently listed as endangered. Their review of the best available scientific and commercial data indicates that the threats to the Roanoke logperch have been eliminated or reduced to the point that the species no longer meets the definition of an endangered or a threatened species under the ESA. Populations of Roanoke logperch are shown to be stable or expanding and reproducing (as evidenced by sustained recruitment) since the time of listing in each of the following river systems: Upper Roanoke River, Pigg River, Smith River, and Nottoway River. The number of streams where the Roanoke logperch has been observed has increased from 14 streams from the time of listing in 1989 to 31 streams in 2019. Accordingly, they propose to delist the Roanoke logperch throughout all of its range, which is in Virginia and North Carolina. If finalized this rule as proposed, the prohibitions and conservation measures provided by the Act, would no longer apply to the Roanoke logperch. We will accept comments received or postmarked on or before 3 June 2024. POC is Cindy Schulz, Field Supervisor, USFWS, Virginia Ecological Services Field Office, 6669 Short Lane, Gloucester, VA 23061; tele 804-654-1842.
(Federal Register 2 April 2024 [Proposed Rule] Pages 22649-22662)
The 4th Annual multi-sector Facilities & Campus Energy Summit is designed to provide an interchange of in-depth knowledge and serve as a catalyst for collaboration across large built environments that do not necessarily engage one another on a daily basis but all share the common goals of: Improving strategic planning and technical operations to support decarbonization and electrification, and increasing overall energy efficiencies and cost savings, reliability, and resiliency, in a financially sustainable manner. These sectors include but are not limited to: Higher Education, Hospitals and Healthcare Systems, and Federal Facilities
April 01, 2024
USFWS are revising the rule for the African elephant (Loxodonta africana) promulgated under section 4(d) of the ESA. The purposes are threefold: To increase protection for African elephants in light of the recent rise in international trade of live African elephants by establishing ESA enhancement permit requirements for international trade in live elephants and specific enhancement requirements for the import of wild-sourced elephants, as well as requirements to ensure that all proposed recipients of live African elephants are suitably equipped to house and care for them; to clarify the existing enhancement requirement during our evaluation of an application for a permit to import African elephant sport-hunted trophies; and to incorporate a Party's designation under the CITES National Legislation Project into the decision-making process for the import of live African elephants, African elephant sport-hunted trophies, and African elephant parts and products other than ivory and sport-hunted trophies. Amendments to the section 4(d) regulations in 2016 prohibited the import and export of African elephant ivory with limited exceptions. This rule is effective 1 May 2024. POC is Mary Cogliano, Division of Management Authority; USFWS; 5275 Leesburg Pike, MS: IA; Falls Church, VA 22041 (telephone (703) 358-2104).
(Federal Register 1 April 2024 [Rule] Pages 22522-22555)
March 29, 2024
Offered by DLA, this 3-day course provides a comprehensive review of the DLA Training course "Transportation of HM/HW for DOD" (DCPSO00R510). Emphasis is on HW. The course is designed to meet the Department of Transportation (DOT) mandatory training requirement (49 CFR 172, subpart H). Course highlights include: HM/HW identification and classification, shipping papers (HW manifest), packaging, marking, labeling, placarding, emergency response information, and HM transportation security. This course is designed for personnel who prepare/offer HW for highway or rail shipment and sign Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) HW manifests. People employed by any DOD, Federal, State, or local agency are eligible to attend. This course meets the DOT recurrent training requirements. This is course number DCPSO00R610. The following URL will connect users to the current class schedule offerings and course catalog. A CAC card is required to enter the site.
The EPA is finalizing facility response plan requirements for worst case discharges of CWA hazardous substances for onshore non-transportation-related facilities that could reasonably be expected to cause substantial harm to the environment by discharging a CWA hazardous substance into or on the navigable waters, adjoining shorelines, or exclusive economic zone. This final rule is effective on 28 May 2024. POC is Rebecca Broussard, Office of Emergency Management, Mail Code 5104A, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20460; tele: 202-564-6706; email: broussard.rebecca@epa.gov.
(Federal Register 28 March 2024 [Rule] Pages 21924-24967)
The EPA is issuing this final rule under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to address to the extent necessary the unreasonable risk of injury to health presented by chrysotile asbestos based on the risks posed by certain conditions of use. The injuries to human health include mesothelioma and lung, ovarian, and laryngeal cancers resulting from chronic inhalation exposure to chrysotile asbestos. This final rule is effective on 28 May 2024. POC is Peter Gimlin, Existing Chemicals Risk Management Division (7405M), Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics, EPA, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20460-0001; tele: (202) 566-0515; email: gimlin.peter@epa.gov.
(Federal Register 28 March 2024 [Rule] Pages 21970-22010)
DOE announced the second cohort of communities selected as part of the Communities Local Energy Action Program (Communities LEAP), a unique technical assistance initiative designed to help disadvantaged communities and those with historical ties to fossil fuel industries take direct control of their clean energy future. The 30 selected communities will receive a total of $18 million worth of technical assistance to create tailored community-wide action plans that reduce local air pollution, increase energy resilience, lower utility costs and energy burdens, and create good paying jobs.
March 28, 2024
This training focuses on the ECHO Facility Searches and Report under the Clean Water Act (CWA) National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program area biosolids. With the implementation of the NPDES Electronic Reporting Rule (eRule), facilities in the 41 states where EPA implements the Federal Biosolids Program, and three authorized states (SD, TX, UT) began submitting electronic reports. This training provides an overview of the electronic reporting of biosolids annual reports, describes the biosolids data available on EPA's Enforcement and Compliance History Online (ECHO), and includes a demonstration of navigating the Biosolids Facility and Annual Report search form, search results, and Biosolids Facility Report.
This webinar focuses on effluent exceedance violations on the quarterly National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Noncompliance Report (NNCR), which provides a comprehensive list of Clean Water Act violations and their resolutions to the public. The training focuses on when effluent exceedance violations are generated, criteria for assigning Category I versus II noncompliance, resolution of effluent exceedance violations, and a demonstration of searching and filtering effluent exceedance violations on the quarterly NNCR. This training is an advanced training and assumes you have attended or watched a recording of the quarterly NNCR training before attending (https://echo.epa.gov/help/training#Series).
This webinar focuses on data downloads offered throughout the ECHO website. It will delve into how to access, download, and use data for offline analyses. Using case studies, this webinar will explore data sets and downloads of search results within ECHO including: How to use the ECHO Exporter, How to combine National Data Download files, and How to download NPDES Discharge Monitoring Report (DMR) data.
NNCR Advanced Training: Schedule Violations
This webinar focuses on schedule violations on the quarterly National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Noncompliance Report (NNCR), which provides a comprehensive list of Clean Water Act violations and their resolutions to the public. The training focuses on when schedule violations are generated, criteria for assigning Category I versus II noncompliance, resolution of schedule violations, and a demonstration of searching and filtering schedule violations on the quarterly NNCR. This training is an advanced training and assumes you have attended or watched a recording of the quarterly NNCR training before attending (https://echo.epa.gov/help/training#Series).
This webinar focuses on single event/other violations on the quarterly National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Noncompliance Report (NNCR), which provides a comprehensive list of Clean Water Act violations and their resolutions to the public. The training focuses on when single event/other violations are generated, criteria for assigning Category I versus II noncompliance, resolution of single event/other violations, and a demonstration of searching and filtering single event/other violations on the quarterly NNCR. This training is an advanced training and assumes you have attended or watched a recording of the quarterly NNCR training before attending (https://echo.epa.gov/help/training#Series).
March 27, 2024
This Track will have presentations from the Sustainability Track.
This Track will have presentations from the Environmental Compliance Track (11:00am-12:00pm) and the Resiliency Track (12:00pm-2:30pm).
This Track will have presentations from the Success Stories Tracks.
This track will have presentations from the Sustainability Track (11:30am-3:30pm) and the Environmental Compliance Track (3:45pm-4:45pm).
This track will have presentations from the Management Systems Track (11:00am-3:00pm) and the Resiliency Track (3:00pm-4:15pm).
This Track will have presentations from the Environmental Compliance Track.
This Track will have presentations from the Sustainability Track.
This track will have presentations from the Emerging Chemical Track (11:00am-3:00pm) and the Environmental Planning Track (3:30pm-4:00pm).
This track will have presentations from the Energy and Water Efficiency Track.
This track will have presentations from the Environmental Planning Track.
This track will have presentations from the Environmental Justice Track.
This track will open the event startng at 11:00 am with remarks from Kenny Floyd (Director of the Division of Environmental Protection at the NIH), a talk by Andrew Mayock (CEQ's Federal Chief Sustainability Officer) and star??ng at 1:00 pm Presentatons in the Sustainability Track.
March 26, 2024
Proceedings of the 2023/24 Federal Environmental Symposium.
USFWS propose to list the pygmy three-toed sloth (Bradypus pygmaeus; hereafter "pygmy sloth"), an arboreal mammal species from Panama, as a threatened species under the ESA. This determination also serves as their 12-month finding on a petition to list the pygmy sloth. After a review of the best available scientific and commercial information, they find that listing the species is warranted. Accordingly, they propose to list the pygmy sloth as a threatened species with a rule issued under section 4(d) of the Act ("4(d) rule"). If finalized, this rule as proposed, will add this species to the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and extend the Act's protections to the species. They will accept comments received or postmarked on or before 28 May 2024. POC is Rachel London, Manager, Branch of Delisting and Foreign Species, Ecological Services Program, USFWS, MS: ES, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041–3803; tele 703–358–2171.
(Federal Register 26 March 2024 [Proposed Rule] Pages 20928-20939)
March 25, 2024
March 21, 2024
EPA announced a final rule, Multi-Pollutant Emissions Standards for Model Years 2027 and Later Light-Duty and Medium-Duty Vehicles, that sets new, more protective standards to further reduce harmful air pollutant emissions from light-duty and medium-duty vehicles starting with model year 2027. The final rule builds upon EPA's final standards for federal greenhouse gas emissions standards for passenger cars and light trucks for model years 2023 through 2026 and leverages advances in clean car technology to unlock benefits to Americans ranging from improving public health through reducing smog- and soot-forming pollution from vehicles, to reducing climate pollution, to saving drivers money through reduced fuel and maintenance costs. These standards will phase in over model years 2027 through 2032.
March 20, 2024
USFWS propose to list the bushy whitlow-wort (Paronychia congesta), a perennial herbaceous plant species from northwestern Jim Hogg County in south Texas, as an endangered species under the ESA. This determination also serves as their 12-month finding on a petition to list the bushy whitlow-wort. After a review of the best available scientific and commercial information, they find that listing the species is warranted. They also propose to designate critical habitat for the bushy whitlow-wort under the Act. In total, approximately 41.96 acres (16.98 hectares) in Jim Hogg County, Texas, fall within the boundaries of the proposed critical habitat designation. They announce the availability of a draft economic analysis (DEA) of the proposed designation of critical habitat for bushy whitlow-wort. If they finalize this rule as proposed, it would extend the Act's protections to the species and its designated critical habitat. They will accept comments received or postmarked on or before 20 May 2024. POC is Chuck Ardizzone, Field Supervisor, Texas Coastal Ecological Services Field Office, 17629 El Camino Real, Suite 211, Houston, TX 77058; tele 281–286–8282.
(Federal Register 19 March 2024 [Proposed Rule] Pages 19526-19546)
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.
EPA proposes to revise regulations that allow for the open burning and detonation (OB/OD) of waste explosives. This allowance or "variance" to the prohibition on the open burning of hazardous waste was established at a time when there were no alternatives for the safe treatment of waste explosives. However, recent findings from the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) and the EPA have identified safe alternatives which are potentially applicable to treat some energetic/explosive waste streams. Because there may be safe alternatives available and in use today that capture and treat emissions prior to release, regulations would be revised to describe specified procedures for the existing requirements to evaluate and implement alternative treatment technologies. These proposed revisions would reduce OB/OD of waste explosives and increase control of air emissions through improved implementation of existing requirements that facilities must evaluate and use safe and available alternative technologies in lieu of OB/OD. Comments must be received on or before 20 May 2024. POC is Sasha Lucas-Gerhard (email: gerhard.sasha@epa.gov, phone: (202) 566–0346).
(Federal Register 20 March 2024 [Proposed Rule] Pages 19952-20030).
March 19, 2024
Is an online tool for Tracking Methane Emissions from Solid Waste. The Rocky Mountain Institute released the Waste Methane Assessment Platform, developed with the Clean Air Task Force and funding from the Global Methane Hub. WasteMAP is a tool to improve methane emissions transparency and help identify opportunities for mitigation of methane emissions from solid waste and is accompanied by a decision support tool.
The Climate Pollution Reduction Grants (CPRG) program provides $5 billion in grants to states, local governments, tribes, and territories to develop and implement ambitious plans for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and other harmful air pollution. Authorized under Section 60114 of the Inflation Reduction Act, this two-phase program provides $250 million for noncompetitive planning grants, and approximately $4.6 billion for competitive implementation grants.
Environmental Protection Agency announced the availability of nearly $24 million in grants to support states, U.S. territories, and Tribes in providing technical assistance to businesses to develop and adopt pollution prevention practices. The funding is available through two Notice of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs) for EPA's Pollution Prevention program, with approximately $14 million in grants available at no cost share/match requirement, thanks to funding made possible by President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
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