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Timestamp: 2013-05-22 02:20:45
Document Index: 327986969

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 52', 'art 52', 'art 52', 'art 52', 'arts 257', 'art 63', 'art 300']

Environmental Law & Climate Change Law Blog | A Blog about recent happenings in the world of environmental and climate change law
Posted by: Steven M. Taber | March 29, 2011 Environmental Protection Agency Federal Register Rules, Proposed Rules and Notices, Monday, March 28, 2011
Posted in Environmental Protection Agency, Federal Register | Tags: Gas Verification, Human Studies Review Board, Integrated Science Assessment, Science Advisory Board, Tribal Implementation Plan
Posted by: Steven M. Taber | February 6, 2011 AB32 Must Undergo More CEQA Review Judge Rules
With climate change legislation held up in U.S. Congress, the eyes of the nation have focused on the states, particularly on California, which passed a landmark climate change law, the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, known as AB32. Former Governor Schwarzenegger called the law one of his greatest achievement of his administration. However, in a tentative ruling issued last month, San Francisco Superior Court Judge Ernest Goldsmith ruled that state air quality regulators must conduct further analysis before fully implementing AB32.
The lawsuit, brought by The Center on Race, Poverty and the Environment alleged that the California Air Resources Board (CARB) had violated state environmental law by failing to properly study alternatives to plans it has adopted. Judge Goldsmith’s opinion states that the CARB approved the larger plan to implement AB32 prior to completing the required environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
Goldsmith found that CARB “seeks to create a fait accompli by premature establishment of a cap-and-trade program before alternative [sic] can be exposed to public comment and properly evaluated by the ARB itself.”
Although the decision, should Judge Goldsmith make it his final ruling, will delay implementation of AB32, the lawsuit was brought not by those opposed to AB32, but by parties who support AB32. Indeed, the plaintiffs have backed AB32 and have helped defend it against Proposition 23, last November.
While many right-wing, anti-environment pundits have proclaimed this ruling as a victory for climate deniers (see e.g., this blog post), a careful reading of the opinion indicates that this provides a opening for a much broader reading of AB32. Cap-and-trade, as has been pointed out in this blog previously, was a compromise developed to bring market mechanisms to acid rain regulations. It was meant to replace “command and control” regulations. Here, the plaintiffs may seek to move away from cap-and-trade and other market based mechanisms and back to a more command-and-control type system.
In any case, should the ruling become permanent, it will be interesting to see what the CARB does: will it appeal? Will it seek a stay so that it can proceed with implementation pending appeal? Or will it simply throw in the towel and go back to the CEQA drawing board?
Posted in California Environmental Law | Tags: AB32, AIR, cap-and-trade, CARB, CEQA, Goldsmith
Posted by: Steven M. Taber | October 22, 2010 Environmental Protection Agency Federal Register Rules, Proposed Rules and Notices, Friday, October 22, 2010
Environmental Impact Statements; Notice of Availability. [ER–FRL–8993–3]. Responsible Agency: Office of Federal Activities, General Information (202) 564–1399 or http://www.epa.gov/ compliance/nepa/. Weekly receipt of Environmental Impact Statements Filed 10/11/2010 Through 10/15/2010 Pursuant to 40 CFR 1506.9.
Notice of Receipt of Several Pesticide Petitions Filed for Residues of Pesticide Chemicals in or on Various Commodities. [EPA–HQ–OPP–2010–0012; FRL–8851–1]. SUMMARY: This notice announces the Agency’s receipt of several initial filings of pesticide petitions proposing the establishment or modification of regulations for residues of pesticide chemicals in or on various commodities. DATES: Comments must be received on or before November 22, 2010.
Proposed Administrative Settlement Agreement Under Section 122 of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act for the Crown Vantage Landfill Superfund Site Located in Alexandria Township, Hunterdon County, NJ. [FRL–9216–7]. SUMMARY: The United States Environmental Protection Agency (‘‘EPA’’) is proposing to enter into an administrative settlement agreement (‘‘Settlement Agreement’’) with Georgia- Pacific Consumer Products, LP and International Paper Company (collectively ‘‘Settling Parties’’) pursuant to Section 122 of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (‘‘CERCLA’’), 42 U.S.C. 9622. The Settlement Agreement provides for Settling Parties’ payment of certain response costs incurred by EPA at the Crown Vantage Landfill Superfund Site located in Alexandria Township, Hunterdon County, New Jersey. In accordance with Section 122(i) of CERCLA, 42 U.S.C. 9622(i), this notice is being published to inform the public of the proposed Settlement Agreement and of the opportunity to comment. or thirty (30) days following the date of publication of this notice, EPA will receive written comments relating to the proposed Settlement Agreement. EPA will consider all comments received and may modify or withdraw its consent to the settlement if comments received disclose facts or considerations that indicate that the proposed settlement is inappropriate, improper or inadequate. EPA’s response to any comments received will be available for public inspection at EPA Region 2, 290 Broadway, 17th floor, New York, New York 10007–1866. DATES: Comments must be provided by November 22, 2010.
Posted in Environmental Protection Agency, Federal Register | Tags: CERCLA, EA, EIS, Hunterdon, Pesticide, settlement
Posted by: Steven M. Taber | October 21, 2010 Environmental Protection Agency Federal Register Rules, Proposed Rules and Notices, Thursday, October 21, 2010
Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Rhode Island; Determination of Attainment of the 1997 Ozone Standard for the Providence, RI Area. 40 CFR Part 52 [EPA–R01–OAR–2010–0459; A–1–FRL– 9215–9] . SUMMARY: The EPA is determining that the Providence (All of Rhode Island) moderate 1997 8-hour ozone nonattainment area has attained the 1997 8-hour National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for ozone. This determination is based upon complete, quality-assured, certified ambient air monitoring data that show the area has monitored attainment of the 1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS for the 2007–2009 monitoring period. Preliminary data available to date for the 2010 ozone season is consistent with continued attainment. Under the provisions of EPA’s ozone implementation rule, the requirements for this area to submit an attainment demonstration, a reasonable further progress plan, contingency measures, and other planning State Implementation Plans related to attainment of the 1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS shall be suspended for so long as the area continues to attain the 1997 ozone NAAQS. In addition, EPA is determining that this area has attained the 1997 ozone NAAQS as of June 15, 2010, its applicable attainment date.
Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; Illinois; Voluntary Nitrogen Oxides Controls. 40 CFR Part 52 [EPA–R05–OAR–2007–1096; FRL–9215–8] . SUMMARY: On May 1, 2001, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) submitted a request for EPA approval of a State Implementation Plan (SIP) revision for regulations governing Nitrogen Oxides (NOX) emission allowances granted for implementation of voluntary control of NOX emissions from sources other than those covered by other Illinois NOX emission control regulations. On March 4, 2008, EPA proposed to disapprove the requested SIP revision. This final rule completes the disapproval of the requested SIP revision.
Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; State of Missouri. 40 CFR Part 52 [EPA–R07–OAR–2010–0415; FRL–9210–3] . SUMMARY: EPA is approving a revision to a State Implementation Plan (SIP) submitted by the State of Missouri. The purpose of this revision is to update the Springfield City Code and is part of ongoing SIP maintenance to assure that outdated local codes and ordinances do not remain in the SIP. The revision reflects updates to the Missouri statewide rules, and will ensure consistency between the applicable local agency rules and the Federally approved rules.
Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; State of Missouri. 40 CFR Part 52 [EPA–R07–OAR–2010–0415; FRL–9210–2] . SUMMARY: EPA is proposing to approve a revision to a State Implementation Plan (SIP) submitted by the state of Missouri. The purpose of this revision is to update the Springfield City Code and is part of ongoing SIP maintenance to assure that outdated local codes and ordinances do not remain in the SIP. The revision reflects updates to the Missouri statewide rules, and will ensure consistency between the applicable local agency rules and the Federally approved rules.
Notice of Data Availability on Coal Combustion Residual Surface Impoundments. 40 CFR Parts 257, 261, 264, 265, 268, 271, and 302 [EPA–HQ–RCRA–2009–0640; FRL–9216–3] RIN 2050–AE81. SUMMARY: This document announces the availability of new information and data posted in the docket for EPA’s proposed rulemaking (75 FR 51434, August 20, 2010) on the Disposal of Coal Combustion Residuals from Electric Utilities. The Agency is seeking public comment on how, if at all, this additional information should affect the Agency’s decisions as it develops a final rule. The information has been posted on EPA’s Web site, and is now currently available in the docket; it consists of responses to Information Collection Requests that EPA sent to electric utilities on their coal combustion residual surface impoundments as well as reports and materials related to the site assessments EPA has conducted on a subset of these impoundments.
National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutant Emissions: Hard and Decorative Chromium Electroplating and Chromium Anodizing Tanks; Group I Polymers and Resins; Marine Tank Vessel Loading Operations; Pharmaceuticals Production; The Printing and Publishing Industry; and Steel Pickling—HCl Process Facilities and Hydrochloric Acid Regeneration Plants. 40 CFR Part 63 [EPA–HQ–OAR–2010–0600; FRL–9203–7] RIN 2060–AO91. SUMMARY: This action proposes how EPA will address the residual risk and technology reviews conducted for two national emission standards for hazardous air pollutants (NESHAP), and this action is a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking for an October 2008 action that proposed how EPA would address the residual risk and technology reviews for four NESHAP. The six NESHAP include 16 source categories, 12 of which are the subject of residual risk and technology reviews in this package. This action proposes to modify the existing emissions standards for eight source categories in three of the six NESHAP to address certain emission sources not currently regulated under these standards. It also proposes for all six NESHAP to address provisions related to emissions during periods of startup, shutdown, and malfunction. Finally, this action proposes changes to two of the six NESHAP to correct editorial errors, make clarifications, or address issues with implementation or determining compliance. DATES: Comments. Comments must be
received on or before December 6, 2010. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act, comments on the information collection provisions are best assured of having full effect if the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) receives copy of your comments on or before November 22, 2010. Public Hearing. We will hold a public hearing on November 5, 2010. Persons requesting to speak at the public hearing must contact EPA by November 1, 2010.
National Priorities List, Proposed Rule No. 53. 40 CFR Part 300 [EPA–HQ–SFUND–2010–0634, EPA–HQ– SFUND–2010–0636, EPA–HQ–SFUND–2010– 0638, EPA–HQ–SFUND–2010–0639, EPA– HQ–SFUND–2010–0640, EPA–HQ–SFUND– 2010–0641, EPA–HQ– SFUND–2010–0643, EPA–HQ–SFUND–2010–0645, EPA–HQ– SFUND–2010–0646, EPA–HQ–SFUND–2010– 0647; FRL–9216–1] RIN 2050–AD75. SUMMARY: The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (‘‘CERCLA’’ or ‘‘the Act’’), as amended, requires that the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (‘‘NCP’’) include a list of national priorities among the known releases or threatened releases of hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants throughout the United States. The National Priorities List (‘‘NPL’’) constitutes this list. The NPL is intended primarily to guide the Environmental Protection Agency (‘‘EPA’’ or ‘‘the Agency’’) in determining which sites warrant further investigation. These further investigations will allow EPA to assess the nature and extent of public health and environmental risks associated with the site and to determine what CERCLA financed remedial action(s), if any, may be appropriate. This rule proposes to add nine sites to the General Superfund section of the NPL. This rule also withdraws one site from proposal to the General Superfund section of the NPL. DATES: Comments regarding any of these proposed listings must be submitted (postmarked) n or before December 20, 2010.
Access in Litigation to Confidential Business Information. [FRL–9216–6]. SUMMARY: The EPA has authorized the United States Department of Justice (‘‘DOJ’’) to disclose, in response to discovery requests received in the litigation styled, Tronox Incorporated, et al., v. Anadarko Petroleum Corp., et al., Adv. Proc. No. 09–01198 (ALG), pending in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York (the ‘‘Litigation’’), information which has been submitted to EPA by its contractors that is claimed to be, or has been determined to e, confidential business information (‘‘CBI’’). The EPA is providing notice of past disclosure and of ongoing and contemplated future disclosure. Interested persons may submit comments on this Notice to the address noted below. DATES: Access by the DOJ and/or the parties to the Litigation to material discussed in this Notice that has been either claimed or determined to be CBI is ongoing, and is expected to continue in the future during he pendency of the Litigation. The EPA will accept comments on this Notice through October 30, 2010.
Science Advisory Board Staff Office Request for Nominations of Experts for the Consultation on Revisions to the Multi-Agency Radiation Survey and Site Investigation Manual. [FRL–9216–4] . SUMMARY: The EPA Science Advisory Board (SAB) Staff Office is requesting public nominations for technical experts to augment the SAB’s Radiation Advisory Committee (RAC) to conduct a consultation on revision to the Multi- Agency Radiation Survey and Site Investigation Manual. DATES: Nominations should be submitted by November 12, 2010 per instructions below.
Posted in Environmental Protection Agency, Federal Register | Tags: Air Quality IMplementations Plans, Coal Combustion, EPA, Federal Register, Final Direct Rule, Final Rule, NESHAP, NOx, NPL, proposed rule, Science Advisory Board
One man’s fight against mountaintop removal. - Peter Slavin, Los Angeles Times, October 3, 2010
The ongoing battle between the state government and the Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) continued yesterday when Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott filed four new motions against the EPA. The suit, filed in the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals, petitions the court to stay the EPA’s greenhouse gas Endangerment Finding, the Light-Duty Vehicle Rule, the Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) Interpretive Rule, and the Tailoring Rule (see the Texas Tribune’s post for a breakdown of each rule). In late July, the Attorney General had sued the agency in the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals federal court to preserve the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality’s (“TCEQ”) flexible permit system. The system, popular with industry emitters, had been around since the early 90′s, before the EPA ruled it violated the Federal Clean Air Act. Similar to that previous motion, the basis for the current salvo was the preservation of Texas’s economy and its 10th Amendment rights (a favorite of Governor Perry, as well). From the press release: “[T]oday’s court filings challenge the EPA’s attempts to ignore federal law, impose their federally mandated deadlines and force Texas to spend millions of dollars advancing the Administration’s regulatory agenda.” An EPA response is most certainly expected — as are more suits from the state of Texas.
EPA grants water discharge permit for Ariz. mine. - Associated Press, September 17, 2010
New water well hooked up in Bally; Residents no longer need bottled water. - EPA Press Release, September 23, 2010
EPA says Bally residents can drink their water. - Eileen Faust, The Mercury, September 23, 2010
Watershed groups discuss water quality concerns. - Ben Adduchio, West Virginia Public Broadcasting, September 23, 2010