1) EPA to Delay Proposing Oil Refinery Emissions Regulations
The Obama administration will miss a mid-December deadline to set rules limiting greenhouse gases from refineries, after failing to set standards for power-plant emissions and shelving tougher limits for ozone. Republicans and some Democrats in Congress have said the emission standards threaten the economy and are seeking to postpone or block them.
Source: Bloomberg Businessweek, 2011-11-22
2) Clean Air Coalition, EPA Settle Haze Pollution Lawsuit
A coalition of clear air advocates and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency have filed a legal settlement that establishes firm, enforceable deadlines for action on plans to clean up regional haze pollution in 43 states, the District of Columbia, and the Virgin Islands. If approved by the court, the consent decree will require states and the EPA to issue enforceable plans to curb haze-causing pollution from the nation’s largest and oldest coal-fired power plants.
Source: Environment News Service, 2011-11-14
3) EPA Will Propose Power Plant Emissions Rules in Early 2012
The top U.S. environmental regulator will propose early next year twice-delayed rules on greenhouse gas emissions from power plants. The EPA in June delayed the proposed rules on power plants, which are the largest source of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, saying it needed more time after talking with businesses, states and green groups, then it delayed them again in September.
Source: Reuters, 2011-11-18
4) Obama Administration Proposes Doubling Auto Fuel Economy by 2025
The Environmental Protection Agency and the Dept. of Transportation have formally rolled out the second stage of their joint rulemaking to set higher fuel economy and greenhouse gas pollution standards for passenger cars and light trucks. EPA and DOT announced that their newest joint rule — for model year 2017-25 vehicles — will save Americans over $1.7 trillion at the pump or nearly $8,000 per vehicle by 2025.
Source: Fleet Owner, 2011-11-17
5) EPA Seeks Public Input on Fracking Chemicals Reporting Rules
The Environmental Protection Agency announced it will solicit public input on the design and scope of possible reporting requirements for chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing, partially granting a petition by 120 public and environmental health organizations.
Source: BNA, 2011-11-25.