Author:Sarah Fritz
Like A “Good Neighbor”: EPA Waits For U.S. Supreme Court Ruling on Rule Regulating Air Emissions Under the Clean Air Act
On February 21, 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) argued in front of the U.S. Supreme Court, attempting to continue regulation of the “Good Neighbor” rule in eleven states. The EPA announced the final “Good Neighbor Plan” on March 15, 2023. The “Good Neighbor Plan” established under the Clean Air Act (CAA) aims at reducing emissions from upwind states that cause pollution in downwind states.
No More Methane: New Rule Issued by the EPA Regulating Methane Production by Oil and Gas Operations
On December 2, 2023, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a new rule aimed at reducing methane and emissions from other pollutants. The rule contains Emissions Guidelines to aid states in setting plans limiting methane production in their territory. The rule also enumerates New Source Performance Standards aimed at reducing the prevalence of methane from new sources.
The Potential Impacts of Artificial Intelligence in the Environmental Context
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) has been quickly evolving over the past few years, satisfying unexpected needs and allowing for innovative solutions to different problems. More recently, environmental organizations are increasingly interested in potential AI solutions for environmental issues. AI has the potential to streamline regulatory compliance in the environmental context by switching the approach of environmental regulation from responding to current problems into prevention of future problems through data analysis, predictive analysis, and easier reporting procedures for violations of environmental regulation.
New Rule Proposed by the EPA to Regulate “Forever Chemicals” in Drinking Water
Under the Safe Drinking Water Act, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has the authority to regulate drinking water contaminants and require monitoring of public water systems. On March 14, 2023, the EPA announced the proposed National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR) for a new federal standard to regulate PFAS in drinking water. PFAS are synthetic chemicals that can repel oil, water, and stains, which makes them useful for many products and industries. While there are currently state laws regulating PFAS in drinking water, the federal rule would be a huge step towards reducing exposure to these “forever chemicals” and preventing harm to public health.
New Rule Proposed by the EPA to Clean Up Coal Waste in the Midwest
On May 18, 2023, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed a new rule to address the concern of a previous loophole that allowed pits of coal ash to sit inactive and unmonitored. The new proposed rule was created in response to the August 21, 2018 opinion by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit in Utility Solid Waste Activities v. EPA.