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Envirobytes - Archive
EnviroBytes, a Summary of Issues and Events for weeks ending July 1, 2011 and July 8, 2011
EPA RULE CUTS POWER PLANT EMISSIONS ACROSS STATE BOUNDARIES
On July 7, EPA finalized additional Clean Air Act protections under the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule to be implemented starting Jan. 1, 2012. Twenty seven eastern states will work with power plants to slash smokestack emissions that form ozone and/or fine particle pollution. It is estimated that the rule will reduce the impact of interstate emissions, help areas attain clean air standards, and reduce illnesses and premature deaths. For more information, go to https://www.epa.gov/crossstaterule/
CLEAN AIR INITIATIVE WILL REDUCE DIESEL TRUCK EMISSIONS AT PORTS, PROTECT THE HEALTH OF LOCAL COMMUNITIES
On June 28, EPA and two SmartWay partners launched an initiative to reduce air pollution from large diesel trucks that transport freight from cargo ships to local distribution points. Carriers agree to track and reduce PM 2.5 emissions by 50 percent and nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions by 25 percent below the industry average over a three year period and commit to use cleaner trucks to haul 75 percent or more of port freight. For more information, go to https://www.epa.gov/smartway
FEDERAL AGENCIES PARTNER TO REVITALIZE URBAN WATERWAYS ACROSS THE U.S.
The Urban Waters Federal Partnership, led by EPA and 11 agencies, fosters the revitalization of local and regional economies by promoting cleaner and healthier rivers and waters. Seven under-served urban waterway communities including the Anacostia Watershed (Washington DC/Md.) and the Patapsco Watershed (Md.) will benefit through local job creation, improved quality of life, and public health protection. For more information, visit www.urbanwaters.gov
EPA FINALIZES E15 PUMP LABELING REQUIREMENTS; ISSUES UST GUIDANCE
On June 28, EPA issued fuel pump labeling and other requirements for gasoline blends containing more than 10 and up to 15 percent ethanol (E15). The new label on pumps dispensing E15 will indicate if a vehicle can use E15 and prevent the use of the wrong type of fuel that can harm human health and the environment. EPA is also issuing guidance for underground storage tanks that use gasoline with greater than 10 percent ethanol or diesel with greater than 20 percent biodiesel. For more information, go to https://www.epa.gov/otaq/regs/fuels/additive/e15/index.htm
For the UST guidance, go to https://www.epa.gov/oust/altfuels/biofuelsguidance.htm
EPA OFFERS SUMMER COOLING TIPS TO SAVE MONEY, REDUCE AIR POLLUTION
The summer heat is here. To help you and your family stay cool, comfortable and save energy, the EPA's Energy Star program suggests a few simple steps:
· Use Ceiling Fans Optimally
· Maximize Shade.
· Find the Best Thermostat Settings.
· Reduce Oven Time
· Check Air Conditioner Filters.
· Change to More Efficient Light Bulbs.
· Plug Duct System Leaks.
For more ways to cut energy costs this summer, go to http://www.energystar.gov/cooltips
For Energy Star contacts in the EPA's mid-Atlantic region, visit https://www.epa.gov/reg3artd/globclimate/cleanenergy.htm
EPA PROPOSES RULE TO ENSURE SAFER MANAGEMENT OF HAZARDOUS WASTE RECYCLING FACILITIES
On July 6, EPA proposed for comment a new rule to improve the accountability, economic benefits, and safety of EPA's 2008 Definition of Solid Waste rule which ensures materials are legitimately recycled and not being disposed of illegally. EPA is also releasing for public comment the rule's potential impact on low-income and minority communities. EPA will accept comment on this proposal for 60 days after publication in the Federal Register. The docket for the rulemaking is EPA-HQ-RCRA-2010-0742 and can be accessed at http://www.regulations.gov once the proposal is published. For more information about this rulemaking, go to https://www.epa.gov/waste/hazard/dsw/rulemaking.htm
HEALTHY WATERS BLOG CURRENT HIGHLIGHTS
Roots of Success! The Chesapeake Bay Program's "Plant More Plants" campaign encourages the use of native trees, shrubs and perennials to help slow down and filter the rain water from roofs, driveways and sidewalks during a storm. Share your ideas at http://blog.epa.gov/healthywaters/
Green smarts and Crafts: Build Your Own Rain Barrel! - Looking for a "rainy day" project? Rain barrels collect and store rainwater directly from a roof, and storm drains instead of allowing runoff to pollute streams. Share your ideas at http://blog.epa.gov/healthywaters/
