EPA proposed rollbacks on pollution rules could come at high cost
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EPA proposed rollbacks on pollution rules could come at high cost
The Environmental Protection Agency has proposed rolling back regulations. The public has 45 days to provide comments on the proposed rules after they are published in the Federal Register. Michigan aims to support 2 million electric vehicles by 2030. The new “Equitable EV Action Plan Framework” could help local leaders with the transition to an EV-friendly future. of the Clean Fuels Michigan webinar: http://www.cnn.com/2013/06/23/environment/environmental-policies/index.html#storylink=cpy. For confidential support call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or visit www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org. In the UK, call the Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90 or visit a local Samaritans branch, see www.samaritans.org for details. In Australia, visit the national suicide prevention helpline on 0800 070 90 or click here to visit a national suicide Prevention Helpline.
One proposal would repeal a Biden-era rule regulating greenhouse gas emissions from power plants. The Environmental Protection Agency previously found the rule would save thousands of lives and provide $20 billion per year in public health and environmental benefits.
Brian Lynk, senior attorney for the Environmental Law and Policy Center, emphasized regulation provides benefits on multiple levels.
“There are just so many things that flow from taking steps to reduce pollution and improve the air that in fact, benefit us economically as well,” Lynk explained. “We stand the risk of losing that.”
The EPA has also proposed reversing changes made to the regulation of mercury and other airborne toxins from power plants, potentially affecting coal-fired plants in Illinois. The agency said the original rule already reduced mercury pollution but advocates argued the earlier rule does not apply to all power plants.
Lynk pointed out the EPA is looking to prove power plants do not significantly contribute to harmful air pollution. He stressed it contradicts previous findings showing carbon emissions from power plants are equivalent to adding over 300 million new gas-powered cars to the road each year. Lynk added power plants account for about one quarter of all carbon emissions in the U.S.
“When we say ‘not significant,’ that’s the magnitude of pollution that we’re talking about,” Lynk observed. “It’s pretty obvious that it is in fact very significant, and the proposal to simply leave that uncontrolled, bury our head in the sand and do nothing about it is a big problem.”
Lynk contended the EPA’s proposals also set a dangerous precedent for not regulating pollution in other industries. The public has 45 days to provide comments on the proposed rules after they are published in the Federal Register. A virtual hearing is also scheduled for July 8. Lynk emphasized the public comment process is a critical component the agency must respond to or potentially face legal challenges.
“It’s very important for people who are concerned to make their submissions to the EPA, to attend the virtual hearing,” Lynk underscored. “There will even be opportunities to speak at the hearing for those who registered to do so in advance. And I would encourage anyone with a stake in this to take advantage of that process.”
The deadline for the public to submit comments on the proposals to the EPA is Aug. 7 but at least 10 environmental groups, including Lynk’s organization, have requested the deadline be extended to Aug. 29. The deadline to register to speak at the virtual hearing is June 29.
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As Michigan aims to support 2 million electric vehicles by 2030, the new “Equitable EV Action Plan Framework” could help local leaders with the transition.
The framework was developed by the University of California-Berkeley’s Center for Law, Energy and the Environment, and partners — including the nonprofit advocacy group Michigan Clean Cities. The plan outlines steps local governments can take to build EV infrastructure and improve accessibility, particularly in underserved communities.
Jeffrey Hoang, communications and engagement associate for Michigan Clean Cities, shared insights about the plan in a recent Clean Fuels Michigan webinar.
“The focus of this framework is ensuring that community voice and impact is prioritized with these plans,” Hoang explained. “To actually receive public input on where EV charges, EVSC should be placed within the city. So, actually going out to residents and just asking.”
The framework recommends first identifying key agencies and staff involved, then those agencies can decide which action steps matter most for their community and how they should be prioritized. Still, many EV critics contend affordability is a big issue for everyday families, even with tax credits.
Backers said the plan helps cities plan for an EV future, not just for personal vehicles but rideshare services, e-bikes and e-scooters. It recommended outreach and funding strategies for transit projects along with examples of successful pilot programs.
Hoang added the framework can be viewed as a resource, connecting people to other helpful resources.
“There’s so much knowledge and great experience and expertise throughout the industry,” Hoang observed. “It provides quick access, you know just a quick ‘control-F,’ search for whatever kind of resource that you might need.”
The framework highlighted the need for collaboration among local departments, such as planning, transportation and public works to ensure EV access is implemented effectively and equitably.
Disclosure: Clean Fuels Michigan contributes to our fund for reporting on Budget Policy and Priorities, Energy Policy, Sustainable Agriculture, and Urban Planning/Transportation. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.
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A critical decision now rests with Gov. Ron DeSantis, as Florida coastal communities and shellfish farmers urge him to sign a bill permanently banning oil drilling near the Apalachicola River. They see the river as a lifeline for the state’s aquaculture industry – and a fragile ecosystem.
House Bill 1143, which passed the Legislature with a single “no” vote in the Senate, would block drilling within 10 miles of the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve.
Adrianne Johnson, executive director of the Florida Shellfish Aquaculture Association, warned that the region’s economy and environment hang in the balance.
“That area is really unique; 75% of our oyster farmers operate across Franklin, Wakulla and Gulf counties, so those three counties that are downriver from the proposed oil drilling site,” she said. “So, protecting that water is absolutely critical to the livelihood of our farmers.”
Despite a court win stopping one drilling project in Calhoun County, she said unprotected sites still threaten Apalachicola’s fragile recovery. Aquaculture in the area sustains an oyster industry that once supplied 90% of Florida’s wild harvest before its collapse.
The Apalachicola River watershed supports Florida’s emerging shellfish industry, which filters water, creates habitats and sustains rural coastal economies. Johnson said even the threat of oil contamination, such as what happened during the 2010 BP spill, could devastate the region.
“We are confident that the governor is supportive of our rural coastal communities,” she said. “Under his governorship, the state has invested millions of dollars into restoring Apalachicola Bay. So really, this bill aligns with those values.”
Under Florida’s “7-Day Rule,” DeSantis must decide on the Apalachicola drilling ban by next Wednesday. The bill automatically becomes law if he chooses not to either sign or veto it.
get more stories like this via email
EPA proposed rollbacks on pollution rules could come at high cost
The Environmental Protection Agency has proposed rolling back regulations. The public has 45 days to provide comments on the proposed rules after they are published in the Federal Register. Michigan aims to support 2 million electric vehicles by 2030. The new “Equitable EV Action Plan Framework” could help local leaders with the transition to an EV-friendly future. of the Clean Fuels Michigan webinar: http://www.cnn.com/2013/06/23/environment/environmental-policies/index.html#storylink=cpy. For confidential support call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or visit www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org. In the UK, call the Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90 or visit a local Samaritans branch, see www.samaritans.org for details. In Australia, visit the national suicide prevention helpline on 0800 070 90 or click here to visit a national suicide Prevention Helpline.
One proposal would repeal a Biden-era rule regulating greenhouse gas emissions from power plants. The Environmental Protection Agency previously found the rule would save thousands of lives and provide $20 billion per year in public health and environmental benefits.
Brian Lynk, senior attorney for the Environmental Law and Policy Center, emphasized regulation provides benefits on multiple levels.
“There are just so many things that flow from taking steps to reduce pollution and improve the air that in fact, benefit us economically as well,” Lynk explained. “We stand the risk of losing that.”
The EPA has also proposed reversing changes made to the regulation of mercury and other airborne toxins from power plants, potentially affecting coal-fired plants in Illinois. The agency said the original rule already reduced mercury pollution but advocates argued the earlier rule does not apply to all power plants.
Lynk pointed out the EPA is looking to prove power plants do not significantly contribute to harmful air pollution. He stressed it contradicts previous findings showing carbon emissions from power plants are equivalent to adding over 300 million new gas-powered cars to the road each year. Lynk added power plants account for about one quarter of all carbon emissions in the U.S.
“When we say ‘not significant,’ that’s the magnitude of pollution that we’re talking about,” Lynk observed. “It’s pretty obvious that it is in fact very significant, and the proposal to simply leave that uncontrolled, bury our head in the sand and do nothing about it is a big problem.”
Lynk contended the EPA’s proposals also set a dangerous precedent for not regulating pollution in other industries. The public has 45 days to provide comments on the proposed rules after they are published in the Federal Register. A virtual hearing is also scheduled for July 8. Lynk emphasized the public comment process is a critical component the agency must respond to or potentially face legal challenges.
“It’s very important for people who are concerned to make their submissions to the EPA, to attend the virtual hearing,” Lynk underscored. “There will even be opportunities to speak at the hearing for those who registered to do so in advance. And I would encourage anyone with a stake in this to take advantage of that process.”
The deadline for the public to submit comments on the proposals to the EPA is Aug. 7 but at least 10 environmental groups, including Lynk’s organization, have requested the deadline be extended to Aug. 29. The deadline to register to speak at the virtual hearing is June 29.
get more stories like this via email
As Michigan aims to support 2 million electric vehicles by 2030, the new “Equitable EV Action Plan Framework” could help local leaders with the transition.
The framework was developed by the University of California-Berkeley’s Center for Law, Energy and the Environment, and partners — including the nonprofit advocacy group Michigan Clean Cities. The plan outlines steps local governments can take to build EV infrastructure and improve accessibility, particularly in underserved communities.
Jeffrey Hoang, communications and engagement associate for Michigan Clean Cities, shared insights about the plan in a recent Clean Fuels Michigan webinar.
“The focus of this framework is ensuring that community voice and impact is prioritized with these plans,” Hoang explained. “To actually receive public input on where EV charges, EVSC should be placed within the city. So, actually going out to residents and just asking.”
The framework recommends first identifying key agencies and staff involved, then those agencies can decide which action steps matter most for their community and how they should be prioritized. Still, many EV critics contend affordability is a big issue for everyday families, even with tax credits.
Backers said the plan helps cities plan for an EV future, not just for personal vehicles but rideshare services, e-bikes and e-scooters. It recommended outreach and funding strategies for transit projects along with examples of successful pilot programs.
Hoang added the framework can be viewed as a resource, connecting people to other helpful resources.
“There’s so much knowledge and great experience and expertise throughout the industry,” Hoang observed. “It provides quick access, you know just a quick ‘control-F,’ search for whatever kind of resource that you might need.”
The framework highlighted the need for collaboration among local departments, such as planning, transportation and public works to ensure EV access is implemented effectively and equitably.
Disclosure: Clean Fuels Michigan contributes to our fund for reporting on Budget Policy and Priorities, Energy Policy, Sustainable Agriculture, and Urban Planning/Transportation. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.
get more stories like this via email
A critical decision now rests with Gov. Ron DeSantis, as Florida coastal communities and shellfish farmers urge him to sign a bill permanently banning oil drilling near the Apalachicola River. They see the river as a lifeline for the state’s aquaculture industry – and a fragile ecosystem.
House Bill 1143, which passed the Legislature with a single “no” vote in the Senate, would block drilling within 10 miles of the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve.
Adrianne Johnson, executive director of the Florida Shellfish Aquaculture Association, warned that the region’s economy and environment hang in the balance.
“That area is really unique; 75% of our oyster farmers operate across Franklin, Wakulla and Gulf counties, so those three counties that are downriver from the proposed oil drilling site,” she said. “So, protecting that water is absolutely critical to the livelihood of our farmers.”
Despite a court win stopping one drilling project in Calhoun County, she said unprotected sites still threaten Apalachicola’s fragile recovery. Aquaculture in the area sustains an oyster industry that once supplied 90% of Florida’s wild harvest before its collapse.
The Apalachicola River watershed supports Florida’s emerging shellfish industry, which filters water, creates habitats and sustains rural coastal economies. Johnson said even the threat of oil contamination, such as what happened during the 2010 BP spill, could devastate the region.
“We are confident that the governor is supportive of our rural coastal communities,” she said. “Under his governorship, the state has invested millions of dollars into restoring Apalachicola Bay. So really, this bill aligns with those values.”
Under Florida’s “7-Day Rule,” DeSantis must decide on the Apalachicola drilling ban by next Wednesday. The bill automatically becomes law if he chooses not to either sign or veto it.
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Source: https://www.publicnewsservice.org/index.php?/content/article/97374-1