BREAKING NEWS
Republican AGs attack Biden's EPA for pursuing environmental discrimination cases
Read full article: Republican AGs attack Biden's EPA for pursuing environmental discrimination casesTwenty-three Republican attorneys general are attacking the Biden administration's stated goal of pursuing environmental justice.
EPA boosts use of biofuels but holds steady for corn-based ethanol production
Read full article: EPA boosts use of biofuels but holds steady for corn-based ethanol productionThe Biden administration on Wednesday increased the amount of biofuels that must be blended into the nation’s fuel supplies over the next three years, but held production totals steady for corn-based ethanol, disappointing the biofuel industry and farm advocates.
EPA awards $177 million to environmental justice groups
Read full article: EPA awards $177 million to environmental justice groupsThe U.S. Environmental Protection Agency plans to announce Thursday that it’s investing $177 million to create 17 technical assistance centers around the country to help environmental justice organizations successfully apply for federal funds.
White House defends response to Ohio toxic train derailment
Read full article: White House defends response to Ohio toxic train derailmentThe Biden administration is defending its response to a freight train derailment in Ohio that left toxic chemicals spilled or burned off, even as local leaders and members of Congress demanded that more be done.
EPA seeks to mandate more use of ethanol and other biofuels
Read full article: EPA seeks to mandate more use of ethanol and other biofuelsThe Environmental Protection Agency has proposed increasing ethanol and other biofuels that must be blended into the nation’s fuel supplies over the next three years.
EPA orders Ohio power plant to stop dumping toxic coal ash
Read full article: EPA orders Ohio power plant to stop dumping toxic coal ashIn a major action to address toxic wastewater from coal-fired power plants, the Environmental Protection Agency on Friday ordered an Ohio utility to stop dumping dangerous coal ash into unlined storage ponds and speed cleanup of the site.
Biden tightens methane emissions rule amid push for more oil
Read full article: Biden tightens methane emissions rule amid push for more oilThe Biden administration has ramped up efforts to reduce methane emissions, targeting the oil and gas industry for its role in global warming even as President Joe Biden has pressed energy producers for more oil drilling to lower prices at the gasoline pump.
EPA awards grants to monitor air quality in 37 states
Read full article: EPA awards grants to monitor air quality in 37 statesThe Environmental Protection Agency has awarded grants for projects to monitor air quality in 37 states, with a focus on minority communities and other areas overburdened by pollution.
NAACP says Jackson's water problems are civil rights issue
Read full article: NAACP says Jackson's water problems are civil rights issueThe NAACP on Tuesday accused Mississippi of discriminating against Black residents by denying badly needed federal funds for drinking water infrastructure in Jackson and instead diverting money to largely-white communities that needed it less.
Biden administration launches environmental justice office
Read full article: Biden administration launches environmental justice officeForty years after a predominantly Black community in Warren County, North Carolina, rallied against hosting a hazardous waste landfill, President Joe Biden’s top environment official has returned to what is widely considered the birthplace of the environmental justice movement to unveil a national office that will distribute $3 billion in block grants to underserved communities burdened by pollution.
EPA leader: Jackson needs 'fair share' of money to fix water
Read full article: EPA leader: Jackson needs 'fair share' of money to fix waterThe head of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says he wants Mississippi’s capital city to receive “its fair share” of federal money to repair a troubled water system.
EPA head: Advanced nuke tech key to mitigate climate change
Read full article: EPA head: Advanced nuke tech key to mitigate climate changeThe head of the U.S. Environment Protection Agency says advanced nuclear technology will be “critical” for both the United States and Japan as they step up cooperation to meet decarbonization goals.
EPA: Chemical in medical-device cleanser poses cancer risk
Read full article: EPA: Chemical in medical-device cleanser poses cancer riskThe Environmental Protection Agency is warning residents who live near medical sterilizing plants in 13 states and Puerto Rico about potential health risks from emissions of ethylene oxide, a chemical widely used in their operations.
Biden vowing 'strong' climate action despite dual setbacks
Read full article: Biden vowing 'strong' climate action despite dual setbacksPresident Joe Biden is promising “strong executive action” to combat climate change, despite setbacks that have restricted his ability to regulate carbon emissions and boost clean energy such as wind and solar power.
EXPLAINER: Why Court's EPA-climate change ruling matters
Read full article: EXPLAINER: Why Court's EPA-climate change ruling mattersThe Supreme Court’s new climate change ruling is likely to hinder the Biden administration’s plans to cut greenhouse gas emissions in half by the end of the decade and make the electric grid carbon-free by 2035.
EPA: 'Forever chemicals' pose risk even at very low levels
Read full article: EPA: 'Forever chemicals' pose risk even at very low levelsThe Environmental Protection Agency is warning that two nonstick and stain-resistant compounds in drinking water pose health risks at levels so low they cannot currently be detected.
Biden to crack down on polluters in poor, minority areas
Read full article: Biden to crack down on polluters in poor, minority areasThe Biden administration has announced a wide-ranging enforcement strategy aimed at holding industrial polluters accountable for damage done to poor and minority communities.
EPA rule would finally ban asbestos, carcinogen still in use
Read full article: EPA rule would finally ban asbestos, carcinogen still in useThe Environmental Protection Agency has proposed a rule to finally ban asbestos, a carcinogen still used in some chlorine bleach, brake pads and other products that kills thousands of Americans every year.
$75 million for residents whose homes were built on landfill
Read full article: $75 million for residents whose homes were built on landfillA group of New Orleans residents whose homes were built on a toxic landfill decades ago have won a $75.3 million court judgement against the city, its housing authority and a local school board.
EPA plan would limit downwind pollution from power plants
Read full article: EPA plan would limit downwind pollution from power plantsThe Environmental Protection Agency is proposing a plan that would restrict smokestack emissions from power plants and other industrial sources that burden downwind areas with air pollution they can’t control.
Biden restores California's power to set car emissions rules
Read full article: Biden restores California's power to set car emissions rulesThe Biden administration is restoring California’s authority to set its own tailpipe pollution standards for cars, reversing a Trump administration policy and likely ushering in stricter emissions standards for new passenger vehicles nationwide.
EPA rule would make heavy trucks cut smog, soot pollution
Read full article: EPA rule would make heavy trucks cut smog, soot pollutionThe Biden administration is proposing stronger pollution regulations for new tractor-trailer rigs that would clean up smoky diesel engines and encourage new technologies during the next two decades.
Public transit gets $3.7B to woo riders, adopt green fleets
Read full article: Public transit gets $3.7B to woo riders, adopt green fleetsPublic transit systems straining to win back riders after being crushed by the COVID-19 pandemic are getting a $3.7 billion boost to help stay afloat and invest in electric buses.
Biden, Cabinet fan out around nation to sell domestic agenda
Read full article: Biden, Cabinet fan out around nation to sell domestic agendaPresident Joe Biden has visited Wisconsin to promote one of his top accomplishments, a bipartisan infrastructure measure that will distribute billions of dollars to fix roads, bridges and other public works.
Black members of Biden's Cabinet mark Black History Month
Read full article: Black members of Biden's Cabinet mark Black History MonthBlack members of President Joe Biden's Cabinet came together Thursday for a Black History Month event highlighting their roles in the administration, some of which are historic firsts.
EPA acts to curb air, water pollution in poor communities
Read full article: EPA acts to curb air, water pollution in poor communitiesThe Environmental Protection Agency is taking a series of enforcement actions to address air pollution, unsafe drinking water and other problems afflicting minority communities in three Gulf Coast states.
EPA moves to crack down on dangerous coal ash storage ponds
Read full article: EPA moves to crack down on dangerous coal ash storage pondsThe Environmental Protection Agency is taking its first major action to address toxic wastewater from coal-burning power plants, ordering utilities to stop dumping waste into unlined storage ponds and speed up plans to close leaking or otherwise dangerous coal ash sites.
Biden boosts fuel-economy standards to fight climate change
Read full article: Biden boosts fuel-economy standards to fight climate changeIn a major step to fight climate change, the Biden administration is raising vehicle mileage standards to significantly reduce emissions of planet-warming greenhouse gases.
EPA head: 'Journey to Justice' tour 'really personal for me'
Read full article: EPA head: 'Journey to Justice' tour 'really personal for me'EPA Administrator Michael Regan says a recently completed “Journey to Justice” tour from Mississippi to Texas enabled him to put “faces and names with this term that we call environmental justice.”.
EPA unveils strategy to regulate toxic 'forever chemicals'
Read full article: EPA unveils strategy to regulate toxic 'forever chemicals'The Biden administration is launching a wide-ranging strategy to regulate toxic industrial compounds used in products including cookware, carpets and firefighting foams.
EPA completes rule to phase out gases used as refrigerants
Read full article: EPA completes rule to phase out gases used as refrigerantsThe Environmental Protection Agency is sharply limiting domestic production and use of highly potent greenhouse gases commonly used in refrigerators and air conditioners.
EPA rule sharply limits HFCs, gases used as refrigerants
Read full article: EPA rule sharply limits HFCs, gases used as refrigerantsThe Environmental Protection Agency is sharply limiting domestic production and use of highly potent greenhouse gases commonly used in refrigerators and air conditioners.
EPA seeks to restart process that could restrict Alaska mine
Read full article: EPA seeks to restart process that could restrict Alaska mineThe U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says it will seek to restart a process that could restrict mining in Alaska’s Bristol Bay region, which is renowned for its salmon runs.
Watchdog: 2 Trump EPA appointees defrauded agency of $130K
Read full article: Watchdog: 2 Trump EPA appointees defrauded agency of $130KA report by an internal watchdog says two high-ranking political appointees of Donald Trump's at the Environmental Protection Agency engaged in fraudulent payroll activities that cost the agency more than $130,000.
EPA chief reinstates science advisory board he dismantled
Read full article: EPA chief reinstates science advisory board he dismantledThe head of the Environmental Protection Agency says he has fully reinstated one of two key advisory boards he dismantled earlier this year in a push for “scientific integrity” at the agency.
VP Harris making Southern stops to promote vaccination
Read full article: VP Harris making Southern stops to promote vaccinationVice President Kamala Harris and the Biden administration’s top environmental official are making stops in several Southern states to promote an intensive White House coronavirus vaccination effort.
Eying deal, GM softens on tough standards for car pollution
Read full article: Eying deal, GM softens on tough standards for car pollutionThe nation’s largest automaker says it can support greenhouse gas emissions limits that other car manufacturers negotiated with California — if they are achieved mostly by promoting sales of fully electric vehicles.
Biden moves to restore clean-water safeguards ended by Trump
Read full article: Biden moves to restore clean-water safeguards ended by TrumpThe Biden administration has begun legal action to repeal a Trump-era rule that ended federal protections for hundreds of thousands of small streams, wetlands and other waterways.
California urges EPA to let state set car-emissions standard
Read full article: California urges EPA to let state set car-emissions standardOfficials from California, New York and other states want the Environmental Protection Agency to allow California to set its own automobile tailpipe pollution standards.
EPA restoring state and tribal power to protect waterways
Read full article: EPA restoring state and tribal power to protect waterwaysThe Environmental Protection Agency is restoring a rule that grants states and Native American tribes authority to block pipelines and other energy projects that can pollute rivers, streams and other waterways.
EPA sets grants to restore 'brownfields' at blighted sites
Read full article: EPA sets grants to restore 'brownfields' at blighted sitesThe Environmental Protection Agency has announced more than $66 million in grants to 151 communities nationwide to assess and clean up contaminated or abandoned “brownfields."
Republicans ask why White House removed climate scientist
Read full article: Republicans ask why White House removed climate scientistTwo House Republicans are asking the White House to explain why a scientist appointed by the Trump administration was removed from her post overseeing a government-wide report on climate change.
EPA rule to phase out gases used in refrigerators, coolants
Read full article: EPA rule to phase out gases used in refrigerators, coolantsThe Environmental Protection Agency is proposing to phase down production and use of hydrofluorocarbons, highly potent greenhouse gases commonly used in refrigerators and air conditioners.
Carper urges tough US rules barring gas-powered cars by 2035
Read full article: Carper urges tough US rules barring gas-powered cars by 2035A top Senate Democrat is urging U.S. anti-pollution standards that would follow a deal brokered by California with five automakers and then set targets to end sales of new gasoline-powered vehicles by 2035.
GOP lawmakers slam EPA chief over firing of science advisers
Read full article: GOP lawmakers slam EPA chief over firing of science advisersTwo House Republicans are demanding that the Environmental Protection Agency provide records related to an action by the agency’s leader removing dozens of scientists and other experts from two key advisory boards.
AP Interview: EPA head removes Trump-era science advisers
Read full article: AP Interview: EPA head removes Trump-era science advisersReganis taking steps to restore what he calls scientific integrity at the EPA. “Scientific integrity is a foundational value for EPA,'' Regan said. He said that “is very true," but added that "underpinning that is the importance of scientific integrity and transparency here at the agency. The actions we’re taking are indicative of how serious we are about repairing the scientific integrity at EPA.'' The overhaul announced Wednesday ousts more than 40 members of the two science advisory boards, including some whose terms do not expire this year.
Senate confirms Fudge to lead housing agency, Regan for EPA
Read full article: Senate confirms Fudge to lead housing agency, Regan for EPAFudge, a veteran lawmaker, will lead the housing agency agency just as Congress has passed new benefits for renters and homeowners who have suffered economic losses amid the coronavirus pandemic. Fudge was confirmed 66-34, while Regan was also approved by a 66-34 vote. All three nominees won bipartisan support for their nominations, although Republican Leader Mitch McConnell voted against Regan. The two nominees both support “far-left policies that crush jobs″ in his state and across the country, the Kentucky Republican said. AdCapito also complained that Regan will take cues from Biden's White House climate adviser Gina McCarthy, a former EPA chief.
Senate panel advances EPA nominee; GOP slams Interior pick
Read full article: Senate panel advances EPA nominee; GOP slams Interior pick(Caroline Brehman/Pool via AP)WASHINGTON – A Senate committee has endorsed President Joe Biden's nomination of Michael Regan to lead the Environmental Protection Agency, setting up a vote in the full Senate. The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee advanced Regan's nomination Tuesday on a 14-6 vote. Regan, who has served as North Carolina's top environmental regulator since 2017, would be the first Black man to run the EPA. A third Biden nominee, Deb Haaland, has not yet had a hearing on her selection to lead the Interior Department. AdHe also was concerned by Haaland's responses on issues such as wildlife management and access by hunters and sportsmen to public lands, Daines said.
Biden EPA nominee vows 'sense of urgency' on climate change
Read full article: Biden EPA nominee vows 'sense of urgency' on climate change(Caroline Brehman/Pool via AP)WASHINGTON – President Joe Biden's nominee to run the Environmental Protection Agency pledged Wednesday to “move with a sense of urgency on climate change” and other priorities, while working with lawmakers from both parties to protect the environment. AdRegan, who has served as top environmental regulator in North Carolina since 2017, would be the first African American man to run the EPA. Regan told senators he learned the importance of preserving the outdoors while hunting and fishing with his father and grandfather in rural North Carolina. Regan told Capito he anticipates “healthy debates” on a variety of issues, adding that he reports to the president, not White House advisers. In a related development, Jennifer Granholm, Biden's nominee to be energy secretary, won approval from the Senate energy panel Wednesday.
Buoyed by Keystone XL, pipeline opponents want Biden to act
Read full article: Buoyed by Keystone XL, pipeline opponents want Biden to actBut pipeline opponents say the ruling means it is operating with an invalid permit. ENBRIDGE LINE 3Opponents of the Line 3 replacement pipeline in Minnesota are stepping up pressure on Biden. AdPearson said Biden should put the pipeline on hold and make sure a thorough environmental review is done. Enbridge Energy said Biden’s decision on Keystone will have no impact on Line 3 or a similar Line 5 project in Michigan. AdPipeline opponents want Biden to publicly support Michigan Democratic Gov.
Biden picks Regan for EPA nominee, Haaland for interior head
Read full article: Biden picks Regan for EPA nominee, Haaland for interior headScott Applewhite, File)President-elect Joe Biden says he had chosen North Carolina regulator Michael S. Regan as his nominee to lead the Environmental Protection Agency and New Mexico Rep. Deb Haaland as his pick for interior secretary. Biden will introduce Regan, Haaland and other newly named nominees at an event Saturday. North Carolina Gov. In North Carolina, Regan led the negotiations that resulted in the cleanup of the Cape Fear River, which has been dangerously contaminated by PFAS industrial compounds from a chemical plant. With Duke Energy, he negotiated what North Carolina says was the largest cleanup agreement for toxic coal ash.
Biden picks North Carolina environmental chief to lead EPA
Read full article: Biden picks North Carolina environmental chief to lead EPABiden's pick of Regan, who leads his state's environmental agency, was confirmed by two people familiar with the selection process, as was his choice of Haaland. Regan became environmental chief in North Carolina in 2017. North Carolina Gov. He negotiated what North Carolina says was the largest cleanup agreement for toxic coal ash, with Duke Energy. President Donald Trump had made the agency a special target for his drive to cut regulation, saying early on he would leave only “bits” of the environmental agency.