emissions

Cleaner trucks, clearer air?

January 15, 2020

The EPA started the new year off with a move it says will ultimately reduce the emissions of gases that contribute heavily to air pollution, including the formation of smog and acid rain. On January 6, 2020, the agency issued an Advance Notice of Proposed Rule (ANPR) soliciting pre-proposal comments on the Cleaner Trucks Initiative (CTI).

More reactions to EPA’s Clean Energy Rule

August 23, 2018

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce acknowledges that human activities are contributing to climate change, but feels that the Obama-era Clean Power plan was not an effective way to address that. The American Public Health Association contends that the EPA’s just announced proposed replacement for the Clean Power Plan – the Affordable Clean Energy Rule – is “an attack on public health.”

EPA fine for Shell refinery a slap on the wrist, claim safety activists

March 8, 2018

On February 12, the federal government announced a multimillion-dollar settlement with Shell Oil over a long list of air pollution violations at a petrochemical refinery in Norco, Louisiana. In a statement, EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt said the settlement "demonstrates EPA's dedication" to pursuing pollution violations and protecting public health.

EPA: Air pollution down

February 6, 2014

Total releases of toxic chemicals decreased 12 percent from 2011-2012, according to the EPA’s annual Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) report released this week. The decrease includes an eight percent decline in total toxic air releases, primarily due to reductions in hazardous air pollutant (HAP) emissions.

New study shows 51 of top 100 companies emit unsustainable levels of CO2

Top performers earn their scores by decoupling business growth from emissions; of companies performing well, Autodesk, Unilever and Eli Lilly take top three spots

December 23, 2013

Climate Counts and the Center for Sustainable Organizations have released a first-of-its-kind study on sustainability context: Assessing Corporate Emissions Performance through the Lens of Climate Science.

EPA updates mercury and air toxics standards for new power plants

Agency also proposes updates to oil and gas storage tank standards

April 2, 2013

The EPA has issued updates to pollution limits for new power plants under the mercury and air toxics standards, based on new information and analysis that became available to the agency after the rule was finalized.

Manufacturers oppose greenhouse gas fees

NAM predicts job losses, higher prices

February 27, 2013

A proposed “carbon tax” would have a “devastating” impact on manufacturing and jobs, according to the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), responding to climate-change legislation introduced recently in the Senate.

Fracking foes oppose likely Secretary of Energy pick

Dr. Ernest Moniz has close ties to oil and gas industry

February 25, 2013

President Obama’s rumored pick for Secretary Energy is drawing loud “boos” from a coalition of anti-fracking groups, who say the appointment of Dr. Ernest Moniz would be “a major step backwards” in addressing the problems caused by climate change.

EPA updates greenhouse gas emissions data from large facilities

February 8, 2013

Today, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) posted the second year of greenhouse gas (GHGs) emissions data on its website, which provides public access to emissions data by sector, by greenhouse gas, and by geographic region such as county or state.

Public health experts back EPA’s stronger air quality standards

January 8, 2013

The American Public Health Association (APHA) is throwing its support behind the EPA’s bid for a tough new air quality standard that the organization says will protect the health of all Americans by curbing harmful emissions of fine particulate matter, also known as soot. On the other side of the issue, manufacturers are predicting that it will “crush” growth.