Things I google at work
For those that think EPA is all about job-killing, here’s an example of some things I googled this week.
- Arsenic speciation in groundwater and soil
- 1,2-Dibromo-3-Chloropropane
- Endocrine disruption
- Chromium trivalent hexavalent
- Trichloroethylene volatilization fractured bedrock
- Mutagenic mode of action
- Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons odor threshold
- Puerto Rico septic system chloroform
- Polychlorinated biphenyls uptake and bioconcentration in bivalves
- Caught fish consumption Hudson River
Now, next time someone rants at you about how EPA is killing jobs and should be shut down, rattle off this list. America needs EPA, I assure you.
EPA Releases Greenhouse Gas Data
Nice searchable tool to see the biggest GHG emitters across the country. Who’s in your backyard?
Ralph Izzo, chairman of PSEG, regarding EPA’s new power plant emissions rules, set to be approved today.
Well said, sir. It’s nice to have industry on our side for once.
(Source: Los Angeles Times)
EPA issues new rule to control gas drilling air emissions
Not comprehensive controls for the fracking industry, but a start.
(Source: The New York Times)
EPA, Coast Guard Announce Agreement to Enforce Air Pollution Requirements for Vessels Operating in U.S. Waters
WIN.
Yep.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) today announced an agreement to jointly enforce U.S. and international air pollution requirements for vessels operating in U.S. waters. The requirements establish limits on nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions and require the use of fuel with lower sulfur content, protecting people’s health and the environment by reducing ozone-producing pollution, which can cause smog and aggravate asthma. The most stringent requirements apply to ships operating within 200 nautical miles of the coast of North America.
“Today’s agreement forges a strong partnership between EPA and the U.S. Coast Guard, advancing our shared commitment to enforce air emissions standards for ships operating in U.S. waters,” said Cynthia Giles, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “Reducing harmful air pollution is a priority for EPA and by working with the Coast Guard we will ensure that the ships moving through our waters meet their environmental obligations, protecting our nation’s air quality and the health of our coastal communities.”
“This agreement demonstrates the Coast Guard’s long-standing commitment to protecting our nation’s marine environment,” said Rear Adm. Kevin Cook, director of Prevention Policy for the U.S. Coast Guard. “Aligning our capabilities with EPA enhances our commitment to the marine environment while minimizing the impact on shipping.”
The large marine diesel engines that provide propulsion and auxiliary power on many ocean-going vessels emit significant amounts of pollution. Without further action, EPA estimates that by 2030, NOx emissions from ships will more than double, growing to 2.1 million tons per year. The memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed by EPA and the USCG outlines the agencies’ commitment to jointly enforce federal and international laws that EPA projects could prevent 12,000-31,000 premature deaths annually by 2030. Under the MOU, both the USCG and EPA will perform inspections and investigations, and will take appropriate enforcement actions if a violation is detected.
Union of Concerned Scientists: Adds Up Monetary Benefit of the Clean Air Act Since 1970
$49 trillion and counting…
The ticker shows the increase in cumulative net benefits as a result of the Clean Air Act since 1970. The source data for this calculation comes from two EPA reports. In addition, data from the U.S. Department of Commerce was used to convert net benefits from the EPA reports to a common basis in 2010 dollars.
