Regulatory Activity

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is extending the public comment period on its proposed Standards of Performance for Greenhouse Gas Emissions from New Stationary Sources for Electric Utility Generating Units until May 9.

Lead and Copper

EPA has announced public meetings of the National Drinking Water Advisory Council Lead and Copper Rule Working Group. The meeting will discuss revisions to the Lead and Copper Rule concerning Optimal Corrosion Control Treatment to protect drinking water when lead and copper pipes are used. The meetings will be held on March 25 and 26 in Arlington, VA and advanced registration is required.

Exxon Valdez

The Department of Interior is accepting nominations for its Public Advisory Committee on the Exxon Valdez oil spill of March 1989. The committee makes decisions related to the “planning, evaluation, funds allocation, and conduct of injury assessment and restoration activities” related to the spill. Nominations are due on May 15, 2014.

Gulf of Mexico Oil, Gas and Mineral Operations

The Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has released documents for oil, gas and mineral operations in the Gulf of Mexico Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Region.  These documents contain Site-Specific Environmental Assessments (SEAs) and Findings of No Significant Impact (FONSIs) for nearly 60 separate operations of oil, gas and mineral companies intending to operate in the OCS.

Legislative Activity

This Week’s Hearings:

EPA’s Carbon Rules

Wednesday, March 12: The House Science, Space and Technology Committee, Subcommittee on Energy and Subcommittee on Environment, will hold a joint hearing to discuss the “Science of Capture and Storage: Understanding EPA’s Carbon Rules.” Those testifying before the committee will include Janet McCabe, Acting Assistant Administrator, Office of Air and Radiation, EPA and David Hawkins, Director of Climate Change Programs, Natural Resources Defense Council.

Chemicals in Interstate Commerce

Wednesday, March 12: The House Energy and Commerce Committee, Subcommittee on Environment and the Economy, will hold a hearing on the discussion draft of the “Chemicals in Commerce Act” which addresses the transportation of chemicals in interstate and foreign commerce.