Regulatory Activity

Ozone

A court order issued last week instructs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to issue its proposed rule concerning ozone by December 1, 2014, and a final rule by October 1, 2015. This action would finalize the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) that are expected to significantly impact cities, counties, transportation systems and corporations. EPA is contemplating a new standard in the range between 60 ppb and 70 ppb.

Clean Diesel

Also of potential interest to cities, counties, corporations and transportation authorities, the EPA has announced the availability of funding from its Diesel Emission Reduction Program (DERA) program. DERA funds are used to convert current diesel engines and fleets to clean diesel capacities. Eligible project include: school buses, transit buses, heavy-duty trucks, marine engines, locomotives, and related diesel engines. Applications for funding are due by June 17.

Methane

The Department of Interior, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has issued a request for comments in advance of a proposed rulemaking under consideration by the department. BLM is interested in methods to “capture, use or destroy” waste mine methane from underground mining operations on federal leases. Comments are due by June 30.

Uranium

The EPA has issued a proposed rule to revise the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for radon emissions from uranium mill tailings. The proposed rule will consider generally available control technology. Comments are due by July 31.

Legislative Activity

This Week’s Hearings:

Potential Changes to Clean Water Act

Thursday, May 8: The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment, will hold a hearing to consider the “Potential Impacts of Proposed Changes to the Clean Water Act Jurisdictional Rule.”

Forest Fires and Electricity

Wednesday, May 7: The House Natural Resources Committee will hold an oversight hearing titled “Keeping the Lights On and Reducing Catastrophic Forest Fire Risk: Proper Management of Electricity Rights of Way on Federal Lands.”

Nuclear Efforts

Wednesday, May 7: The House Energy and Commerce Committee, Subcommittee on Energy and Power will hold hearings to consider the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s FY 2015 budget request and related issues impacting the agency. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission Chairman, Allison Macfarlane, will testify.