On 14 September 2020, the European Commission published its “Sustainable Products Initiative”, which aims to revise the existing Ecodesign Directive in order to meet the product sustainability objectives set out in the Circular Economy Action Plan.
The Circular Economy Action Plan seeks to make products fit for a climate neutral, resource efficient
In a historic act, U.S. EPA proposed the nation’s first-ever greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions standard for aircraft on July 21, 2020. (Proposed Rule). Once the Proposed Rule is published in the Federal Register, the public will have 60 days to submit comments. There will likely be significant push back from environmental groups on the Proposed Rule; so it may be important to provide industry comments, where appropriate. U.S. EPA has stated it is hoping to issue a final rule in 2021.
Continue Reading U.S. EPA takes historic action on aviation emissions
The UK has published its plans for the UK ETS starting in 2021. In the UK, this will replace the EU ETS, which the UK is set to leave at the end 2020 with the termination of the Brexit transition period. It is part of the UK government’s plan to drive domestic and international action
Following recent announcements by the UK government on how the UK economy will gradually re-open, we are pleased to share a short publication with you that highlights some of the key health, safety and workplace management topics that UK employers may need to consider as we get businesses up and running again.
In addition to
In the context of COVID-19, many companies are downsizing operations or, in some cases, completely eliminating product lines or shuttering facilities. The considerations that go into such a decision are difficult and complicated, in part because the effects may be felt long into the future. However, if you are faced with such a decision, here are a few points to consider with regard to your environmental obligations.
Continue Reading Some considerations on suspension of regulated activities at all or part of a facility
A new EPA rule finalizes amendments to the definition of “small manufacturer” in accordance with the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). Changes to the small manufacturer definition impact certain reporting and recordkeeping requirements established under TSCA. The final rule is effective 30 days after publication in the Federal Register.
The final rule, made public May 12, updates EPA’s 1984 definition of entities that must file production volume and other information under existing regulations, including the Chemical Data Reporting rule.Continue Reading EPA updates ‘small manufacturer’ definition for reporting and recordkeeping under TSCA section 8(a)
The European Commission launched a public consultation on its review of Regulation 347/2013 on guidelines for trans-European energy infrastructure (the TEN-E Regulation) on 18 May 2020. The public consultation is accompanied by a targeted, more technical consultation aimed at stakeholders with specialist knowledge of the TEN-E Regulation. Both consultations will be open for eight weeks, with submissions due by 13 July 2020.
Background
On 11 December 2019, the European Commission adopted the European Green Deal (the Green Deal), and presented its communication on the Green Deal to the European Parliament. The Green Deal sets out overarching objectives that will inform EU legislation and policy going forward. The objectives include achieving climate neutrality by 2050, mainstreaming sustainability and promoting “nature-based solutions”.
The Green Deal highlights the importance of smart infrastructure in the transition to climate neutrality, and identifies the need to review the regulatory framework for EU energy infrastructure, including the TEN-E Regulation, to ensure consistency with the 2050 climate neutrality objective. The revised framework should also address the policy ambition under the Green Deal of supplying clean, affordable and secure energy by integrating a significant increase in renewable energy in the European energy system, and prioritising energy efficiency.Continue Reading European Commission launches consultation on TEN-E Regulation
Following on from our recent post regarding Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) policy and the controversy surrounding it , on May 13, 2020, seven states brought an action in the Southern District of New York against the EPA to challenge the agency policy under which the EPA has stated it “will not” enforce a wide range
Post COVID-19 stay-at-home orders (SAHO) – and as we go back to “normal” – what is the likelihood of a sudden resurgence in new or deferred Superfund cleanups, and associated construction?
It is impossible to ignore that fact (and EPA must be aware of it) that construction jobs can and will be important to economic recovery. Construction work provides good, well-paying jobs, which will be critical to restarting the economy, and that is paramount. EPA, especially Office of Land and Emergency Management, will recognize they have a key role to play in those efforts.Continue Reading Companies Beware: Will EPA ramp up mandated ‘clean up’ as part of perceived economic ‘stimulus’ package?
We’ve all heard tales of bluer skies since the shelter-in-place orders took effect. Cityscapes can be seen with remarkable clarity as lockdowns lead to noticeably cleaner air. Yes, the pandemic is reducing greenhouse gas (and other) emissions.
What is the effect of all this on carbon markets? The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned that the virus could shrink the world’s economy by at least 3 percent in 2020. A recent Wall Street Journal front page reports that COVID-19 has already shrunk U.S. GDP by 4.8 percent.Continue Reading The pandemic and EU-ETS, AB 32 carbon markets