Environment Management

DeWine Announces $88 Million in Brownfield Grants

Gov. Mike DeWine and Lt. Gov. Jon Husted recently announced $88 million in state support for 123 brownfield remediation projects to clean up hazardous and underused sites throughout Ohio for redevelopment. The projects will impact communities in 35 counties statewide. See the list of projects. 12/19/2022

EPA Issues Guidance Addressing Discharges of PFAS

The U.S. EPA recently issued new guidance outlining how states can monitor for discharges of PFAS and take steps to reduce them. The effect of the new federal guidance is that many states will likely take further steps to restrict PFAS at their source.

Read more on this development from OMA Connections Partner Jones Day, which has advised industry stakeholders to be prepared for additional regulation and carefully evaluate potential sources of PFAS in supply chains 12/19/2022

U.S. EPA Proposes New Ban on HFCs

The U.S. EPA has proposed a new rule to restrict the use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in refrigeration, air conditioning, and heating products if more “climate friendly” alternatives are available. According to reports, the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute supports the proposal. 12/12/2022

U.S. EPA to Ease Review Process for EV Battery Chemicals

In this update, OMA Connections Partner Thompson Hine reports the U.S. EPA recently announced plans to streamline the chemical review process for mixed metal oxides used in new and modified cathode active materials — the primary components in electric vehicle batteries, as well as semiconductors and renewable energy generators. 12/13/2022

Romney Voices Support for Federal Carbon Tax

U.S. Sen. Mitt Romney (R-UT) recently voiced support for a federal carbon tax to “push the private sector to innovate towards clean energy.” Analysis by the Tax Foundation has found a carbon tax “could hinder the development, or redevelopment, of the domestic manufacturing base.”

Meanwhile, the European Union this week reached a provisional agreement to impose a carbon tax on imports of non-EU products such as iron and steel, aluminum, fertilizers, and electricity. 12/14/2022

Examining Scope 3 GHG Emissions Tracking

To aid businesses in tracking their sustainability impacts, OMA Connections Partner BSI has provided this overview of the drivers and challenges related to accounting for Scope 3 greenhouse gases (GHG) — emissions that are an indirect result of company activity. BSI’s insight includes a chart of the 15 categories within Scope 3 emissions. 12/13/2022

Ohio EPA Director Laurie Stevenson to Retire

Ohio EPA Director Laurie Stevenson will retire at the end of 2022, according to Gov. Mike DeWine’s office. She is the fourth cabinet officer to announce their departure at year’s end. In her resignation letter, Stevenson said she’s proud of her 34-year career at the agency. 12/8/2022

OMA Seeks Members’ Input on Ohio EPA Rule Update

Ohio EPA recently published draft rules governing its Hazardous Waste Management Program. The agency is updating these rules to be consistent with U.S. EPA’s rules under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act — specifically those on organic air emissions and the definition of solid waste.

The OMA is considering submitting comments in support of Ohio EPA incorporating the federal definition of solid waste rule. Members who want to provide input should email Lindsey Short by Dec. 28. 12/6/2022

What to Know About Greenwashing Cases

“Greenwashing” cases are on the rise. These lawsuits allege that certain companies are misleading customers regarding their commitments to sustainability.

In this insight, OMA Connections Partner Thompson Hine examines recent cases and offers risk mitigation measures to consider. 12/8/2022

Survey: Slower Economy Stalls Sustainability Efforts

Research shows economic pressures are stalling sustainability efforts at nearly seven of 10 manufacturers (69%) in the U.S. and Europe. According to reports, a survey of 360 manufacturing leaders found 72% of respondents said less than half of materials used in their manufacturing processes are sustainable, while 79% said less than half of their processes are powered by renewable energy. 11/29/2022