Environment Management

A Look at Environmental Regulations Under Biden

The tumultuous presidential election is working its way to a close. While vote counting and litigation continue, OMA Connections Partner Squire Patton Boggs has published this analysis of what a Biden administration could mean for federal environmental policy.

The document examines how President-elect Joe Biden is likely to approach greenhouse gas regulations, the Trump Administration’s executive orders and regulatory reductions, and implementation of the Toxic Substances Control Act and the Clean Air Act. 11/23/2020

Energy-Related CO2 Emissions Sharply Decline Over Past Decade

After rising 3% in 2018, U.S. energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions fell 3% in 2019, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The agency attributes nearly all (96%) of this decline to the changing mix of fuels used to generate electricity. Since 2007, U.S. electric power sector emissions have declined 33%. 11/16/2020

Nuisance Rule Removed From Ohio SIP, Signaling Big Win for Manufacturers

In good news for Ohio manufacturers, the Federal Register this week published a final rule that removes an air pollution nuisance rule from Ohio’s Clean Air Act State Implementation Plan (SIP). The OMA and its business allies — who had unsuccessfully tried to remove this provision in the past — provided comments and follow-up comments on the proposal when it was first introduced earlier this year.

The OMA agreed with U.S. EPA that Ohio has never relied on — and never intended to rely on — the nuisance rule to demonstrate attainment or maintenance of any National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). The removal of the nuisance rule from Ohio’s SIP is a significant win for manufacturers since its inclusion previously led to unintended consequences, permitting challenges and lawsuits.

OMA Environment Counsel Bricker & Eckler published this blog post about the change. 11/19/2020

Get Your Business Recognized for Its Environmental Stewardship

The Ohio EPA’s Encouraging Environmental Excellence (E3) Stewardship Awards program honors businesses for environmentally beneficial activities.

Interested in getting your company more recognition for its commitment to environmentally sound practices? The application deadline for E3 awards is Dec. 18. For application assistance or for more information, email Ohio EPA’s Mike Kelley or call (614) 644-2930. 11/11/2020

Feb. 5 Deadline to Apply for Ohio EPA Recycling Grants

The Ohio EPA reminds businesses of its available recycling grants, as well as its Jan. 7 webinar to provide grant application assistance. Grant applications are due 3 p.m. on Feb. 5. Learn more. 11/12/2020

Recycling Grants Available to Ohio Manufacturers

Ohio EPA is resuming its Recycling and Litter Prevention Grant Program. Opportunities for manufacturers include the Market Development Grant, which helps purchase equipment to create or expand processing capacity for recyclable materials. The maximum award is $200,000 and the grant requires a 100% match. Grantees have 24 months to complete their projects. A scrap tire grant is also available.

The grant cycle begins Monday, Nov. 2 and ends Feb. 5, 2021. Two webinars — one on Nov. 5 and one on Jan. 7 — will provide details on the grants and how to apply. Questions? Use this email. 10/28/2020

Ohio EPA’s Compliance Assistance Conference Now Available on Demand

Did you miss this fall’s Ohio EPA Compliance Assistance Conference? No worries. The conference sessions were recorded and are available here. Whether you’re interested in air, waste, and water regulations, these sessions offer valuable insight. 10/21/2020

Learn About Ohio EPA and OSHA’s On-Site Consultation

If you’re responsible for managing your business’ environment, safety, and health regulations, know that Ohio EPA and OSHA offer an On-Site Consultation Program, with teams across the state to provide free and confidential services to help navigate the complex rules — without the threat of punitive actions.

At 10 a.m. on Nov. 4, you can attend this online session to learn about the on-site consultation program and the resources offered. 10/21/2020

Gov. DeWine Signs Bill to Temporarily Prohibit Local Bans of Auxiliary Containers

This week, Gov. Mike DeWine signed House Bill 242, which prevents local governments from putting fees or bans on the use of auxiliary containers, such as plastic bags or other types of containers often used in retail and the food and beverage industry.

HB 242 specifies that a person may use an auxiliary container for purposes of commerce or otherwise, but sunsets this specification after 12 months. The OMA supported the bill and will work to increase the length of the pre-emption in future legislation. 10/13/2020

OMA Members Recognized for Environmental Stewardship

Ohio EPA recently recognized multiple OMA members when it announced the winners of this year’s Encouraging Environmental Excellence (E3) Stewardship Awards. The E3 program honors businesses and organizations for completing environmentally beneficial activities.

Among this year’s E3 Award winners were the following OMA members: Whirlpool Corporation, Findlay Operations; Kenworth Truck Company; Charter Steel – Fostoria; and Cooper Farms. Click here to learn more about the program and nomination process. 10/6/2020