Environment Management

Study: PM2.5 Rule Would Inflict Economic Damage

A new study commissioned by the National Association of Manufacturers finds that the U.S. EPA’s proposal to impose tougher regulations on particulate matter (known as PM2.5) would cost the U.S. as much as $197 billion in lost economic activity and 973,900 fewer jobs.

Read NAM’s press release, which quotes OMA President Ryan Augsburger, and this story by FOX Business.

The OMA has been a key NAM partner in opposing the PM2.5 proposal. See these quotes from the OMA and others, as well as this one-page summary. 5/10/2023

U.S. EPA Proposes First Limits on Greenhouse Gas Emissions From Power Plants

The Biden administration is proposing new limits on greenhouse gas emissions from coal and gas-fired power plants. The AP calls the plan the administration’s “most ambitious effort yet” on climate-related initiatives. Here’s a breakdown of the plan from the Washington Examiner. 5/11/2023

Changes Could Be Coming to FTC Green Guides

The Federal Trade Commission is considering changes to its Green Guides, which provide guidance on how businesses should qualify environmental claims about products or services. To avoid lawsuits and enforcement actions, businesses should be familiar with the guides, according to this insight from OMA Connections Partner Vorys. 5/9/2023

On-Demand Webinar: Ohio EPA Compliance Assistance

Earlier this year, Ohio EPA conducted a webinar to highlight the agency’s free and confidential compliance assistance services, which can keep businesses out of trouble and save money. Those who missed the live event or need a fresher can watch the recorded webinar. Also, check out the agency’s compliance assistance page. 5/9/2023

Northeast Ohio Seeks to Profit From Water Surplus

While large portions of the country are facing severe drought, northeast Ohio leaders are exploring ways to capitalize on the region’s excess of fresh water. This story from Crain’s Cleveland Business quotes Cuyahoga County leaders who want to pitch the county as a “freshwater capital” and a manufacturing center for water technology. 5/9/2023

Ohio Sees Significant Improvement in Air Quality

Air quality across Ohio, as measured by fine particle pollution, has improved significantly in recent years. An Axios report includes an interactive map that shows air quality changes in Ohio’s largest cities since 2015, based on U.S. EPA data.

As an example, Cleveland saw a 22% decline in air pollution levels from 2015 to 2021, and a 47% decline since 2000.

Despite this progress, the U.S. EPA wats to further reduce its fine-particle pollution standards — a move opposed by the OMA, as previously reported. 5/2/2023

At a Glance: PFAS Regulations Across the U.S.

Many states are broadening their regulatory action against perfluoroalkyl and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). D.C.-based government relations firm MultiState has published this overview of states that have enacted legislation to phase out PFAS. 5/3/2023

Understanding the Language of Sustainability

To assist small and mid-sized businesses, OMA Connections Partner NRG Energy has published this summary of sustainability terms and concepts. The article contains a brief explanation of climate disclosures and scope 1, 2, and 3 greenhouse gas emissions. 5/1/2023

OMA Alerts Ohio Federal Delegation of PM2.5 Rule Risks

The OMA has alerted Ohio’s federal delegation of its opposition to the U.S. EPA’s proposed PM2.5 rule, which would impose stricter air standards on particulate matter. Read the OMA’s letter.

Earlier this year, OMA President Ryan Augsburger submitted comments to the U.S. EPA regarding the proposal, noting the new standards would harm manufacturers and possibly jeopardize clean energy manufacturing. 4/27/2023

Ohio EPA Wastewater Treatment Webinar, May 2

At 9 a.m. Tuesday, May 2, Ohio EPA will host a complimentary webinar to spotlight non-compliance issues for small wastewater treatment plants. Learn more and register. 4/25/2023