Environment Management

Second Hearing Held on Ohio ESG Investments Bill

The Senate Finance Committee on March 14 received testimony from opponents of Senate Bill 6, which would ban the state retirement system boards, BWC, and state institutions of higher education from making investment decisions with the primary purpose of influencing social, environment, or governance (ESG) policy of any corporation.

While labor unions and teacher unions oppose the bill, four of the state’s retirement systems submitted “interested party” testimony, saying they’re already following policies that don’t make ESG a key consideration for investments. Read Gongwer News Service’s story. 3/14/2023

Ohio Sues Norfolk Southern

The State of Ohio is suing Norfolk Southern over the toxic train derailment last month in East Palestine. The move was largely expected, according to reports. Read the attorney general’s statements. 3/14/2023

Webinar: Energy Efficiency & Industrial Decarbonization

At 10 a.m. on March 30, the Ohio EPA will host a one-hour webinar to provide an overview of the University of Dayton Industrial Assessment Center (UD-IAC). For 40 years, the Center has provided no-cost energy efficiency and emissions reduction consulting to small and medium-sized industrial clients. Learn more and register.

At the same time on the same date, the OMA Sustainability Peer Network’s webinar will examine the latest sustainability and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) developments. Manufacturers interested in the OMA event can register here. 3/15/2023

Webinar: What’s New in Sustainability and ESG?

The OMA Sustainability Peer Network (SPN) — created to support managers and staff who have responsibility for meeting their company’s sustainability goals — will make its post-pandemic return March 30 with a one-hour webinar highlighting the latest sustainability and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) developments. This event is for manufacturers only. Learn more and register. 3/8/2023

Ohio EPA Seeks Input on VOCs, CO Emissions Rules

Ohio EPA has asked for stakeholder input on its rules governing emissions of VOCs and carbon monoxide from stationary sources. On March 7, the OMA submitted comments to the agency requesting to review the draft rule language upon its release, and to be included in any meetings or future discussions pertaining to these rules. 3/9/2023

OMA Comments on TMDL Draft

On March 8, the OMA submitted comments to Ohio EPA on its draft Maumee Watershed Nutrient TMDL. This marks the fifth step in the agency’s TMDL development process for the watershed. The OMA urged the Ohio EPA to reconsider certain facility-specific stormwater discharge allocations to ensure an equitable and lawful TMDL. 3/9/2023

Report: Carbon Tariff Gains Momentum on Capitol Hill

A plan to impose a tariff on carbon-intensive goods is gaining support on Capitol Hill, according to a report by E&E News. The story says multiple Republican senators are working on legislation to implement a “carbon border adjustment mechanism, which is tantamount to environmental trade policy that would slap a fee — or tariff — on imported goods based on their carbon content.” 3/8/2023

Update on TRI Reporting Changes Related to PFAS

The U.S. EPA has proposed rule changes to increase reporting obligations for all chemicals of special concern — including PFAS — to the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI). This would impact certain facilities that manufacture or use specified toxic chemicals. OMA Connections Partner BSI notes the TRI reporting deadline is July 1. Read more. 3/9/2023

U.S. House Passes Repeal of Biden ESG Investment Rule

The U.S. House has approved a resolution to roll back the Biden administration’s rule giving more authority to fiduciaries to consider environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors in 401(k) plans and other investment vehicles. It’s unclear if the GOP measure can pass the Senate.

Politico reports some congressional Democrats have introduced legislation to codify the Biden administration’s ESG rule. 3/2/2023

NAM Speaks Out Against New EPA Regulations

At a U.S. EPA hearing last week, the National Association of Manufacturers voiced opposition to the agency’s proposed rule for stricter air standards on particulate matter known as PM2.5. Even though PM2.5 levels in the U.S. have dropped 44% since 2000, the EPA is pushing for tougher regulation.

On Feb. 17, the OMA submitted its comments against the proposed rule. 3/1/2023