Environment Management

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

OMA to U.S. EPA: Stricter PM2.5 Standard Is Unnecessary

The OMA has raised opposition to the U.S. EPA’s proposed rule for stricter air standards on particulate matter known as PM2.5. The proposal comes even though PM2.5 levels in the U.S. have dropped 44% since 2000 — and throughout Ohio.

OMA President Ryan Augsburger submitted these comments, noting that the proposed standards would harm manufacturers and possibly jeopardize clean energy manufacturing.

Members are encouraged to voice their concerns by using this communication tool. 2/22/2023

OMA Comments on Maumee TMDL General Permit Draft

Earlier this month, the OMA submitted comments to Ohio EPA in response to the agency’s draft proposed framework for the Maumee Watershed TMDL General Permit. The OMA expressed general support, but also offered several suggestions. Read the OMA’s comments. 2/20/2023

Possible Setback for Common-sense Regulatory Reform

In what may be a possible setback for common-sense regulatory reform, a federal court has ordered the Biden administration’s U.S. EPA to reconsider a Trump-era decision reversing a rule that allows individuals to bring federal nuisance lawsuits against businesses under the Clean Air Act.

Without the 2020 rule change, citizen suits against manufacturing facilities would be allowed to continue, even when a facility is operating in accordance with its permit, or when the Ohio EPA has stated the facility did not operate as a nuisance.

The OMA led the Ohio business community in backing the 2020 rule change. For more, read this memo from Bricker & Eckler, the OMA’s general counsel. 2/16/2023