Environment Management

Webinars: Focusing on Environmental Compliance

On Thursday, Aug. 3, the OMA will host a 10 a.m. webinar to examine the basics of common environmental requirements that frequently apply to Ohio manufacturing facilities. Experts from Safex, an OMA Connections Partner, will present. Learn more and register.

On Aug. 22, the Ohio EPA will host a webinar to help members of the business community navigate the agency’s eBusiness Center, report and submit applications, and report non-compliance. Register here.

Meanwhile, here’s the Ohio EPA’s full listing of upcoming training opportunities. Recorded training events are available on the agency’s YouTube channel. 7/25/2023

OMA Addresses Regulatory Onslaught

In an editorial published by Cleveland.com, OMA President Ryan Augsburger discusses the growing regulatory burden imposed by federal agencies, saying it threatens manufacturing’s momentum.

A new report by the conservative American Action Forum shows the Biden administration’s near- and long-term plan to issue approximately 3,200 rulemakings within the next year or so includes 280 “major rules” and 1,326 “significant rules,” representing high-water marks for both categories over the past decade. 7/19/2023

Webinar: ESG Supply Chain Engagement and Reporting

On Aug. 8, the OMA’s Sustainability Peer Network will host a webinar to share the insights of sustainability specialists working in the manufacturing industry.

Subject-matter experts will be Clarence Mingo, vice president of corporate affairs and ESG at T. Marzetti Company, and Alissa Yakali, supply chain sustainability manager at Honda Development and Manufacturing of North America. Get more details and register. Manufacturers only, please. 7/19/2023

Podcast: Looking for ESG Fraud

The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission recently announced that it’s looking for whistleblowers on potential fraud or manipulation in the carbon credit markets. Jones Day has posted this podcast, which examines the commission’s ramped-up enforcement focus and what it means for participants in carbon markets. 7/17/2023

Reducing Emissions Through Supplier Improvement

Reducing emissions through supplier engagement is a challenging task, but an important area of focus for companies to achieve sustainability goals. OMA Connections Partner BSI has published this guidance to help reduce Scope 3 impacts through supplier improvements. 7/18/20223

State AGs Blast U.S. EPA’s Auto Emissions Plan

Following criticism from major auto manufacturers, 25 state attorneys general — including Ohio AG Dave Yost — have signed a joint letter opposing the U.S. EPA’s proposed tailpipe emissions rule, deeming it “unlawful” and “unsustainable,” according to reports. The AGs say the proposed rule would push gas-powered vehicles off the market, forcing a heavy reliance on China while straining the grid. 7/11/2023

U.S. EPA Adds Nine New PFAS to Reporting List

The U.S. EPA recently published a final rule to add nine new PFAS to the Toxics Release Inventory, the list of chemicals subject to toxic chemical release reporting under federal law. Facilities subject to reporting requirements — and that manufacture, process, or otherwise use any of the newly listed PFAS — are required to submit reports by July 1, 2024. OMA Connections Partner Vorys published these details. 7/13/2023

New Budget Provides $350M for Brownfield Remediation

Ohio’s new two-year budget provides another $350 million for the state’s Brownfield Remediation Program and Building Demolition and Site Revitalization Program. Read the details in this report by Vorys, an OMA Connections Partner. Under the previous budget, the programs were utilized for more than 300 projects in 83 of Ohio’s 88 counties. 7/13/2023

Ohio EPA Submits Lake Erie TMDL Plan

Late last week, the Ohio EPA submitted its future management plan for western Lake Erie. The Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) plan for the Maumee River watershed proposes reductions in phosphorus loadings, a major source of algae-forming runoff. Read this press release, which cites comments from the OMA and state officials.

The state plan will be reviewed by the U.S. EPA. As noted in this report by The Toledo Blade, if the U.S. EPA disagrees, it could allow Ohio up to five additional months to revise the plan or could eventually impose a federally crafted plan. 7/3/2023

Webinar on Ohio EPA’s Regulatory Activity, July 12

Ohio EPA will host a complimentary webinar July 12 to provide an overview of the environmental regulations affecting both large and small businesses. This webinar will focus on air pollution controls, water regulations, solid and hazardous waste, as well as the agency’s compliance assistance for businesses. 7/6/2023