News and Analysis
Analysis: PFAS Reporting Rule
October 20, 2023OMA Connections Partner Calfee has published this analysis of the U.S. EPA’s final rule aimed at gathering information on products containing PFAS chemicals. The rule applies to any company that, at any time since 2011, manufactured or imported any PFAS chemical. Companies should soon move forward with developing a compliance strategy for the rule, according to Calfee. 10/18/2023
EU Climate Rule to Hit U.S. Businesses
October 20, 2023Starting as soon as January, major U.S. companies that raise money on European stock exchanges will be forced to start compiling information on their “carbon emissions, climate risks, and strategies to counter the damage,” according to Politico. By 2025, an estimated 3,000 U.S. businesses will be required to provide such disclosures. 10/18/2023
On-Demand Webinar: Changes to Risk Management Program for Hazardous Chemicals
October 13, 2023Proposed changes to the U.S. EPA’s Risk Management Program stand to impact manufacturers that work with hazardous substances. OMA Connections Partner BSI this week presented a one-hour webinar to examine the pending changes, including those that would address natural hazards and power loss.
The on-demand webinar may be viewed here. Also, check out the slides from BSI’s presentation. 10/12/2023
Analysis: Latest WOTUS Rule ‘Favorable’ for Many
October 13, 2023There will be some regulatory confusion regarding the definition of “waters of the United States” under the federal Clean Water Act, writes OMA Connections Partner Roetzel. This is due to a two-tiered regulatory approach, which results from the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent Sackett decision.
The firm notes that the conforming WOTUS rule — published last month by the U.S. EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers — will likely mean many more waterbodies aren’t subject to federal jurisdiction. 10/9/2023
PFAS Reporting Rule Requires 12-Year Lookback
October 6, 2023The U.S. EPA announced that it has finalized a rule mandating all manufacturers (including importers) report on the presence of 1,462 PFAS chemicals in their processes and products. Reporting will need to date back to 2011.
This summary from OMA Connections Partner Vorys notes the timeline for manufacturers to comply is 18 months, with an additional six months for small businesses that are only reporting data on importing PFAS contained in products. 10/3/2023
Report: Ultrasound Technology Helps Break PFAS Bonds
October 6, 2023Researchers at The Ohio State University say ultrasound technology could be used to eliminate PFAS from groundwater, according to this news story. A process called ultrasonic degradation creates high temperatures that break PFAS bonds, but finding an economically feasible way to use this technology will be a challenge. 10/2/2023
EPA OKs Lake Erie Plan
October 6, 2023The U.S. EPA has approved a plan — developed by the Ohio EPA — to reduce the amount of phosphorus flowing into the Maumee River and eventually into Lake Erie, where the agricultural runoff is the main contributor to the creation of harmful algal blooms. Read this summary from Bricker Graydon, the OMA’s general counsel. 10/3/2023
Webinar: EPA’s Risk Management Program
October 6, 2023Modifications were recently made to the U.S. EPA’s Risk Management Program rule, impacting facilities that use hazardous substances. On Wednesday, Oct. 11, OMA Connections Partner BSI will present a one-hour webinar to unpack these new requirements. Register here. 10/5/2023
Manufacturers Receive Ohio EPA’s E3 Award
September 29, 2023The Ohio EPA has presented awards to several companies — including manufacturers and OMA members — and others for their sustainability efforts.
In multiple news releases, the agency announced the recipients of its Encouraging Environmental Excellence (E3) Award in Northeast Ohio, Southwest Ohio, Southeast Ohio, Northwest Ohio, and Central Ohio.
The Ohio EPA’s website has more information on the E3 Award program. This on-demand webinar and document provide details on how to apply for the award. 9/28/2023
SEC’s Climate Disclosure Rule Blasted on Capitol Hill
September 29, 2023Federal legislators this week demanded answers from the chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission regarding the SEC’s regulatory agenda, including a controversial climate disclosure rule, according to reports.
Manufacturing organizations across the U.S., including the OMA, have called for significant changes to the SEC’s climate disclosure rule, urging the SEC to rescind costly requirements — including the Scope 3 emissions disclosure mandate. 9/28/2023