Environment Management

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

Group Takes Aim at Biden Auto Emissions Targets

According to reports, the Alliance for Automotive Innovation — the top U.S. automotive trade group, representing the major auto manufacturers — is taking aim at the Biden administration’s new vehicle emissions targets.

A memo from the Alliance says the administration’s proposal is “neither reasonable nor achievable” and risks limiting consumer choice, disadvantaging the auto industry, and triggering “substantial” price hikes for all types of vehicles. Read more. 6/29/23

Real-Time Air Quality Readings for Ohio

For the second time in a matter of weeks, Ohio EPA this week issued a statewide air quality advisory as smoke from Canadian wildfires continues to adversely impact Ohio. Click here to see real-time air quality in your area. 6/29/2023

Webinar: PFAS Issues in Business Transactions

On July 25, OMA Connections Partner Calfee will host a complimentary webinar to spotlight emerging regulations addressing PFAS and PFAS-related litigation. Attendees will learn how both may impact business contracts and environmental assessments. Register here. 6/28/2023