Environment Management

ODNR Announces Funding for 150 New H2Ohio Projects

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) is awarding more than $5 million to 150 new projects as part of Gov. Mike DeWine’s H2Ohio water quality initiative. Read the department’s press release. 5/12/2021

Report: Environmentalists Divided on How Far To Push Climate Change Agenda

According to a report by Politico, environmental groups “are torn on how far their climate plans should go, with some progressive groups dismissing Democrats’ clean energy proposals to woefully insufficient.” The story notes that a number of far left groups want a mandate that calls for 100% renewable energy by 2030. 5/13/2021

OMA Environment Committee Meets May 19

The next OMA Environment Committee meeting is Wednesday, May 19 from 10 a.m. to noon. The meeting will be virtual; you can register now. Agenda items include the latest legislative and regulatory developments that impact manufacturers. 5/4/2021

Report: China’s GHG Emissions Exceed Those of All Developed Countries Combined

A new report shows China’s greenhouse gas emissions in 2019 exceeded those of the U.S. and other developed nations — combined. According to research published by the Rhodium Group, China is now responsible for more than 27% of total global emissions, compared to 11% for the U.S., the world’s second highest emitter. 5/6/2021

May 20 Webinar: New PFAS Reporting Requirements

On May 20, the OMA will host a webinar to help companies better understand and prepare for the U.S. EPA’s new July 2021 reporting requirement on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Free for OMA members, this webinar will be presented by subject-matter experts from OMA Connections Partner Vorys. Learn more and register. 4/28/2021

An Update on Section 401 Permits

Section 401 of the federal Clean Water Act gives states an important role to play in ensuring water quality standards are not impaired by federally permitted projects. The OMA’s general counsel Bricker & Eckler has published this update on the Ohio EPA’s waiver of Section 401 water quality certification for 2021 nationwide permits (NPWs). The update provides a link to a full listing of the 16 NPWs issued in 2021 and the remaining 40 NWPs still in effect from their 2017 issuance. 4/29/2021

Biden Pledges to Cut Greenhouse Gas Emissions by up to 52% by 2030

President Joe Biden this week announced the U.S. will aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 52% below 2005 levels by 2030. The new target is roughly twice as ambitious as the Obama-era target. Predictably, some environmental groups say the U.S. target is not ambitious enough.

Axios reports that meeting the target will require “sweeping changes across the U.S. economy” with some experts saying that 75% of all emissions reductions may come from the electricity and transportation sectors. Ohio’s electric generating plants have already reduced CO2 emissions for all fuel types by 47% since 2005, according to available data. 4/22/2021

Taking Stock of Ohio Manufacturing’s Environmental Progress

Since Earth Day was this week, it seems like the right time to take stock of the environmental progress achieved by Ohio manufacturers. In its Manufacturing Counts publication, the OMA demonstrates how manufacturers in the Buckeye State have led the way in this important area. For example:

• Industry leads statewide reduction/recycling of Ohio-generated waste (page 22).
• Ohio manufacturers have invested billions of dollars in environmental control technologies and more efficient processes, which has significantly reduced emissions (page 23).
• Ohio manufacturers have contributed significantly to reducing toxic releases to the environment (page 24).

It should also be noted that over the past 40 years, Ohio’s industrial CO2 emissions have been reduced by more than 50%, according to the Energy Information Administration. All this time, Ohio has maintained its position as a manufacturing leader. 4/22/2021

Notice for Small Quantity Hazardous Waste Generators

If your business is a Small Quantity Generator (SQG) of hazardous waste, OMA Connections Partner Safex says you may be required to update your Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Subtitle C Site Identification information by Sept. 1. Get the details. 4/19/2021

Ohio EPA Stakeholder Opportunities Next Week

The Ohio EPA has several upcoming comment deadlines and engagement opportunities for stakeholders. They include:

• April 21 — Comments due for review, Draft Hazardous Waste Management Rules: Set Review 2020, Division of Environmental Response and Revitalization.
• April 22 — Comments due and virtual public hearing, Total Reduced Sulfur Rules, Division of Air Pollution Control.
• April 23 — Comments due and virtual public hearing, State Emergency Response Commission.

Contact the OMA’s Rob Brundrett with questions. 4/15/2021