Environment Management

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

Senate Passes Amended Solid Waste Bill

On June 21, the Ohio Senate passed Senate Bill 119, an update of state law on solid waste management districts after the bill was amended earlier this month following objections from the OMA and other business interests.

In late May, the OMA testified against SB 119 since the original version of the bill would have raised fees on both in-state and out-of-state waste by 60%. The bill’s sponsor, Sen. Bill Reineke (R-Tiffin), promptly amended the bill to remove any state fee increase. SB 119, as passed, would allow certain counties with solid waste facilities to withdraw from a joint solid waste management district via a county commissioners’ resolution.

The bill now goes to the House. 6/21/2023

DeWine Awards Water Infrastructure Grants

Gov. Mike DeWine has announced state grant awards of another $114 million to 58 counties to address critical water infrastructure. This map shows which counties have received water infrastructure grants. 6/19/2023

Manufacturers Push Back Against Regulatory Onslaught

The latest survey conducted by the National Association of Manufacturers finds manufacturers are increasingly concerned about federal regulations. In response, NAM has established the Manufacturers’ Coalition for Sensible Regulations to advocate for fair, sensible regulatory activity. Learn how to join the coalition. 6/19/2023

Opportunities to Comment on Ohio EPA Rulemaking

The Ohio EPA has announced the following stakeholder input opportunities to address proposed rulemakings:

• June 27: Comments due and virtual and live public hearing on air pollution provisions in the Ohio Administrative Code, rules 3745-21-09 and 3745-21-26;
• June 27: Comments due and virtual and live public hearing on particulate matter standards updates and five-year rule review; and
• June 29: Comments due and virtual and live public hearing on acid rain operating permits for electrical generating units.

Meanwhile, the agency reminds manufacturers about its compliance assistance resources, including the Ohio EPA Permit Wizard, an online application that helps businesses determine what regulatory requirements and permits may be required. 6/14/2023

Fee Hikes Removed From Waste Disposal Bill

Senate Bill 119 — the controversial waste disposal plan — has been amended following last week’s hearing in which the OMA opposed the measure.

As reported by Gongwer News Service, the substitute bill by Sen. Bill Reineke (R-Tiffin) attempts to address opposition to the previous version’s 60% fee increase for solid waste disposal. Reineke says the substitute bill contains no new or increased fees, and no new regulation. The OMA will continue to monitor SB 119. 6/7/2023