News and Analysis
Proposed U.S. EPA Smog Rule Could Cost $1.1B
March 18, 2022The U.S. EPA has proposed rules to cut emissions from power plants and industrial sources in an effort to reduce ground-level ozone (smog). But the cost of the new rules are estimated to be around $1.1 billion by 2026 — and that could harm U.S. manufacturing and the economy, the National Association of Manufacturers says.
The agency’s “Good Neighbor Plan” would expand ozone NOx controls to industrial sources (based predominately upon the EPA’s RACT program) in 23 states, including Ohio.
The EPA is proposing standards for new and existing emissions units connected to the transportation of natural gas; cement and cement product manufacturing; iron and steel mills and ferroalloy manufacturing; glass and glass product manufacturing; chemical manufacturing; petroleum and coal products manufacturing; and pulp, paper, and paperboard mills. 3/14/2022
OMA Environment Committee Holds Initial Meeting of 2022
March 11, 2022On March 8, members of the OMA Environment Committee gathered in Columbus and via Zoom for the committee’s first meeting of 2022. Representatives from OMA member Nutrien provided an update on the TMDL project in northwest Ohio, while staff from the Ohio Department of Development briefed members on Ohio’s $350 million grant program to address brownfield sites. The committee meets again June 8. 3/8/2022
50 Minerals Critical to CO2 Reduction (and U.S. Security)
March 11, 2022While the U.S. aims to cut its CO2 emissions in half by 2030, it may lack the critical minerals needed to achieve its goals. This infographic, based on federal data, shows the 50 rare earth elements and other minerals critical to U.S. security — including those necessary to manufacture solar panels, wind turbines, and electric vehicles. 3/10/2022
Ohio EPA to Provide Inspection Tips for Businesses
March 4, 2022Ohio EPA will host a no-cost webinar at 3 p.m. on March 8 to discuss the agency’s inspection process and provide practical tips on how your business can prepare — whether the inspection occurs virtually or in person. Register by clicking here. 3/2/2022
Help With Ohio Environmental Compliance
February 25, 2022From stormwater, to hazardous waste, to emissions, Ohio EPA will host its online environmental sessions throughout March 8. These special online presentations are part of this year’s educational sessions at the Ohio Safety Congress and Expo. Continuing education credits will be available for participants. 2/22/2022
Report: Climate Bill Gains Bipartisan Support
February 25, 2022On Capitol Hill, bipartisan support appears to be building for a measure that would impose tariffs on imports of “high polluting goods.” Politico reports that a Democratic bill to establish a border carbon adjustment on polluting imports has some GOP support since it would address China, whose lax environmental standards often mean lower production prices. 2/21/2022
P&G Honored by U.S. EPA for ‘Safer-Choice’ Products
February 25, 2022The U.S. EPA has recognized OMA member The Procter & Gamble Co. for its commitment to developing products that are safer for consumers and the environment. Ohio EPA reports that Cincinnati-based P&G was recently named an outstanding Safer Choice manufacturer.
The U.S. EPA has created this page to provide manufacturers with information on how to qualify for the Safer Choice label. 2/24/2022
Ohio House Hears Testimony on New PFAS Legislation
February 18, 2022On Feb. 15, members of the Ohio House Agriculture and Conservation Committee heard sponsor testimony on House Bill 365, which would require Ohio EPA to establish a statewide limit for certain water pollutants, including Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
As reported by Gongwer News Service, Republicans expressed reservations the bill could lead to future costs or be a deterrent to business. The DeWine administration recently tested all public water systems for PFAS and has tracked those results through an online dashboard.
The OMA will continue to monitor this legislation. 2/16/2022
DeWine Announces $3M in H2Ohio Grants
February 18, 2022Gov. Mike DeWine has announced that $3 million in grants are available for projects that will improve water quality in the Ohio River Basin through the creation or restoration of wetlands. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources is administering the grants as part of the H2Ohio initiative. 2/16/2022
EIA: Utilities’ CO2-Reduction Plans Will Have Little Impact
February 18, 2022Plans by U.S. power utilities to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions will likely have little impact on energy-related CO2 reductions, according to new analysis by the Energy Information Administration (EIA). The EIA projects that even with the carbon-reduction plans, CO2 emissions across the U.S. energy system would be just 3% lower by 2050 (compared to assumptions based on current laws and regulations). 2/16/2022