Regulatory Activity

Proposed Rules for Vehicles to Control GHG

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Transportation have announced proposed rules to create a “comprehensive Phase 2 Heavy-Duty National Program” intended to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and fuel consumption for new on-road heavy-duty vehicles. The program focuses on phasing in new technology for model years 2018-2027. Comments are due September 11.

EPA’s SNAP Decision

In its Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) program, EPA has announced that it has expanded the list of acceptable substitutes for ozone-impacting substances for use in refrigeration and air conditioning and well as for “foam blowing; solvent cleaning; aerosols; and adhesives, coatings, and inks sectors.”

Clean Air Awards

EPA has announced its competition for the 2016 Clean Air Excellence Awards Program to recognize innovative efforts to achieve clean air. Both public and private entities are eligible to apply for the five general award categories: (1) Clean Air Technology; (2) Community Action; (3) Education/Outreach; (4) Regulatory/Policy Innovations; and (5) Transportation Efficiency Innovations. Applications are due September 11.

Legislative Activity

Carbon Costs

On Wednesday, July 22, the House Committee on Natural Resources will hold an oversight hearing titled, “An Analysis of the Obama Administration’s Social Cost of Carbon.”

Brownfields

On Wednesday, July 22, the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Subcommittee on Water Resources and the Environment, will hold a hearing to discuss “Helping Revitalize American Communities Through the Brownfields Program.”

National Parks

On Thursday, July 23, the House Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Federal Lands, will hold a hearing to explore “New and Innovative Ideas for the Next Century of Our National Parks.”