Regulatory Activity

Greenhouse Gases from Aircraft

The Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) has announced its Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking upon the release of its “Proposed Finding That Greenhouse Gas Emissions From Aircraft Cause or Contribute to Air Pollution That May Reasonably Be Anticipated To Endanger Public Health and Welfare.” EPA will hold a public hearing on August 11 and comments are due on August 31.

Safe Drinking Water

EPA is requesting nominations for its National Drinking Water Advisory Council. There are currently four openings on the 15-member Council, which is charged with providing advice to EPA on policies and regulations required by the Safe Drinking Water Act. Two vacancies are required to be filled by individuals from state/local agencies that address water hygiene and public water supply and two vacancies are reserved for the general public. Positions will be filled for a three-year duration from December 2015 – 2018. Nominations are due July 31.

Water Quality

EPA has released its final recommended ambient water quality criteria for 94 chemical pollutants. These health recommendations update 304(a) of the Clean Water Act and supersede EPA’s previous recommendations.

Legislative Activity

Federal Lands

On Thursday, July 9, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee will hold an oversight hearing to consider revenue-generating pilot projects on federal lands.

EPA

On Thursday, July 9, the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology will hold a full committee hearing titled “Examining EPA’s Regulatory Overreach.” EPA Administrator, Gina MacCarthy, will testify.

Helium

On Wednesday, July 8, the House Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources, will hold a hearing concerning the “The Helium Stewardship Act and the Path Forward.”