News and Articles


Canada Overhauling Project Review Scheme

There will be less red tape and less duplication for project proposers to navigate, according to the officials, who said the government will expand the types of impacts studied to understand how a proposed project could affect not just the environment, but also its long-term health, social, and economic impacts, as well as impacts on indigenous peoples.

Sunoco Pipeline Agrees to $12.6 Million Penalty, State's Hold on Permits Lifted

Construction of the Mariner East 2 pipeline can resume. "DEP will continue to monitor and enforce the conditions of the permits and will take necessary enforcement actions for any future violations," said McDonnell. "If a resident should witness pollution from the pipeline affecting streams or other waterways, then please alert DEP at 1-800-541-2050."

Four Effective Processes to Treat Wastewater

Four Effective Processes to Treat Wastewater

Wastewater has a lot of impact on the natural world and it is important to treat it effectively. By treating wastewater, you don't just save the creatures thriving on it, but also protect the planet as a whole.

Land Deal for Alaska Road Draws Environmental Criticism

The road, which proponents say is necessary to connect the remote community of King Cove to a large, all-weather airport for emergency medical evacuation in poor weather, has come under criticism from conservationists.

TCEQ Fines Total Petrochemicals & Refining USA, Inc.

The fine was included in $1,083,788 in fines against 46 regulated entities for violating state environmental regulations.

Michigan Congressman Introduces Great Lakes Oil Spill Prevention Act

Michigan Congressman Introduces Great Lakes Oil Spill Prevention Act

The Great Lakes Oil Spill Prevention Act was introduced earlier this month and would “impose additional requirements on portions of petroleum pipelines that cross waters of the Great Lakes,” among other goals, according to the bill’s text.

CA Lawmaker Introduces Bill to Reduce Plastic Straw Waste

Majority Leader Ian Calderon introduced last week Assembly Bill 1884, which would require servers at sit-down restaurants to ask customers if they want a straw before providing one. The bill would not apply to fast-food restaurants.

Tennessee Panel Developing Statewide Water Plan

Expected population growth, "along with recent concerns over the utilization of the Memphis Sands Aquifer, droughts that have impacted numerous Tennessee communities, failures of aging drinking water and wastewater infrastructure, and interstate battles over water rights, all stress the need to develop a statewide plan for addressing water availability," according to the governor's office.

Program Launched to Spur EV Use in California

EV adoption continues to grow in California, but lack of charging locations remains one of the biggest barriers. PG&E said its EV Charge Network will support the adoption of EVs by increasing access to charging in locations where it has traditionally been limited and where cars often sit for longer periods of time, like workplaces and apartment buildings.

Dow Signs MOU to Work on Environmental Protection in China

"We are pleased to be sharing our environmental technical expertise with the Chinese government to help accelerate positive change. We appreciate this opportunity to learn together how to best develop public policy blueprints that incorporate global private sector experience," said Neil Hawkins, corporate vice president, Environment, Health and Safety, and chief sustainability officer for Dow.

L.A. Breaks Ground on North Hollywood West Groundwater Treatment Project

The project is supported by $44.5 million in state funding and it a key part of Mayor Eric Garcetti's goal to source 50 percent of L.A.'s water locally by 2035. The North Hollywood West site is the first of four planned remediation projects in the valley and is expected to be completed by early 2020, according to the city.

BSEE Increases Maximum Civil Penalty Amounts for Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act Violations

The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement announced Wednesday that the maximum civil penalty rate for violations of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act will increase from $42,704 to $43,576 a day for each violation.

Canadian Coast Guard Seeks Proposals for Bulk Oil Removal from Wrecked Freighter

Scott Simms, Member of Parliament for Coast of Bays – Central – Notre Dame, announced Wednesday that in the coming months the Canadian Coast Guard will be seeking proposals from qualified marine salvage companies for bulk oil removal from the wreck of the Manolis L.

DEP Penalizes Energy Corporation of America for Drilling Violations

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has collected a $1.7 million civil penalty prescribed in a consent order and agreement with Energy Corporation of America (ECA) for violations at 17 well sites in Greene and Clearfield counties.

USDA to Invest Nearly $32 Million in Wildfire Mitigation and Water Quality Projects

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will invest nearly $32 million in 2018 to mitigate wildfire risk, improve water quality, and restore health forest ecosystems in 24 states and Puerto Rico.

EPA Awards $2.1 Million to Protect, Restore California Wetlands and Streams

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded more than $2.1 million in grants to protect and restore wetlands and streams across California.

LANL Cleanup Public Meeting Set for Jan. 16

NMED will host the meeting and the Environmental Management Los Alamos field office will present information concerning cleanup work completed in fiscal year 2017 and the coming year's cleanup milestones and target dates.

CPUC Votes to Close Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant

PHOTO: DOC SEARLS

Diablo Canyon to Close by 2025

In a unanimous vote Jan. 11, the California Public Utilities Commission approved Pacific Gas and Electric Company's request to retire the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant by 2025.

Ohio EPA Offers Alternative Fuel Vehicle Conversion Grants

A new grant from Ohio EPA will reimburse owners of large diesel or gasoline vehicles for a portion of the cost of the conversion or replacement of engines to use compressed natural gas, liquefied natural gas, or liquid petroleum gas such as propane or butane, including bi-fueled or dual-fueled vehicles that can run on both an alternative fuel and on gasoline or diesel fuel.

WHO, UNEP Collaborating on Environmental Health

It is the most significant formal agreement on joint action about environment and health issues in more than 15 years, according to the partner organizations.