Environment Management

OMA Holds First Environment Committee of 2024

This week, the OMA will held its first scheduled Environment Committee meeting of the year. OMA staff and counsel presented on the slew of US EPA regulatory rules rolling out.

The committee also heard presentations from Mary Mertz, Director, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Ivan Cooper from Civil Environmental Consultants (CEC),on US EPA’s PFAS drinking water standard, Dr. Kimberly Wise White, VP of Regulatory and Scientific Affairs at American Chemistry Council on federal regulatory overreach from the USEPA including PFAS and PM 2.5, and Tim Ling from Plaskolite, who presented on Environmental Health and Safety Standards. 4/24/2024

US EPA Finalizes PFAS Drinking Water Rule

Last week, the US EPA finalized their rule on PFAS limits for drinking water.

The EPA stated that it will focus enforcement on “parties who significantly contributed to the release of PFAS chemicals into the environment, including parties that manufactured PFAS or used PFAS in the manufacturing process…” while ignoring entities such as community and municipal water systems and publicly owned landfills, airports, and treatment works. 4/24/2024

OMA Joins Other Trade Associations Opposing US EPA’s Reinsertion of ‘Air Nuisance’ Rule

The OMA joined other trade associations this week opposing the US EPA’s proposal to reinstate the Air Nuisance rule into Ohio state regulations. The rule would allow activist citizens to target manufacturers with frivolous lawsuits.

The OMA backed the repeal of this rule, which was rescinded by the Trump administration in 2020. 4/24/2024

OMA to Host Environment Committee on April 24

On Wed. Apr. 24, the OMA will hold its first scheduled Environment Committee meeting of the year at Bricker Graydon LLP. Parking can be found at 116 E. State Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215.

Discussion highlights include:

• Presentation from ODNR Director, Mary Mertz
• US EPA’s regulatory rules
• SEC Climate Disclosure
• State air emissions rules and NOx non-attainment for Northeast Ohio
• State Implementation of US EPA’s Nuisance Rule

Please join us in person to enjoy a networking lunch provided by OMA. 4/15/2024

U.S., Ohio EPA to Host Webinar Series on Ohio’s Battery Industry

On Apr. 23rd and 24th, Ohio EPA’s Division of Materials and Waste Management and the U.S. EPA will be holding a two-day webinar series to learn about Ohio’s battery industry, from research and development to recycling.

To register for Day 1 and Day 2, click the respective links. 4/17/2024

OMA to Host Environment Committee on April 24

On Wed. Apr. 24, the OMA will hold its first scheduled Environment Committee meeting of the year.

Discussion highlights include:

• US EPA’s continued onslaught of new regulatory rules, including PM 2.5
• SEC Climate Disclosure
• State air emissions rules and NOx non-attainment for Northeast Ohio
• State Implementation of US EPA’s Nuisance Rule threatening manufacturers with frivolous lawsuits
• Bond Issue supporting long-term H2Ohio funding

Please join us in-person to enjoy a networking lunch provided by OMA. 4/10/2024

Biden Administration Rolls Out First-Ever Limits on PFAS in Drinking Water

The Biden administration this week finalized the first-ever national restrictions on “forever chemicals” also known as PFAS, in drinking water.

Water providers will now be required to test and remove PFAS produced by other industries. Providers will generally have three years to do testing. If those tests exceed the limits, they’ll have two more years to install treatment systems, according to EPA officials. 4/10/2024

U.S. EPA Rules Over 200 Chemical Plants Must Reduce Toxic Emissions

The U.S. EPA announced Tuesday that more than 200 chemical plants must begin reducing toxic emissions that have been linked to cancer.

According to EPA assessments, about 104,000 people in the United States live within about 6 miles of facilities that make synthetic organic chemicals and various polymers and resins, including neoprene. 4/08/2024

Ohio Senate Holds First Hearing on Bill to Regulate Carbon Capture

This week, the Ohio Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee held its first hearing on Senate Bill 200, which declares the General Assembly’s intent to regulate carbon capture and storage technologies and the geologic sequestration of carbon dioxide for long-term storage.

Sponsored by State Senators Tim Schaffer (R-Lancaster) and Al Landis (R-Dover), the bill signals that regulation of carbon capture technology is currently being drafted. The OMA will track the bill and provide detailed analysis when more information is available. 4/09/2024

Mandatory Climate Reporting: Everything You Need to Know

OMA Connections Partner RSM will host a webinar on May 1 covering how regulatory shifts, including the SEC’s climate-related disclosure mandate and global legislative actions, are reshaping mandatory corporate climate reporting, presenting significant implications for manufacturers.

Click here to register. 4/08/2024