Welcome to this week's update on the Environmental Protection Agency's latest news and developments. The most significant headline this week comes from the EPA's proposal to strengthen limits on emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) from new stationary combustion turbines. This move aims to better protect nearby communities from harmful air pollution.
EPA Assistant Administrator for Air and Radiation Joseph Goffman emphasized, "This proposal ensures that new turbines at power plants or industrial facilities will minimize emissions of harmful, smog-forming nitrogen oxides. These stronger standards are necessary to better protect nearby communities' health, and the power sector has already shown that the additional pollution controls can affordably and reliably do the job."
The proposed New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) are based on the application of combustion controls and selective catalytic reduction (SCR), a cost-reasonable and widely used add-on control technology that limits NOx emissions. The EPA estimates this proposed rule would reduce NOx emissions by 198 tons in 2027 and 2,659 tons in 2032, with a present value of net benefits to society estimated at up to $340 million.
In other news, the EPA has released a draft of the Interim Framework for Advancing Consideration of Cumulative Impacts, which provides tools and principles to consider cumulative impacts in agency work. This framework is part of the EPA's efforts to integrate cumulative impacts research and work across the agency, advancing the Biden-Harris Administration's commitment to environmental justice.
Theresa Segovia, Principal Deputy Assistant Administrator for EPA's Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights, noted, "Solving environmental inequities starts with acknowledging that not all communities face the same barriers and challenges. The Biden-Harris Administration and our office have made it a priority to ensure that the needs of the most overburdened and underserved communities in our nation are not overlooked."
Additionally, the EPA has issued a report titled Climate Change Considerations When Prioritizing, Developing and Implementing Total Maximum Daily Loads, which highlights the impact of climate change on water quality and the importance of considering these factors in TMDL development.
Looking ahead, the EPA is seeking public comment and Tribal input on the Interim Framework for Advancing Consideration of Cumulative Impacts until February 19, 2025. Citizens can engage by submitting comments through the Federal Register notice and the link available at Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OLEM-2024-0360 on Regulations.gov.
For more information on these developments and how to get involved, visit the EPA's website. Stay tuned for further updates on these critical environmental issues. Thank you for listening.