Industry Trends


Groups Urge EPA to Close Pollution Reporting Loophole in Oil and Gas Industry

In an EIP report, it was found that 395 facilities in six states emit over 10,000 pounds of toxic chemicals each year, but don’t report to the Toxics Release Inventory because of a government loophole.

Former BP Engineer Convicted in Deepwater Horizon Case

The Department of Justice announced that a federal court jury convicted Kurt Mix, a former engineer for BP plc, on one count of obstruction of justice for intentionally destroying evidence requested by federal authorities investigating the accident.

U.S. drinking water system operators have been preparing for the federal lead-free law to take effect in January 2014. Four states already have laws in place that comply with or exceed its requirements.

Drinking Water Providers Getting the Lead Out

The Reduction Act calls for reducing lead in new products, new installations, and repairs of systems that deliver drinking water. It takes effect in January 2014.

Engineers can use the facility to simulate 20 years

World-Class Wind Energy Testing Facility Opens in South Carolina

Officials from Clemson University, Duke Energy, SCE&G, and the U.S. Department of Energy participated in the dedication of the SCE&G Energy Innovation Center on Nov. 21.

Communities Across Six States Receive EPA Funding for Water Pollution and More

Various communities in Arizona, Indiana, Michigan, Nebraska, Rhode Island, and South Carolina received $400,000 in grants to help combat water pollution and climate change.

Supreme Court to Rule on EPA

EPA v US Power Trade

Environment News Service reported yesterday the U.S. Supreme Court will review an appeals court ruling that unanimously upheld the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) right to regulate greenhouse gases emitted from power plants and factories. The legal action was brought by the Utility Air Regulatory Group, a power company trade association, and the attorney generals of 13 states.

Australian Company Bent on Solving Coal Plants' C02 Emissions Woes

Chemical company Orica, along with the Australian and the New South Wales Governments, will fund the construction of a CO2 mineral carbonation research pilot plant at the University of Newcastle, Australia.

Tianjin, China, Hosting IDA's World Congress 2013

The International Desalination Association's Oct. 20-25 meeting at the new Meijiang Convention and Exhibition Center will focus on desalination technology, environmental sustainability, plant operations and management, and governance and finance.



Well's Gas Flow Has Stopped: BSEE

All 44 workers were safely evacuated from Well A-3 after they lost control of it Tuesday morning, and it began leaking natural gas. The gas ignited at 10:50 p.m.

Gulf Gas Well Ignited Tuesday Evening, BSEE Confirms

All 44 workers were safely evacuated from Well A-3 after they lost control of it Tuesday morning, and it began leaking natural gas. The gas ignited at 10:50 p.m.

A kayaker negotiates the Cache la Poudre River near Fort Collins, Colo. (Matt Inden/Miles photo downloaded from the Colorado Tourism Office website)

Recreational In-Channel Diversions In Colorado

An RICD helps to protect the investment Colorado communities make in whitewater parks and the economic benefits associated with those parks.

Groups Urge Companies to Reject Canadian Tar Sands

In a letter from Sierra Club and ForestEthics, nearly 60 organizations are asking U.S. corporations to stop using tar sands.

More than $14 Million Awarded in Clean Vessel Act Grants

To help support clean waters and recreational boating, over $14 million in funding has been provided to several U.S. states under the Clean Vessel Act (CVA) grant program.

BSEE Plans Ocean Energy Safety Institute

Director Jim Watson also announced safety stand-downs will take place in each agency region this month, as part of National Safety Month.

Two Rules Proposed for Improved Formaldehyde Exposure Protection

The EPA proposed two rules last week, which will help to better protect Americans from formaldehyde exposure. The harmful chemical can cause adverse health effects such as respiratory symptom and cancer.

Chemicals in Consumer Products Discussed on Capitol Hill

The American Chemistry Council (ACC) held a forum yesterday with Congressman Tim Murphy, chemical industry leaders, and stakeholders to discuss the ACC’s new Responsible Care Product Safety Code.

WIFIA Approved by Senate, Awaiting House of Representatives

The U.S. Senate has passed the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Authority (WIFIA), which will help with the country’s water infrastructure shortcomings. The legislature is now awaiting approval from the House of Representatives, but is already gaining bipartisan support.

EPA Nominee’s Hearing Gets Boycotted Today

In an interesting turn of events, EPA nominee Gina McCarthy’s hearing that was scheduled for today has been boycotted by the Republican committee.

EPA Nominee Gets Senate Hearing Tomorrow

Gina McCarthy is praised by Environment and Public Works Chairman Barbara Boxer, but Ranking Member David Vitter criticizes her answers to questions he submitted.

EPA Challenged on Use of Discredited Consultants' Research

ARPN calls on policymakers to investigate EPA's longstanding relationship with a consulting firm that admitted to falsifying environmental assessments.

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