On April 8, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael S. Regan signed a final rule regulating six per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). The final rule, which will become effective 60 days after publication in the Federal Register, sets individual maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for PFOA and PFOS at 4.0 nanograms per liter (ng/L), and for PFHxS, PFNA, and HFPO-DA at 10 ng/L. In addition to these individual MCLs, the rule establishes a hazard index (HI) of one (unitless) as the MCL for any mixture containing two or more of PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO-DA, and PFBS. Under the rule, regulated public water systems (PWS) must conduct and report their initial monitoring within three years after publication, and make any necessary capital improvements to comply with the MCLs within five years after publication.
GT Hosts Dwight D. Eisenhower School for National Security & Resource Strategy
On April 9, Kerri L. Barsh, co-chair of Greenberg Traurig’s Environmental Practice, hosted and presented to visitors from Washington, D.C.’s Dwight D. Eisenhower School for National Security & Resource Strategy – National Defense University at the firm’s Miami office. Kerri’s presentation focused on key issues and challenges with respect to the environment and climate change…
The Green Claims Directive: European Parliament approves at first reading
In March 2023, the European Commission proposed the Green Claims Directive (the “Directive“), which aims to tackle greenwashing (read our previous update on the Directive here). On 12 March 2024, the European Parliament voted in favour of the Directive at first reading. This move further complements the EU’s commitment to empowering consumers, ensuring fair competition and fostering a more environmentally responsible marketplace.
EPA Finalizes Landmark Rule Setting Stringent New Limits for Six PFAS in Drinking Water
On April 10, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a pre-publication copy of its final rule to establish limits on six per-and-polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). The rule will be effective 60 days after publication in the Federal Register.
WEBINAR – New Workplace Violence Prevention Program Requirements in California
Apr. 17, 2024 – As most California employers are now aware, a new workplace violence law (SB 553) requires essentially all CA employers to develop and implement written Workplace Violence Prevention Plans and training by July 1, 2024. The new requirements will be enforced by Cal/OSHA.
Cost – There is no cost…
Agricultural Law Weekly Review—April 15, 2024
Ag-Gag Statutes: Kentucky Legislature Passes ‘Agricultural Key Infrastructure Asset Trespass Law,’ Overrides Governor Veto
On April 12, 2024, the Kentucky legislature overrode the governor’s veto to pass into law Senate Bill 16, titled “An Act Relating to Agricultural Key Infrastructure Assets” (with votes totaling 32-6 in the House and 71-26 in the…
Shale Law Weekly Review—Week of April 15, 2024
National Energy Policy: USDA Funds Clean Energy Projects for PA Farmers and Rural Businesses
On March 28, 2024, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced it will be investing $5.69 million in 31 energy efficiency and renewable energy projects across 12 Pennsylvania counties. This investment is part of the March announcement of $120 million in…
The Evolution of Lightbulbs in the Wake of New Federal Energy Efficiency Standards
We should not lose sight of the fact that the purpose of a light bulb is to produce light from electricity…
Seas the Future: Singapore’s Visionary Leap into Oceanic Carbon Capture
Replace, Reduce and Remove.
The 3Rs that constitute the three-pronged approach espoused by PUB, the national water agency of Singapore, in its hefty goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2045. The strategy by PUB focuses on replacing fossil fuels with renewable solar energy, investing in research and development to reduce the energy required in…
EPA Finalizes PFAS Drinking Water Rule
by Patrick Paul
On April 10, 2024, President Biden’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recently finalized a significant rule addressing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water, marking the first time that legally enforceable drinking water standard to protect communities from exposure to PFAS have been issued. Concurrent with the final rule, EPA published…