Law Columbia

MAY 28, 2021

This week’s advancements offer two new models for local governments looking to require or promote building electrification: air pollution and land use regulation. First, by setting an air emissions standard, it limits preemption risk by the U.S. The New York City bill is tailored to avoid preemption in two main ways.

Air Pollution 56

Air Pollution Regulations Fossil Fuels Natural Gas 56

Union of Concerned Scientists

MAY 2, 2023

Robert Bullard, “environmental justice embraces the principle that all people and communities have a right to equal protection and equal enforcement of environmental laws and regulations.” A myriad of studies since have validated these findings across a number of exposures, such as soot air pollution (PM2.5

Air Pollution 360

Air Pollution Clean Air Act Clean Water Act Fossil Fuels 360

Union of Concerned Scientists

FEBRUARY 9, 2024

First, there’s air pollution. Gas plants and infrastructure emit nitrogen oxides (NOx) during combustion, which degrade local air quality. Exposure to NOx and other gas infrastructure air pollutants has been associated with respiratory illnesses and an increase in childhood asthma rates.

Clean Energy 359

Clean Energy Nitrogen Oxides Fossil Fuels Electricity 359

Legal Planet

MARCH 15, 2023

Several cities in California, including Los Angeles and in the Bay Area, have outlawed new gas hookups, but these are the first regulations that would effectively ban the sale of gas appliances. Furnaces and water heaters are even bigger polluters, with major contributions to outdoor air pollution in the Bay Area.

Nitrogen Oxides 270

Nitrogen Oxides Air Pollution Ozone 2029 270

Union of Concerned Scientists

JULY 22, 2022

Minnesotans are facing concurrent crises of climate change, high energy prices and inflation, and the inequitable public health impacts of fossil fuel air pollution. Getting energy from where it’s produced to where it’s needed. Unlocking the gridlock for Minnesota’s renewable energy future.

Renewable Energy 363

Renewable Energy Fossil Fuels Solar Power Electricity 363

Union of Concerned Scientists

SEPTEMBER 11, 2024

Switching from fossil fuels like gasoline to increasingly clean electricity sources is vital for hitting climate and air pollution goals. However the long term drop in per person gasoline use is likely due to fuel economy and greenhouse gas standards that have made gasoline vehicles more efficient over the prior decades.

Carbon Dioxide 200

Carbon Dioxide 2005 Electricity Nitrogen Oxides 200

Union of Concerned Scientists

AUGUST 17, 2023

We need more electricity to transition our homes and cars off fossil fuels, but we can’t afford to let that electricity come from more gas power plants. Because unlike moving sources of air pollution like cars, gas plants are completely stationary. Why is this inequitable and disproportionate siting a problem?

Fossil Fuels 246

Fossil Fuels Carbon Dioxide Nitrogen Oxides Electricity 246

PA Environment Daily

OCTOBER 12, 2024

While municipalities may have some flexibility in how they zone or regulate oil and gas operations – provided they do not exceed limitations in state or federal law – doing so in an unreasonable manner which prevents future natural gas development should render the municipality ineligible for state collected and distributed impact fees.

Natural Gas 105

Natural Gas Fossil Fuels Law 2019 105

Union of Concerned Scientists

APRIL 20, 2023

Through the Clean Air Act , and as affirmed—and reaffirmed—through multiple legal sagas, EPA is statutorily obligated to address carbon pollution from fossil fuel-fired power plants. Indeed, EPA still retains the ability to set strong standards that curtail carbon pollution at the scale, speed, and rigor required.

Clean Air Act 246

Clean Air Act Fossil Fuels Carbon Emissions Clean Energy 246

Union of Concerned Scientists

MAY 4, 2023

In the coming years, Californians will begin to see a massive switch away from highly polluting fossil-fueled trucks to zero-emission electric trucks. Additionally, the rule phases out the sale of fossil-fueled trucks in 2036. The rule will apply to commercial, federal, state, municipal, and drayage fleets.

Nitrogen Oxides 162

Nitrogen Oxides Fossil Fuels Air Pollution Ozone 162

Enviromental Defense

SEPTEMBER 20, 2023

Respected bodies like the International Energy Agency have been clear – there is no room for new fossil fuel infrastructure if we want to hold warming to 1.5 Along with their contribution to larger climate change impacts, gas plants also cause local air pollution – mainly nitrogen oxides and particulate matter.

Nitrogen Oxides 143

Nitrogen Oxides Fossil Fuels Air Pollution Electricity 143

Union of Concerned Scientists

APRIL 19, 2023

In late April, California air regulators are poised to pass one of the most meaningful regulations to reduce pollution from commercial trucks, vans, and buses. The Advanced Clean Fleets (ACF) rule, which I’ve blogged about in detail before, will phase out fossil-fueled trucks over the next several decades.

Electricity 279

Electricity Nitrogen Oxides Fossil Fuels Regulations 279

Union of Concerned Scientists

FEBRUARY 13, 2023

A growing body of scientific evidence supports regulating chemicals with similar structures, functions, and impacts as a chemical class rather than one pollutant at a time. This is particularly important for pesticides since active ingredients are regulated while so-called “inert ingredients” are normally not.

Air Pollution 351

Air Pollution Regulations Fossil Fuels Environmental Protection 351

PA Environment Daily

AUGUST 2, 2023

The closure in January 2016 of one of Pittsburgh’s biggest coal-processing plants led to immediate and lasting declines in emissions of fossil fuel–related air pollutants. The impact of the closure persisted through at least December 2018, the last month for which data were analyzed. Thurston, ScD.

Fossil Fuels 85

Fossil Fuels Air Pollution 2018 2016 85

Law Columbia

MARCH 14, 2024

In the first months of 2024, legislators in four states— Maryland , Massachusetts , New York , and Vermont —have pushed for legislation that would collectively require large fossil fuel producers and refiners to pay for hundreds of billions of dollars of state-level climate adaptation infrastructure.

Fossil Fuels 60

Fossil Fuels Climate Change Regulations Carbon Dioxide 60

Union of Concerned Scientists

DECEMBER 1, 2022

California’s leadership on reducing truck pollution has been on full display the past few years, passing critical regulations requiring 90 percent reduction in smog-forming nitrogen oxide (NO X ) emissions from diesel trucks and requiring manufacturers sell an increasing share of electric trucks to move away from fossil fuels altogether.

Nitrogen Oxides 246

Nitrogen Oxides Clean Air Act Ozone Fossil Fuels 246

Legal Planet

JUNE 30, 2022

CT , the Supreme Court said this: We hold that the Clean Air Act and the EPA actions it authorizes displace any federal common law right to seek abatement of carbon-dioxide emissions from fossil-fuel fired power plants. And, most relevant here, §7411(d) then requires regulation of existing sources within the same category.

Carbon Dioxide 130

Carbon Dioxide 2011 Air Pollution Clean Air Act 130

PA Environment Daily

OCTOBER 18, 2024

The jobs did not come, and while the price of gas didn’t go up, air and water pollution sure did. That means they are going to politicians with their hand out to receive more of your tax dollars with nothing to show for it except receipts from past failures like leaking pipelines, harmful air pollution, and dangerous explosions.

Natural Gas 106

Natural Gas Toxic Substances Control Act Fossil Fuels 2019 106

PA Environment Daily

OCTOBER 13, 2024

Million Settlement Of Air Pollution Violations For 2019 Philadelphia Refinery Explosion, Fire; Public Comments Invited [PaEN] -- Baker Hughes: PA Natural Gas Drilling Rigs Down 2 From Last Week; Down 38% Since Aug. 16 [PaEN] -- EPA Files $4.2 Million Settlement Over 2019 South Philly Refinery Explosion, Fire -- AP: EPA Reaches $4.2

Natural Gas 91

Natural Gas 2019 Fossil Fuels Air Pollution 91

MGKF Law

NOVEMBER 20, 2023

The holding halts former Governor Tom Wolf’s efforts to make Pennsylvania the first major fossil-fuel producing state to implement a price on carbon emissions. Read More » Tags: Air , Climate Change , Commonwealth Court , Pennsylvania , Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection , Taxes

Fossil Fuels 40

Fossil Fuels Pollution Control Air Pollution Carbon Emissions 40

PA Environment Daily

JUNE 7, 2024

. - EGTS-Oakford Compressor Station: DEP issued a renewal of a Title V Air Quality Permit covering multiple sources of air pollution at the facility located in Salem Twp., North Summit Compressor Station: DEP approved a request for a de minimis increase in air pollution emissions at the facility located in North Union Twp.,

Air Pollution 115

Air Pollution Waste Natural Gas Recycling 115

Union of Concerned Scientists

OCTOBER 16, 2024

We need to plan for energy infrastructure that supports our economy and reduces harmful air pollution. These firms recognized that they could not assume the risks of exacerbating climate damage from continued burning of fossil fuels. Some forecasting models must use observations of young people, no?

Electricity 289

Electricity Clean Energy Nuclear Power Renewable Energy 289

PA Environment Daily

MARCH 20, 2023

The community is locked into a lasting and significant source of plastics production and dirty air pollution that will degrade the Commonwealth’s air quality and our environmental legacy for decades to come. Our organizations have filed a notice of intent to sue Shell for the consistent violation of air pollution limits.

Air Pollution 94

Air Pollution Nitrogen Oxides Carbon Monoxide Fossil Fuels 94

Law Columbia

APRIL 18, 2023

Since 2019, more than seventy local and state jurisdictions have followed Berkeley’s lead in requiring or strongly incentivizing all-electric or fossil-fuel-free new buildings, with more considering similar approaches. can be fueled by natural gas), and must base these options on a defensible “one-for-one” basis.

Conservation 117

Conservation Natural Gas Fossil Fuels Government 117

Union of Concerned Scientists

SEPTEMBER 14, 2023

That’s a far cry from just six years ago, when EVs were considered a niche technology (and the fossil fuel baron Charles Koch and his minions wanted to keep it that way). Today, the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) projects that 50 percent of US passenger car sales could very well be electric by 2030.

Electricity 338

Electricity Air Pollution Clean Air Act 2030 338

Union of Concerned Scientists

DECEMBER 20, 2022

Power companies will therefore have to pay more for the fuel, but utilities are generally allowed by state regulators to pass those cost increases onto their customers in the form of higher electricity rates. These claims just add to the deluge of greenwashing and disinformation from the fossil fuel industry.

Fossil Fuels 340

Fossil Fuels Carbon Dioxide Electricity Natural Gas 340

Union of Concerned Scientists

SEPTEMBER 26, 2022

Coming off its recent decision requiring all new passenger cars and trucks be zero-emission by 2035, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) is developing a first-of-its-kind regulation to reduce emissions from heavy-duty vehicles like delivery vans, big rigs, box trucks, and buses. The rule would also reduce NOx and PM2.5

Climate Change 290

Climate Change Electricity Nitrogen Oxides Fossil Fuels 290

PA Environment Daily

JUNE 21, 2024

PA Bulletin, page 3573 ) Air Quality Permits -- EQT ARO, LLC - COP [state land] Tract 231 Compressor Station: DEP approved an Air Quality Plan Approval for multiple sources of air pollution at the facility located in Snow Shoe Twp., You’ll also get notice of new technical guidance documents and regulations.

Natural Gas 109

Natural Gas Air Pollution Fossil Fuels Waste 109

Union of Concerned Scientists

JUNE 3, 2024

Because of this, regulators worked closely with impacted businesses, community advocates, and technical and policy experts (like UCS!) Other Frequently Asked Questions… What are the climate benefits from the ACF Regulation? The ACF is estimated to significantly reduce pollution from the statewide commercial truck and bus fleet.

Electricity 130

Electricity Nitrogen Oxides Air Pollution Clean Air Act 130

Union of Concerned Scientists

DECEMBER 20, 2022

One particularly notable adjustment reflects a direct request from truck manufacturers, who ( as noted previously ) have been intensely engaged in a battle to weaken the rule as part of an ongoing war against pollution regulations that undermines the lip service the companies give on climate. Sadly, it didn’t. Image source: CARB ).

Clean Air Act 269

Clean Air Act Electricity Fossil Fuels Regulations 269

PA Environment Daily

NOVEMBER 22, 2022

On November 22, the Clean Air Council , PennFuture , and the Center for Biological Diversity announced they appealed an extension of Renovo Energy Center’s air pollution permit for a large gas-fired power plant — a significant source of new pollution within an environmental justice area.

Natural Gas 105

Natural Gas Fossil Fuels Air Pollution Renewable Energy 105

PA Environment Daily

JUNE 7, 2024

On the agenda for DEP’s Oil and Gas Technical Advisory Board June 13 meeting is a discussion of a variety of topics, including-- -- Potential For Wastewater Migration From Underground Injection Disposal Wells -- Financial Assurance Strategies To Address Future Well Abandonment -- Orphan & Abandoned Well Topics-- -- Implications Of Changing Definitions (..)

Waste 108

Waste Natural Gas Fossil Fuels 2024 108

PA Environment Daily

APRIL 5, 2024

PA Bulletin, page 1861 ) Air Quality Permits -- Montour LLC - Montour Power Plant: DEP invites comments on a Title V Air Quality Permit covering multiple air pollution sources at the coal/gas-fired power plant located in Derry Twp., You’ll also get notice of new technical guidance documents and regulations.

Air Pollution 109

Air Pollution Waste 2024 Fossil Fuels 109

PA Environment Daily

APRIL 17, 2023

THURSDAY 10:00: Independent Regulatory Review Commission meets to consider Final Emergency Regulation Setting VOC/Methane Limits On Conventional Oil and Gas Operations. Million Pounds Of Industrial Air Pollutants Discharged In Pittsburgh Area In 2021 Came From U.S. 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Click Here to watch online.

Natural Gas 89

Natural Gas Fossil Fuels Earth Day Air Pollution 89

Legal Planet

OCTOBER 10, 2022

The Governor approved a notable slate of climate legislation with a package that includes more stringent greenhouse gas (GHG) emission targets and measures designed to reduce the state’s reliance on fossil fuels. In signing these bills, the Governor touted the state as the most aggressive actor on climate in the nation. Clean Energy.

2021 130

2021 2022 Sea Level Clean Energy 130

PA Environment Daily

OCTOBER 27, 2023

. - Pennay G Shale Gas Well Pad: DEP issued an Air Quality Plan Approval covering multiple sources of air pollution, including compressors, pigging operations, at the well pad located in Brooklyn Twp., You’ll also get notice of new technical guidance documents and regulations. Susquehanna County. ( Westmoreland County. (

Natural Gas 100

Natural Gas Fossil Fuels Air Pollution 2012 100

Union of Concerned Scientists

SEPTEMBER 26, 2024

While some who drive past these refineries don’t have to live near them or work in them, those who do can be harmed by the well-documented effects of refinery pollution on human health. The fossil fuel industry has systematically contaminated our environment with a wide range of toxic chemicals for over a century.

Ground-Level Ozone 305

Ground-Level Ozone Fossil Fuels Ozone Air Pollution 305