News
CNBC – February 22
CNBC – February 22Tesla has reached a $275,000 settlement agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to resolve alleged Clean Air Act violations at the company’s vehicle assembly plant in Fremont. According to EPA Tesla violated the National Emission Standards for Hazardous air Pollutants for Surface Coating of Automobiles between October 2016 and September 2019. According to EPA’s announcement, Tesla also allegedly neglected to measure emissions from its coating operations and failed to collect and retain legally required records associated with its hazardous air pollutants emission rates.
The Hill – February 23
California was the first state in the country to adopt a comprehensive strategy to reduce microplastics. The policy was approved by California’s Ocean Protection Council, an advisory body of the California Natural Resources Agency. Statewide Microplastics StrategyIt identifies the state’s research priorities and preventative actions that it can take to reduce microplastics along its coast. The strategy includes tools to prevent pollution, such as the statewide requirement that condiments and utensils be single-use. The council will also establish scientific goals to guide future state actions. These include standardizing a statewide microplastics monitoring program and studying the effects of microplastics on human health and aquatic life.
Reuters – February 22
On Tuesday, President Joe Biden praised the progress made by government and private sector to increase American production of minerals that are used in electric vehicles. However, he also stressed that new mines must not harm the environment and benefit local communities. The White House announced it would establish a committee to address environmental concerns. The committee will recommend changes to the federal mining law 1872, which has governed most of hard rock mining in the United States since the 19th Century. Biden also announced several measures to support private investments, including a $35 million grant by the U.S. Department of Defense (MP Materials Inc.) to process rare earth minerals in a facility in California.
The San Diego Union-Tribune – February 23
Officials in California Governor Gavin Newsom’s administration said Wednesday they won’t make immediate changes to California’s cap-and-trade program despite concerns the program won’t be able to meet its goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The program requires carbon-emitting companies to purchase allowances equal to the amount they intend to emit. As companies emit less carbon, fewer allowances will be available over time. However, a Recent reportA panel that advises state lawmakers discovered that companies had saved up so much pollution credits for later use that it could be rendered ineffective. The report’s authors, environmental advocates, and some lawmakers have urged the California Air Resources Board to do a thorough analysis of the risks posed by the saved allowances.
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