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Today we are looking at a test that the EPA has done regarding PFAS testing, high temperatures and political ramifications of projected gasoline prices.
Rachel Frazin and Zack Budryk were the Hill’s editors. Send us your tips: [email protected]And [email protected]. Follow us on twitter: @RachelFrazinAnd @BudrykZack.
Lets jump in.
Advocates dissatisfied with PFAS testing
It also stated that these chemicals are similar in nature to 14 others from the petition. It also stated it would test for four other chemicals that are not part the groups request, but are very similar to nine of those chemicals.
The EPA argued it was covering 30 of 54 chemicals from the petition.
The big picture This is the first concrete indication of the Biden administration’s approach to PFAS chemicals, which it had announced in October.
Some types of PFAS (perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances) have been linked with health issues such as testicular and kidney cancer.
Initial denial by the Trump administration was made.
The complaint: Bob Sussman, a lawyer representing environmental groups, stated that the requirements are too restrictive and only seven chemicals will be studied.
The EPA has said they will grant the petition. Sussman, who was a high ranking EPA official during both the Obama and Clinton administrations, stated that if they denied the petition, we would receive the same thing 90-plus% of what we requested were not getting.
The petition will cover animal studies, but Sussman said that he would prefer to see epidemiological studies of people who live in Eastern North Carolina.
However, the EPA calls it a significant step. This petition will help EPA gain a better understanding about the risks of PFAS pollution and allow it to do more to protect people. This data will also help identify the sources of pollution, so we can hold those responsible for endangering people to account, stated an EPA administrator. Michael Regan
Michael ReganFour environmental fights you should watch in 2022 Biden increases vehicle mileage standards, reverses Trump rollback EPA directs billions of infrastructure money to Superfund sites. EPA is committed to addressing the long-standing pollution problem and today we take another crucial step to protect the water and air we all depend upon.
Learn more about the actions of the agency here.
Alaskan city sees record-high temperatures
Recent high temperatures in Kodiak (Alaska) have reached record levels, raising concerns about climate change.
Temperatures reached as high as 67° Fahrenheit this weekend These were recorded, and on MondayAnd TuesdayThe city also holds daily temperature records.
It can be difficult to link one weather event with climate change. However, heatwaves are generally linked to increased global warming.
Activists were concerned about the Alaskan temperatures.
Alaska has broken its December temperature record by 11 degrees. It would also have set a record for November, January and February, as well as March. TweetBill McKibben, an environmentalist. It is dangerous, insane, and irresponsible.
DEMS’ POTENTIAL GAS PRICE PROBLEM
Yesterday we examined projections that suggested that gasoline prices could rise. Today we are examining what this could mean in the midterms.
Democrats, already likely to lose seats in the midterm election, could be further hampered by higher gas prices in 2022.
A new ForecastGasBuddy released Wednesday’s fuel price app GasBuddy stating that fuel prices could increase to anywhere from $3.43 to $4.13 per gallon for June.
Democrats would not like prices at the higher end, especially in a midterm election year. The party currently has slim majorities in both the House and Senate.
This is a 70c range, which I think makes an important difference, said Brad Bannon, Democratic strategist. He was referring to the June forecast’s range in prices. Democrats will have a problem if it’s on the high end. If it’s on the low side, that’s a problem.
However, prices are expected lower later in the year. The GasBuddy analysis puts them at around $3.16 per g in October.
Bannon, who contributed opinion articles to The Hill’s website, called the expected drop in June and November positive news for Democrats.
He said that Americans have a short memory. Everything is relative. It doesn’t matter how high gas prices were in June. If they dropped to $4 in June and fall to $3.50 or less in the fall, that would be a huge help for Democrats.
On the other side, Ahmad Ali, the press secretary for Data for Progress, a progressive pollster, expressed concern that even if prices fall later, Democrats will still have to deal with people being energized and riled by them increasing in the first instance.
He stated that the party should not ignore economic issues and instead focus on them.
He said that as long as it becomes clear that the Democrats and the presidency are all about making people’s pockets more comfortable, they will be able to keep their support.
The GOP? Republicans are expected to continue their attack on Biden and Democrats if prices go up, as they have been doing.
A spokesperson for the National Republican Campaign Committee said that Democrats should be held responsible for how price news affects its 2022 strategy.
After months of claiming that inflation was temporary, Democrats have lost all credibility on the issue. This is according to Mike Berg, a spokesman from the Republicans house campaign organization. Berg wrote an email.
WHAT WE’RE READING
- Chile Revises its Constitution to Face Climate Change Head-On The New York Times reports
- Hidden drains, secret pumps: How a Seattle firm evaded EPA to dump toxic water in Puget Sound for years MarketWatch reports
- Fed survey: Oil companies predict rising output, but warn about higher costs. Reuters reports
Finally, something a little offbeat and unorthodox: We don’t blame them for wanting to take a break.
This is it for today. Thanks for reading. Check out The Hills Energy & Environment PageFor the most recent news and coverage. We look forward to seeing you on Thursday.
