Taking The Hill
EPA Releases MSAT List
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released a first-ever proposed mobile source air toxics (MSAT) regulation, including a cap on benzene emissions and a list identifying 10 other MSATs. The EPA identified which compounds should be considered MSATs because the Clean Air Act does not include an official list of MSATs. According to the EPA, the rule will be finalized by Dec. 20. The agency will conduct further research on MSATs and officially revisit the issue in a 2003 rulemaking.Commerce Committee Hearing on Climate Change
The U.S. Senate Commerce Committee held the second in a series of hearings on climate change. During the hearing, several scientists contested the accuracy of a draft federal report on climate change. The report, completed by the White House's National Assessment Synthesis Team, claims that projected increases in emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases will have far-reaching environmental impacts including air pollution in urban areas and more short-term, high-intensity precipitation.One critic of the report, S. Fred Singer, a University of Virginia astrophysics professor, claimed there is “no appreciable climate warming today.” And, in fact, the Earth has experienced a slight cooling during the past 60 years if 1998, an exceptionally warm year because of shifts in ocean patterns and temperatures, is removed from the records. Data from weather satellites, weather balloons and temperature records support his conclusion, Singer said. Industry-backed groups are considering suing the Clinton administration over the report, in part because of concerns that it was developed without adequate public participation.
Biodiesel Passes Clean Air Act Health Tests
The National Biodiesel Board announced that biodiesel emits 90 percent less toxins than conventional fuels, thus passing the Clean Air Act health effects test requirements. Biodiesel is an alternative fuel made from renewable energy sources such as soybeans. The findings are significant because no other alternative fuel has been subjected to the tests, which puts the product in a position of increased demand.The Brownfields Quagmire Continues
A bipartisan brownfields bill pending in the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee is unlikely to pass this year due to Sen. Mike Crapo's, R-Idaho, concerns with the legislation, according to Bob Smith, R-N.H., committee chairman. Crapo struck a deal with Majority Leader Trent Lott, R-Miss., to block any legislation that would fall short of comprehensive reform of the Superfund law. Recently Vice President Gore endorsed the bill.The bill would ease Superfund liability concerns at inner-city brownfields sites to help encourage parties to clean up the abandoned or underutilized areas without worrying about the threat of a future federal enforcement action under the law. The bill would also set minimum standards for state cleanup programs in exchange for the power to extend those liability guarantees to private parties, and authorize brownfields grant money.
Smith's bill enjoys bipartisan support on his committee and is considered the most viable piece of Superfund legislation in years on this issue.
AutoInc. Magazine ® Vol.XLVIII, September 2000
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