By Christy Plunkett Foertsch
U.S. EPA Approves Control of VOC Emissions in Pennsylvania County
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved control of volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from mobile equipment for Allegheny County, Pa. This revision updates the Allegheny health department's regulations to make them consistent with the Commonwealth's approved regulations. The rule became effective in July. The regulation establishes emission limits, equations for calculating content, application techniques and housekeeping requirements for all automotive repair facilities.
U.S. Senate Subcommittee Holds Hearing on Antifreeze, Engine Coolant
The U.S. Senate Consumer Affairs, Product Safety and Insurance Subcommittee of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee held a hearing on pending legislation, S. 1110, the Engine Coolant and Bittering Agent Act of 2005. U.S. Sen. George Allen, R-Va., chairman of the subcommittee, has introduced S. 1110 that will amend the Federal Hazardous Substances Act to require engine coolant and antifreeze to contain a bittering agent to render the coolant or antifreeze unpalatable. Many children and animals become ill or die from ingesting antifreeze and engine coolants. Testifying before the subcommittee were the Hon. Kathy McCoy of the New Mexico legislature; Jacqueline Elder, assistant executive director for the Hazard Identification and Reduction of the Consumer Product Safety Commission; Jeffrey Bye, vice president of Prestone; and Sara Amundson of the Doris Day Animal League. All of the witnesses testifying said they were in support of S. 1110. The full committee is planning to consider the legislation soon.
U.S. Senate Committee Approves Vehicle
Emissions Reduction
U.S. Senate Bill 1265, authorizing grants and loans to retrofit diesel-fueled vehicles to reduce emissions, was approved by voice vote in the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. The legislation authorizes $1 billion over five years for diesel emissions-reduction grants and loans. The money will be distributed by the EPA and could be used for projects such as retrofitting buses and heavy trucks with new emissions-control equipment or cleaner engines. The legislation is designed to help communities attain air quality goals. The bill has been included as an amendment to H.R. 6, the Energy Bill.
States Consider NOx Rule to Make Up for Lack of Federal Rules
Some state and local air regulators are considering creating a model rule to require the reprogramming of truck engines, reducing nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. This follows the EPA and the Department of Justice's agreement not to increase the number of trucks required to be retrofitted as a result of a recent legal settlement. A consent decree sought to eliminate 4.5 million NOx tons, including an estimated 2.25 million through engine reprogramming and the remaining portion achieved through early compliance. Some diesel engines contain devices that shut off emissions controls after engines reach a certain speed. State and Territorial Air Pollution Program Administrators - Association of Local Air Pollution Control Officials (STAPPA/ALAPCO) will now consider developing a model rule similar to one adopted in California requiring reprogramming.