"The Global Victory Over Ozone-Killing Chemicals Is Coming Undone"
"Mysterious emissions have been slowing the atmosphere’s healing. Scientists think they’ve finally discovered the source."
Source: Bloomberg, 03/19/2020
Air
Anything related to air quality, air pollution, or the atmosphere
Chem Plant Cites Study It Funded to Ask Regulators to OK Higher Emissions
"Denka Performance Elastomer, the owner of a LaPlace plant that is the only one in America to produce the presumed carcinogen chloroprene, is asking the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to increase the level of that compound deemed safe for public health."
Source: New Orleans Times-Picayune, 03/17/2020
"EPA Lays Out New Plan for Phasing Out Climate Pollutants"
"The EPA will issue a plan on Tuesday for the phase-out of ozone-depleting chemicals commonly used in refrigeration, portable fire extinguishers, and metal cleaners."
Source: Bloomberg Environment, 03/17/2020
SEJournal Relaunches WatchDog with a ‘Voice,’ Plus Coronavirus and More
SEJournal welcomes back from hiatus our WatchDog feature, now recast as an opinion column from Joseph A. Davis, Society of Environmental Journalists’ veteran freedom of information advocate and longtime SEJournal contributor. In part one of a two-parter, find out why we’re relaunching the new column, plus get Davis’ take on government openness (or lack thereof) around coronavirus, as well as more on SEJ’s deep commitment to open information and a rundown of its recent FOI activities. And watch for part two next week.
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Emerald Corridor Tries Flipping the Switch on C02
The latest entry in our ongoing “Covering Your Climate: The Emerald Corridor” special report looks at what the Pacific Northwest is doing to mitigate climate change, including reducing carbon emissions, limiting sprawl and congestion, pushing energy efficiency and pursuing carbon sequestration. Read the new tipsheet, plus check out our earlier report on climate impacts and our opening backgrounder.
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"Car Rules: EPA Report Fuels Debate Over Rollback"
"A new EPA report is fueling debate over whether auto manufacturers could meet the clean car standards established by former President Obama. Those rules are being rolled back by President Trump."
Source: ClimateWire, 03/04/2020
EPA Board: Trump Rollback of Obama Auto Rule Not As Good For Society
"The Trump administration's plans for addressing vehicle emissions may not be as good for society as an Obama administration rule, according to a review released Monday by the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) independent science board."
Source: The Hill, 03/03/2020
"New EPA Rule Change Saves Industry Money but Exacts a Climate Cost"
"This week, EPA Administrator Andrew R. Wheeler signed a new rule that relaxes the requirements that owners and operators of refrigeration equipment have leak detection and maintenance programs for hydrofluorocarbons, a set of refrigerants often referred to as 'climate super-pollutants.'"
Source: InsideClimate News, 03/02/2020
An A-to-Z Guide to Emerald Corridor Climate Impacts
In Part Two of our ongoing “Covering Your Climate: The Emerald Corridor” special report, we take a look at the impacts of climate change on the Pacific Northwest region — and how best to cover them. Our A-to-Z Guide explores 26 neglected angles and stories, plus resource links to get you started. And check out our inaugural backgrounder and watch in coming weeks for additional tipsheets and a toolbox.
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"Groups Challenge Louisiana Permits For Plastics Plant"
"Environmental and community groups that want to keep a Taiwanese company’s plastics complex out of south Louisiana went to court Friday to challenge state air quality permits."
Source: AP, 02/18/2020
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