U.S. EPA News Release: EPA Proposes Changes to Enhance Confidence in RIN Trading in the RFS Program

CONTACT: Stacy Kika (NEWS MEDIA ONLY) kika.stacy@epa.gov 202-564-0906 202-564-4355 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 31, 2013 EPA Proposes Changes to Enhance Confidence in RIN Trading in the RFS Program WASHINGTON -To help make the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program more efficient and effective the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing a structured process for buyers of Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs) in order to verify their validity. Under the proposal, RINs would be verified through a new voluntary quality assurance program that also includes alternative compliance options which leverage existing industry practices and market forces. This proposal will be available for a 30-day public comment period. EPA will consider feedback from a range of stakeholders before the proposal is finalized. Quality Assurance Plans (QAPs) would provide a recognized means for independent third parties to audit the production of renewable fuel and verify that RINs have been validly generated. For RINs that have been verified according to an approved QAP, the program would provide protection against liability for civil violations resulting from the transfer or use of invalidly generated RINs under certain conditions. The rule would also specify both the conditions under which invalid RINs must be replaced with valid RINs, and by whom. The proposed rule allows verification of RINs to begin this year. The RFS program, which was established under the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and later modified through the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, requires that specified volumes of renewable fuel be used as transportation fuel, home heating oil, and/or jet fuel each year. Renewable fuel producers and importers generate RINs based on the volume of compliant renewable fuel that they make available. RINs can then be traded and used by petroleum refiners and importers (“obligated parties”) to show compliance with their volume obligations. Following a number of high profile RIN fraud cases, EPA expects its rulemaking to improve the overall liquidity in the RIN market and in particular make it easier for smaller renewable fuel producers to sell their RINs. EPA worked closely with stakeholders in developing the proposal. More information on the proposed rule and the RFS program: http://epa.gov/otaq/fuels/renewablefuels/regulations.htm R018 You are subscribed to News Releases: Headquarters for U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. You can view or update your subscriptions or e-mail address at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. All you will need is your e-mail address. If you have any questions or problems e-mail support@govdelivery.com for assistance.  This service is provided to you at no charge by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.    This email was sent to elmasry.webmaster@gmail.com using GovDelivery, on behalf of: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW · Washington DC 20460 · 202-564-4355

Around the Water Cooler: Steps to Protect Florida Waterways

You are subscribed to It All Starts With Science Blog for U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Around the Water Cooler: Steps to Protect Florida Waterways 01/31/2013 02:24 PM EST By Lahne Mattas-Curry It's cold and dreary around my area, but what better time to think about a warm beach vacation? Think about your favorite beach—warm clear water to swim in, pristine sand to lay on and great seafood to fill our bellies. But what if those didn't exist? Nutrient pollution—pollution caused by excess nitrogen, [...] You can view or update your subscriptions or e-mail address at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. All you will need is your e-mail address. If you have any questions or problems e-mail support@govdelivery.com for assistance.  This service is provided to you at no charge by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.    This email was sent to elmasry.webmaster@gmail.com using GovDelivery, on behalf of: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW · Washington DC 20460 · 202-564-4355

EPA News Release: EPA Proposes 2013 Renewable Fuel Standards

CONTACT: Julia P. Valentine (News media only) valentine.julia@epa.gov 202-564-0496 202-564-4355 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 31, 2013 EPA Proposes 2013 Renewable Fuel Standards WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing the 2013 percentage standards for four fuel categories that are part of the agency’s Renewable Fuel Standard program (RFS2). The proposal announced today will be open for a 45-day public comment period and EPA will consider feedback from a range of stakeholders before the proposal is finalized. EPA continues to support the use of renewable fuels within the transportation sector through the RFS2 program, which encourages innovation, strengthens American energy security, and decreases greenhouse gas pollution. The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA) established the RFS2 program and the annual renewable fuel volume targets, which steadily increase to an overall level of 36 billion gallons in 2022. To achieve these volumes, EPA calculates a percentage-based standard for the following year. Based on the standard, each refiner and importer determines the minimum volume of renewable fuel that it must ensure is used in its transportation fuel. The proposed 2013 overall volumes and standards are: Biomass-based diesel (1.28 billion gallons; 1.12 percent) Advanced biofuels (2.75 billion gallons; 1.60 percent) Cellulosic biofuels (14 million gallons; 0.008 percent) Total renewable fuels (16.55 billion gallons; 9.63 percent) Overall, EPA’s RFS2 program encourages greater use of renewable fuels, including advanced biofuels. For 2013, the program is proposing to implement EISA’s requirement to blend more than 1.35 billion gallons of renewable fuels over the amount mandated for 2012. More information on the standards and regulations: http://www.epa.gov/otaq/fuels/renewablefuels/regulations.htm More information on renewable fuels: http://www.epa.gov/otaq/fuels/renewablefuels/index.htm R017   You are subscribed to News Releases: Headquarters for U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. You can view or update your subscriptions or e-mail address at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. All you will need is your e-mail address. If you have any questions or problems e-mail support@govdelivery.com for assistance.  This service is provided to you at no charge by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.    This email was sent to elmasry.webmaster@gmail.com using GovDelivery, on behalf of: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW · Washington DC 20460 · 202-564-4355

News Release: U.S. EPA and State of Illinois announce settlement with H. Kramer; company will spend $3 million to reduce air pollution

MEDIA CONTACTS:  Phillippa Cannon (U.S. EPA), 312-353-6218, cannon.phillippa@epa.gov Scott Mulford (Office of the Illinois Attorney General), 217-524-4173, smulford@atg.state.il.us                                 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE       No. 13-OPA004 U.S. EPA and State of Illinois announce settlement with H. Kramer; company will spend $3 million to reduce air pollution Chicago (Jan. 31, 2013) -  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the State of Illinois have signed a consent decree with H. Kramer and Co., to resolve violations of the Clean Air Act and state air pollution violations at the firm’s copper smelting foundry in the Pilsen neighborhood on the southwest side of Chicago.  Under the terms of the settlement, H. Kramer will spend $3 million on new state-of-the-art pollution controls for the foundry, pay a $35,000 penalty and provide $40,000 to retrofit diesel school buses operating in the neighborhood and surrounding areas with controls to reduce air emissions. The settlement resolves the federal government’s allegations that H. Kramer failed to maintain and operate furnaces at the foundry in a manner which controls lead emissions and that the company violated the Illinois State Implementation Plan by causing or allowing releases of lead into the air. The settlement also resolves Illinois’ claims that H. Kramer’s activities at the foundry resulted in lead emissions that caused or contributed to air pollution and created danger to the public and the environment. The consent decree requires H. Kramer to install new filters and other controls on two furnaces to reduce emissions and to continue to limit production of two lead alloys until the new equipment is installed. “This settlement will protect Pilsen residents from lead emissions from the H. Kramer foundry and prevent future violations of the Clean Air Act,” said EPA Regional Administrator Susan Hedman.  “Exposure to lead can impair the ability of children to learn.” “This settlement will help to dramatically reduce harmful pollution levels in the Pilsen neighborhood and to improve overall air quality in the surrounding community,” Attorney General Lisa Madigan said. On Nov. 22, 2011, EPA announced that air quality in part of Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood exceeds the national air quality standard for lead. EPA’s determination was based on data collected from a state air quality monitor located on the roof of the Manuel Perez Jr. Elementary School. The H. Kramer facility is located in the area that violates the lead air quality standard -- which is bounded by Damen Avenue to the west, Roosevelt Road to the north, the Dan Ryan Expressway to the east and the Stevenson Expressway to the south.    The proposed settlement, lodged today in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, is subject to a 30-day comment period and final court approval. Documents related to this case are available on EPA’s website:  http://www.epa.gov/reg5oair/enforce/pilsen/. You can view or update your subscriptions or e-mail address at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. All you will need is your e-mail address. If you have any questions or problems e-mail support@govdelivery.com for assistance.  This service is provided to you at no charge by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.    This email was sent to elmasry.webmaster@gmail.com using GovDelivery, on behalf of: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW · Washington DC 20460 · 202-564-4355

News Release: (Date Correction for Today's Date) EPA Teams Up with the NFL and Local Communities to Protect Louisiana’s Wetlands

EPA Teams Up with the NFL and Local Communities to Protect Louisiana’s Wetlands   (DALLAS – January 31, 2013) – Every 60 minutes, the Louisiana coastline loses a football-field sized tract of land. As part of the upcoming Super Bowl XLVII in New Orleans, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will team up with the National Football League and the New Orleans Super Bowl XLVII Host Committee to bring national attention to this local issue and help revitalize wetlands in Louisiana.     As part of New Orleans Super Bowl XLVII Host Committee’s Super Saturday of Service, the NFL will help area youth hold the line on coastal land loss. In conjunction with World Wetlands Day, participants in the second annual Wetlands Youth Summit will help educate and raise awareness about wetlands issues. The Summit participants will plant 3,000 trees in the Bayou Sauvage Wildlife Refuge on Saturday, February 2. The NFL-sponsored project will help revitalize the area. The event is also sponsored by the South Louisiana Wetlands Discovery Center, Future Leaders of America’s Gulf (F.L.A.G.) and the Youth Advisory Committee of Terrebonne Parrish, Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority, Louisiana State University’s Coastal Sustainability Studio, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture - Natural Resources Conservation Service.     "As a daughter of New Orleans, I am thrilled to see the NFL and the New Orleans Super Bowl XLVII Host Committee joining the effort to improve coastal resilience," said EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson. "This is another great example of sports programs and organizations across the country taking action to bring about a more sustainable future. At EPA, we know that, as America's most beloved past times, sports events present huge opportunities to for us to reduce our environmental impact and spread the word about simple actions everyone can take to improve the areas where they live, work and play."     “Education is an essential tool in the campaign to protect our wetlands,” said EPA Regional Administrator Ron Curry. “I am excited about our new partnerships, and our hands-on project, today, to do our part in protecting the Louisiana coast.”     “Coastal erosion is one of the most serious challenges our communities face,” said Patty Riddlebarger, director of corporate social responsibility for Entergy Corporation and environmental committee chair for the New Orleans Super Bowl XLVII Host Committee. “This project represents an excellent opportunity to educate and engage young people in the effort to save our coast and save our communities.”     February 2, 1997, marked the first World Wetlands Day. Each year, governments and citizen groups work to raise awareness of the economic, recreational, and ecological benefits of wetlands, such as water quality protection, flood prevention, and fish and wildlife habitation. Louisiana’s coastal wetlands are especially vital for preventing storm surges and land erosion, and in the state’s commercial fish and shellfish harvest.   More about activities in EPA Region 6 is available at http://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/region6.html     More on the Green Sports Alliance: http://greensportsalliance.org/     # # #   For more information contact Austin Vela or Jennah Durant at 214-665-2200 or r6press@epa.gov You can view or update your subscriptions or e-mail address at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. All you will need is your e-mail address. If you have any questions or problems e-mail support@govdelivery.com for assistance.  This service is provided to you at no charge by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.    This email was sent to elmasry.webmaster@gmail.com using GovDelivery, on behalf of: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW · Washington DC 20460 · 202-564-4355

News Release: EPA Teams Up with the NFL and Local Communities to Protect Louisiana’s Wetlands

EPA Teams Up with the NFL and Local Communities to Protect Louisiana’s Wetlands     (DALLAS – January 31, 2012) – Every 60 minutes, the Louisiana coastline loses a football-field sized tract of land. As part of the upcoming Super Bowl XLVII in New Orleans, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will team up with the National Football League and the New Orleans Super Bowl XLVII Host Committee to bring national attention to this local issue and help revitalize wetlands in Louisiana.     As part of New Orleans Super Bowl XLVII Host Committee’s Super Saturday of Service, the NFL will help area youth hold the line on coastal land loss. In conjunction with World Wetlands Day, participants in the second annual Wetlands Youth Summit will help educate and raise awareness about wetlands issues. The Summit participants will plant 3,000 trees in the Bayou Sauvage Wildlife Refuge on Saturday, February 2. The NFL-sponsored project will help revitalize the area. The event is also sponsored by the South Louisiana Wetlands Discovery Center, Future Leaders of America’s Gulf (F.L.A.G.) and the Youth Advisory Committee of Terrebonne Parrish, Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority, Louisiana State University’s Coastal Sustainability Studio, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture - Natural Resources Conservation Service.     "As a daughter of New Orleans, I am thrilled to see the NFL and the New Orleans Super Bowl XLVII Host Committee joining the effort to improve coastal resilience," said EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson. "This is another great example of sports programs and organizations across the country taking action to bring about a more sustainable future. At EPA, we know that, as America's most beloved past times, sports events present huge opportunities to for us to reduce our environmental impact and spread the word about simple actions everyone can take to improve the areas where they live, work and play."     “Education is an essential tool in the campaign to protect our wetlands,” said EPA Regional Administrator Ron Curry. “I am excited about our new partnerships, and our hands-on project, today, to do our part in protecting the Louisiana coast.”     “Coastal erosion is one of the most serious challenges our communities face,” said Patty Riddlebarger, director of corporate social responsibility for Entergy Corporation and environmental committee chair for the New Orleans Super Bowl XLVII Host Committee. “This project represents an excellent opportunity to educate and engage young people in the effort to save our coast and save our communities.”     February 2, 1997, marked the first World Wetlands Day. Each year, governments and citizen groups work to raise awareness of the economic, recreational, and ecological benefits of wetlands, such as water quality protection, flood prevention, and fish and wildlife habitation. Louisiana’s coastal wetlands are especially vital for preventing storm surges and land erosion, and in the state’s commercial fish and shellfish harvest.   More about activities in EPA Region 6 is available at http://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/region6.html     More on the Green Sports Alliance: http://greensportsalliance.org/     # # #   For more information contact Austin Vela or Jennah Durant at 214-665-2200 or r6press@epa.gov. You can view or update your subscriptions or e-mail address at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. All you will need is your e-mail address. If you have any questions or problems e-mail support@govdelivery.com for assistance.  This service is provided to you at no charge by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.    This email was sent to elmasry.webmaster@gmail.com using GovDelivery, on behalf of: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW · Washington DC 20460 · 202-564-4355

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