Latest news with #pollution
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Trump offers regulatory relief for coal, iron ore and chemical industries
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is granting two years of regulatory relief to coal-fired power plants, chemical manufacturers and other polluting industries as he seeks to reverse Biden-era regulations he considers overly burdensome. Trump issued a series of proclamations late Thursday exempting a range of industries that he calls vital to national security. The proclamations cover coal-fired power plants, taconite iron ore processing facilities used to make steel, and chemical manufacturers that help produce semiconductors and medical device sterilizers. The proclamations allow the facilities to comply with Environmental Protection Agency standards that were in place before rules imposed in recent years by President Joe Biden's administration, the White House said. Trump called the Biden-era rules expensive and, in some cases, unattainable. His actions will ensure that 'critical industries can continue to operate uninterrupted to support national security without incurring substantial costs,'' the White House said in a fact sheet. Trump's EPA had earlier exempted dozens of coal-fired plants from air-pollution rules for the same reasons. The EPA also offered other industrial polluters a chance for exemptions from requirements to reduce emissions of toxic chemicals such as mercury, arsenic and benzene. An electronic mailbox set up by the EPA allowed regulated companies to request a presidential exemption under the Clean Air Act to a host of Biden-era rules. Environmental groups denounced the offer to grant exemptions, calling the new email address a 'polluters' portal' that could allow hundreds of companies to evade laws meant to protect the environment and public health. Mercury exposure can cause brain damage, especially in children. Fetuses are vulnerable to birth defects via exposure in a mother's womb. Within weeks of the EPA's offer, industry groups representing hundreds of chemical and petrochemical manufacturers began seeking the blanket exemptions from federal pollution requirements. The Clean Air Act enables the president to temporarily exempt industrial sites from new rules if the technology required to meet them is not widely available and if the continued activity is in the interest of national security. In April, the EPA granted nearly 70 coal-fired power plants a two-year exemption from federal requirements to reduce emissions of toxic chemicals. A list posted on the agency's website lists 47 power providers — which operate at least 66 coal-fired plants — that are receiving exemptions from the Biden-era rules. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced plans in March to roll back dozens of key environmental rules on everything from clean air to clean water and climate change. Zeldin called the planned rollbacks the 'most consequential day of deregulation in American history." An Associated Press examination of the proposed rollbacks concluded that rules targeted by the EPA could prevent an estimated 30,000 deaths and save $275 billion each year they are in effect. The AP review included the agency's own prior assessments as well as a wide range of other research. Matthew Daly, The Associated Press Sign in to access your portfolio
Al Arabiya
2 hours ago
- Automotive
- Al Arabiya
Trump offers regulatory relief for coal, iron ore and chemical industries
President Donald Trump is granting two years of regulatory relief to coal-fired power plants, chemical manufacturers, and other polluting industries as he seeks to reverse Biden-era regulations he considers overly burdensome. Trump issued a series of proclamations late Thursday exempting a range of industries that he calls vital to national security. The proclamations cover coal-fired power plants, taconite iron ore processing facilities used to make steel, and chemical manufacturers that help produce semiconductors and medical device sterilizers. The proclamations allow the facilities to comply with Environmental Protection Agency standards that were in place before rules imposed in recent years by President Joe Biden's administration, the White House said. Trump called the Biden-era rules expensive and, in some cases, unattainable. His actions will ensure that critical industries can continue to operate uninterrupted to support national security without incurring substantial costs, the White House said in a fact sheet. Trump's EPA had earlier exempted dozens of coal-fired plants from air-pollution rules for the same reasons. The EPA also offered other industrial polluters a chance for exemptions from requirements to reduce emissions of toxic chemicals such as mercury, arsenic, and benzene. An electronic mailbox set up by the EPA allowed regulated companies to request a presidential exemption under the Clean Air Act to a host of Biden-era rules. Environmental groups denounced the offer to grant exemptions, calling the new email address a 'polluters portal' that could allow hundreds of companies to evade laws meant to protect the environment and public health. Mercury exposure can cause brain damage, especially in children. Fetuses are vulnerable to birth defects via exposure in a mother's womb. Within weeks of the EPA's offer, industry groups representing hundreds of chemical and petrochemical manufacturers began seeking the blanket exemptions from federal pollution requirements. The Clean Air Act enables the president to temporarily exempt industrial sites from new rules if the technology required to meet them is not widely available and if the continued activity is in the interest of national security. In April, the EPA granted nearly 70 coal-fired power plants a two-year exemption from federal requirements to reduce emissions of toxic chemicals. A list posted on the agency's website lists 47 power providers–which operate at least 66 coal-fired plants–that are receiving exemptions from the Biden-era rules. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced plans in March to roll back dozens of key environmental rules on everything from clean air to clean water and climate change. Zeldin called the planned rollbacks the most consequential day of deregulation in American history. An Associated Press examination of the proposed rollbacks concluded that rules targeted by the EPA could prevent an estimated 30000 deaths and save 275 billion each year they are in effect. The AP review included the agency's own prior assessments as well as a wide range of other research.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
PepsiCo hit with backlash after disturbing discovery in Himalayan mountains — here's what's happening
PepsiCo hit with backlash after disturbing discovery in Himalayan mountains — here's what's happening Scientists and environmentalists around the world continue to raise alarms about the proliferation of plastic waste. Plastic litter can be found everywhere, damaging ecosystems on land and in seas. What's happening? A new report suggests that for the third year in a row, PepsiCo is responsible for the vast majority of plastic waste found in the Indian Himalayas. In 2024, volunteers collected over 121,000 plastic materials in the region. Frustratingly, much of it ends up in landfills rather than being recycled. Travelers have posted pictures of beautiful landscapes and breathtaking mountains spoiled by a buildup of plastic litter. And plastic packaging, particularly bottles, is a huge source of litter. This is a tremendous problem, as it is estimated that one plastic bottle takes 450 years to break down. Why is plastic litter so important? This abundance of plastic litter is concerning for several reasons. First and foremost, it can be damaging to people's health. Alarmingly, microplastics have been reported in the majority of people's bloodstreams, which could result in detrimental health effects that scientists are only beginning to understand. A recent study found that microplastics vastly affected the brains of mice that were exposed. It also contributes to the warming climate. The creation of plastic bottles is a significant source of toxic pollution in our atmosphere. What's being done about plastic litter? There are many steps to take to combat these complex, concerning issues. On a personal level, individuals can work to take local action in their communities. We can all try to use less plastic when possible. And when we do use plastic, we can be sure to recycle it so it doesn't end up in landfills or even worse, in our oceans. But PepsiCo, and companies like it, also have a massive role in correcting the problems. To its credit, PepsiCo has taken some initiatives to try to limit the amount of plastic waste caused by the company — including using 40% or more recycled content in its plastic packaging by 2035. Note that's a recent walkback from the previous goal of 50% by 2030. The giant company has also pledged millions to sustainable agriculture initiatives. This is part of its broader strategy to achieve net-zero pollution by the year 2050. Do you think we use too much plastic in America? Definitely Only some people Not really I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Solve the daily Crossword
The Independent
2 hours ago
- Automotive
- The Independent
Trump offers regulatory relief for coal, iron ore and chemical industries
President Donald Trump is granting two years of regulatory relief to coal-fired power plants, chemical manufacturers and other polluting industries as he seeks to reverse Biden-era regulations he considers overly burdensome. Trump issued a series of proclamations late Thursday exempting a range of industries that he calls vital to national security. The proclamations cover coal-fired power plants, taconite iron ore processing facilities used to make steel, and chemical manufacturers that help produce semiconductors and medical device sterilizers. The proclamations allow the facilities to comply with Environmental Protection Agency standards that were in place before rules imposed in recent years by President Joe Biden 's administration, the White House said. Trump called the Biden-era rules expensive and, in some cases, unattainable. His actions will ensure that 'critical industries can continue to operate uninterrupted to support national security without incurring substantial costs,'' the White House said in a fact sheet. Trump's EPA had earlier exempted dozens of coal-fired plants from air-pollution rules for the same reasons. The EPA also offered other industrial polluters a chance for exemptions from requirements to reduce emissions of toxic chemicals such as mercury, arsenic and benzene. An electronic mailbox set up by the EPA allowed regulated companies to request a presidential exemption under the Clean Air Act to a host of Biden-era rules. Environmental groups denounced the offer to grant exemptions, calling the new email address a 'polluters' portal' that could allow hundreds of companies to evade laws meant to protect the environment and public health. Mercury exposure can cause brain damage, especially in children. Fetuses are vulnerable to birth defects via exposure in a mother's womb. Within weeks of the EPA's offer, industry groups representing hundreds of chemical and petrochemical manufacturers began seeking the blanket exemptions from federal pollution requirements. The Clean Air Act enables the president to temporarily exempt industrial sites from new rules if the technology required to meet them is not widely available and if the continued activity is in the interest of national security. In April, the EPA granted nearly 70 coal-fired power plants a two-year exemption from federal requirements to reduce emissions of toxic chemicals. A list posted on the agency's website lists 47 power providers — which operate at least 66 coal-fired plants — that are receiving exemptions from the Biden-era rules. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced plans in March to roll back dozens of key environmental rules on everything from clean air to clean water and climate change. Zeldin called the planned rollbacks the 'most consequential day of deregulation in American history." An Associated Press examination of the proposed rollbacks concluded that rules targeted by the EPA could prevent an estimated 30,000 deaths and save $275 billion each year they are in effect. The AP review included the agency's own prior assessments as well as a wide range of other research.
Associated Press
2 hours ago
- Automotive
- Associated Press
Trump offers regulatory relief for coal, iron ore and chemical industries
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is granting two years of regulatory relief to coal-fired power plants, chemical manufacturers and other polluting industries as he seeks to reverse Biden-era regulations he considers overly burdensome. Trump issued a series of proclamations late Thursday exempting a range of industries that he calls vital to national security. The proclamations cover coal-fired power plants, taconite iron ore processing facilities used to make steel, and chemical manufacturers that help produce semiconductors and medical device sterilizers. The proclamations allow the facilities to comply with Environmental Protection Agency standards that were in place before rules imposed in recent years by President Joe Biden's administration, the White House said. Trump called the Biden-era rules expensive and, in some cases, unattainable. His actions will ensure that 'critical industries can continue to operate uninterrupted to support national security without incurring substantial costs,'' the White House said in a fact sheet. Trump's EPA had earlier exempted dozens of coal-fired plants from air-pollution rules for the same reasons. The EPA also offered other industrial polluters a chance for exemptions from requirements to reduce emissions of toxic chemicals such as mercury, arsenic and benzene. An electronic mailbox set up by the EPA allowed regulated companies to request a presidential exemption under the Clean Air Act to a host of Biden-era rules. Environmental groups denounced the offer to grant exemptions, calling the new email address a 'polluters' portal' that could allow hundreds of companies to evade laws meant to protect the environment and public health. Mercury exposure can cause brain damage, especially in children. Fetuses are vulnerable to birth defects via exposure in a mother's womb. Within weeks of the EPA's offer, industry groups representing hundreds of chemical and petrochemical manufacturers began seeking the blanket exemptions from federal pollution requirements. The Clean Air Act enables the president to temporarily exempt industrial sites from new rules if the technology required to meet them is not widely available and if the continued activity is in the interest of national security. In April, the EPA granted nearly 70 coal-fired power plants a two-year exemption from federal requirements to reduce emissions of toxic chemicals. A list posted on the agency's website lists 47 power providers — which operate at least 66 coal-fired plants — that are receiving exemptions from the Biden-era rules. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced plans in March to roll back dozens of key environmental rules on everything from clean air to clean water and climate change. Zeldin called the planned rollbacks the 'most consequential day of deregulation in American history.' An Associated Press examination of the proposed rollbacks concluded that rules targeted by the EPA could prevent an estimated 30,000 deaths and save $275 billion each year they are in effect. The AP review included the agency's own prior assessments as well as a wide range of other research.
