BLM updated procedures governing the Bureau’s renewable energy and right-of-way programs, focusing on two main topics: solar and wind energy generation rents and fees; and agency discretion to process applications for solar and wind energy generation rights-of-way inside designated leasing areas.
SIP Approval: New Hampshire (revisions to establish nitrogen oxide reasonably available control technology requirements for coal-fired cyclone boilers).
SIP Proposal: California (revisions to San Diego County Air Pollution Control portion of plan to expand existing provision that exempts tub grinders and trommel screens that process green material from permit requirements to include horizontal grinders and processing of mixtures of green material and food material).
EPA announced the availability of proposed interim registration review decisions and amended decisions for the following pesticides: Acephate, Captan, Ferbam, Thiram, and Ziram.
DOE revised its NEPA implementing procedures to add a categorical exclusion for certain energy storage systems and modify categorical exclusions for upgrading and rebuilding powerlines and for solar photovoltaic systems, as well as to make conforming changes to related sections of the Department’s NEPA regulations.
SIP Approval: New Hampshire (amendments to motor vehicle inspection and maintenance program regulation).
The State Water Control Board adopted amendments to regulations governing water quality management planning. The amendments add two new TMDL waste load allocations (WLAs) in the James River Basin and four new TMDL WLAs in the Roanoke River Basin. See https://register.dls.virginia.gov/vol40/iss18/v40i18.pdf (pp. 1460-62).
The State Water Control Board reissued, with amendments, the Virginia Pollutant Discharge Elimination System general permit for nonmetallic mineral mining. The amendments, among other things, update agency names and requirements, specify discharge procedures, adjust reporting protocols, and clarify definitions to improve consistency with federal regulations. See https://register.dls.virginia.gov/vol40/iss18/v40i18.pdf (pp. 1444-60).
The Department of Environmental Services proposed to readopt, with amendments, regulations governing landfill requirements. The amendments would, among other things, clarify the requirements for landfill siting, design, operation, closure, and reclamation and include new requirements for leachate collection systems, stormwater management, odor control, deed notification, and operational reporting. A hearing will be held May 20, 2024. Comments are due June 5, 2024.
The Department of Environmental Protection adopted amendments to regulations concerning coastal sand dunes. The amendments replace outdated references by citing the most recent coastal sand dune geology maps created by the Maine Geological Survey, reflecting the best scientific understanding of where coastal sand dunes, which are protected natural resources, exist in the state. See https://www.maine.gov/sos/cec/rules/notices/2024/042424.html.