In 1996, the PRC Law on the Prevention and Control of Environmental Pollution by Solid Wastes (“Current Solid Waste Law”) was established. In 2015, almost 20 years later, this PRC Law was first revised and has since worked to take
EHS Law Insights
Comment and analysis by Reed Smith lawyers on the latest developments in Environmental Health & Safety
EHS Law Insights, published by Reed Smith LLP, focuses on legal developments and regulatory changes in environmental health and safety (EHS). The blog covers topics such as carbon removal credit regulations, chemical substance bans like PFAS, environmental rule rollbacks by agencies like the EPA, and shifts in enforcement priorities under different administrations. It also addresses compliance strategies for industries affected by environmental laws, updates on air and water pollution standards, and the impact of federal and state regulatory actions on corporate environmental responsibilities. The blog provides analysis relevant to industries navigating evolving environmental regulations and sustainability mandates.
Latest from EHS Law Insights - Page 15
EPA administrator signs final power plant wastewater rule
On August 31, 2020, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator, Andrew Wheeler, signed the final rule (referred to as the Steam Electric Reconsideration Rule) initially proposed last year to revise the technology-based effluent limitations guidelines and standards (ELGs) for…
New UKCA mark guidance brings welcomed clarity
The UK Government has published new guidance on the UKCA product-marking framework which replaces the current EU CE marking regime in Great Britain (i.e. England, Wales and Scotland), from 1 January 2021. The guidance is in line with expectations and…
California sends bill to governor prohibiting PFAS in firefighting foam
The California legislature is sending a bill (SB 1044) to Governor Gavin Newsom that would significantly affect the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl (“PFAS”) chemicals in firefighting foam.
Specifically, the bill prohibits the manufacture, sale and use of class…
Quick cash in the times of COVID-19 – Section 363 sales of distressed assets and environmental liability
As we mentioned in a previous post, the COVID-19 pandemic has generated a wave of bankruptcies that we expect to continue into 2021. Companies entering 2020 in a strong financial position may now need to quickly shed distressed assets…
EPA grants the first-ever COVID-19-related Section 18 Emergency Exemption under FIFRA
On August 24, 2020, EPA announced an emergency exemption in the state of Texas that permits American Airlines and Total Orthopedics Sports & Spine to use an antiviral that kills microbes like COVID-19 on surfaces for up to seven days. …
EPA rolls back methane regulations for oil and gas infrastructure
On August 13, 2020, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued two final rules—a Methane Policy Rule and an Inspection Rule —rolling back portions of its New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) for the oil and gas industry. In explaining these…
California proposes revisions to regulation of air emissions from “Ships at Berth;” upcoming public hearing scheduled for late August
The California Air Resources Board (“CARB”) has again proposed revisions to the State’s existing “Ocean-Going Vessels At-Berth Regulation” of air emissions from ships docked in California. As revised, further reductions in air emissions will be required, but some…
FIFRA’s treated articles exemption: Should your antimicrobial product be registered?
Products claiming to protect users against microbes, such as those that are currently being used to protect us from COVID-19, are flying off the shelves. Manufacturers of these products must comply with regulations governing the use of such pesticides. One…
Proposition 65 – Potential warning requirement exemption for exposures to listed chemicals in cooked or heat processed foods
California is inviting public comments on a proposed regulation that would exclude the need to place warnings on many cooked, baked or fried food items that may expose individuals to acrylamide, a chemical the State has deemed to be a…