On March 14, 2008 (73 FR 14126–14151), EPA proposed national emission standards for the plating and polishing area source category that would affect approximately 2,900 facilities, 22,000 tanks, and 1,400 thermal spray lines.

EAB Rejects Appeal Arguing That PSD Permit Must Include BACT Limits for Carbon Dioxide

In a January 28, 2008 decision, EPA’s Environmental Appeals Board (EAB) denied review of a prevention of significant deterioration (PSD) permit for a new coal-fired electric generating plant in Illinois (In re: Christian County Generation, LLC, PSD Appeal No. 07-01) that the petitioner argued should have included a best available control technology (BACT) emission limit for control of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions.

Toxic Chemical Releases Have Decreased, According to 2006 TRI Data

In February 2008, EPA released a summary of the 2006 national toxics release inventory (TRI) data in the “2006 TRI Public Data Release,” which documents a decrease of 105 million lbs, or 2%, in total reported releases between 2005 and 2006.

Supplemental Proposal Issued Regarding NPDES Permitting Requirements for CAFOs

On March 7, 2008 (73 FR 12321-12340), EPA supplemented its June 30, 2006 proposal to revise the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting requirements for concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs), and proposed a voluntary option for CAFOs to self-certify that the CAFO does not discharge or propose to discharge based on an objective assessment of the CAFO’s design, construction, operation, and maintenance.

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Paint to Power to Portland Cement

Chrysler LLC’s two St. Louis (Missouri, USA) assembly plants have partnered with AmerenUE’s Meramec power plant in a pilot “Paint to Power” project to generate electricity by combusting a blend of coal and paint solids.

CLIMATE CHANGE

Returning Carbon From Air to Soils

Since 1750, humans have increased atmospheric CO₂ by 100 parts per million (ppm)—a subsidy policy that encourages carbon sequestration in soils may pay off big time.