Environmental Health and Safety


North Carolina to be 100 Percent Renewable by 2050, but this Does not Include Wood Fuel

North Carolina to be 100 Percent Renewable by 2050, but This Does Not Include Wood Fuel

The state of North Carolina is making state-wide changes to improve its energy sourcing and environmental impact. The state first rejected the idea that burning wood pellets for fuel qualifies as low-carbon, renewable energy. But it has taken some conflicting actions since.

Mysterious Oil Spill in Brazil Could be ‘Criminal’ and Foreign

Mysterious Oil Spill in Brazil Could be 'Criminal' and Foreign

A recent oil spill in Brazil is covering beaches, affecting wildlife, and causing a national concern—but it’s not Brazil’s. President Jair Bolsonaro told reporters that the oil spanning 100 beaches in Brazil is not of Brazilian origin, but that claim is being investigated.

The World’s Leading Environmental Journalists Meet in Fort Collins, Colorado

The World’s Leading Environmental Journalists Meet in Fort Collins, Colorado

Yesterday, the world’s largest gathering of environmental journalists convened in the state of Colorado. The five-day conference will focus on a number of environmental issues.

OSHA Makes Alliance with NWRA and SWANA for a Better Solid Waste Industry

OSHA Makes Alliance with NWRA and SWANA for a Better Solid Waste Industry

As of September 27, OSHA signed an alliance with the National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA) and Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA). The goal? To better protect workers in the waste industry.

EPA Announces Funding for Waterway Trash Prevention Projects for the Gulf

EPA Announces Funding for Waterway Trash Prevention Projects for the Gulf

Applications for funding for waterway trash reduction projects for the Gulf of Mexico are due no later than November 22, 2019.

The 4 Truths of PLA Straws

The 4 Truths of PLA Straws

Whether it be part of legislation or conservation efforts, many brands are switching from plastic to a sustainable alternative, often PLA, without knowing the real truth about the dangers of a PLA straw.

EPA’s Proposed Methane Rule Could Mean Big Bucks for Companies and Big Problems for the Environment

EPA's Proposed Methane Rule Could Mean Big Bucks for Companies and Big Problems for the Environment

Last week, the EPA under the Trump Administration proposed to adjust the existing methane regulation rules from the Obama Era. The rule could potentially save companies money but gravely impact the climate crisis.

Changing Appeals Process Distances Populations from Polluters

Changing Appeals Process Distances Populations from Polluters

Earlier this year, the EPA announced that it is changing the ways citizens can appeal EPA-issued pollution permits. Now, citizens may not be able to appeal at all.



Is The Newark Water Crisis the New Flint?

Is The Newark Water Crisis the New Flint?

Like the case in Flint, Mich., residents of Newark, NJ, cannot trust their tap water sources for fear of lead poisoning, and the city has been asked to provide—first filters, now bottles of water.

First Female Director Appointed to Head Iowa DNR

Kayla Lyon has been appointed director of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, effective July 8. She will replace Bruce Trautman, who has served as the agency's acting director since May 2018, and is DNR's first female director.

BSEE Increases Maximum Civil Penalty Amounts for Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act Violations

The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement announced Wednesday that the maximum civil penalty rate for violations of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act will increase from $42,704 to $43,576 a day for each violation.

Canadian Coast Guard Seeks Proposals for Bulk Oil Removal from Wrecked Freighter

Scott Simms, Member of Parliament for Coast of Bays – Central – Notre Dame, announced Wednesday that in the coming months the Canadian Coast Guard will be seeking proposals from qualified marine salvage companies for bulk oil removal from the wreck of the Manolis L.

Chile, Oman, Sri Lanka, and South Africa join Campaign Against Ocean Pollution

Four Countries Join Campaign Against Ocean Pollution

Chile, Oman, Sri Lanka, and South Africa have joined UN Environment's CleanSeas campaign against marine litter and ocean pollution, announcing measures including new marine reserves, plastic bag bans, and drives to increase recycling.

British Nurseries Ban Glitter Due to Environmental Impact

British Nurseries Ban Glitter Due to Environmental Impact

A group of nurseries in southern England has banned the use of glitter at their facilities in light of scientists drawing attention to the detrimental effects of microplastics like glitter on the environment.

UK Residents Start Monitoring Air Pollution

UK Residents Start Monitoring Air Pollution

Environmental charity Friends of the Earth said 70 groups in the United Kingdom are using testing kits to monitor pollution levels in the air they breathe, adding to a growing number of persons taking pollution monitoring into their own hands.

Environmental Impact of Harvey Still Unknown, Expected to be "Dire"

Environmental Impact of Harvey Still Unknown, Expected to be "Dire"

At best, experts said that the long-term environmental health consequences of the storm will be “dire.”

Chemical Plant Suffers Two Explosions Due to Flooding

Chemical Plant Suffers Two Explosions Due to Flooding

Early Thursday morning, two explosions generating billows of thick black smoke were reported at a flooded chemical plant in Crosby, Texas, just 30 miles northeast of downtown Houston

Senate Votes against Revoking Rule that Limits Methane Emissions

Senate Votes against Revoking Rule that Limits Methane Emissions

Senate blocks move to overturn Obama-era rule on drilling.

Medgate Acquires Software Provider regAction

The company said the deal accelerates its environmental market expansion and roadmap for next-generation EHS solutions.

California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment Director Selected

California Gov. Edmund G. Brown Jr. on Dec. 6 appointed Lauren Zeise director of the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment at the California Environmental Protection Agency. Brown also appointed Lars Seifert, 42, of Imperial, to the Colorado River Basin Regional Water Quality Control Board.