Preview Newsletter
PM ACC Clips Report 4/19/2018
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(ACC Mentioned) Chemicals Caught in the Middle as Tariffs Loom
Apr 19, 2018 | Chemistry World
By Rebecca Trager
The threat of a trade war between the US and China, which could significantly harm America’s chemical industry, appears to be escalating. -
(ACC Mentioned) Fire Suppression Market 2018 – Regional Outlook (U.S., Canada, Mexico, Germany, UK, Italy, Russia) 2024
Apr 19, 2018 | Investor Opinion
By Rahul V
Growing awareness toward the adoption of fire protection systems to mitigate the hazards and accidents will foster the fire suppression market share. -
(ACC Mentioned) NGOs Focus on 'Conditions of Use' in TSCA Framework Rules Suit
Apr 19, 2018 | Chemical Watch
By Julie Miller
A coalition of NGOs has filed their opening brief in a legal challenge to the final TSCA rules for prioritisation and risk evaluation of existing chemicals. It shows they will focus squarely on arguing that the amended law requires the US EPA to examine all of a chemical’s "conditions of use". -
EDF Requests Extension of Comment Period on TSCA Alternative Testing Strategic Plan Due to Key Document Missing from Docket
Apr 19, 2018 | EDF Health Blog
By Richard Denison, Ph.D
Last night EDF submitted a request to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to extend the public comment period on its draft Alternative Testing Methods Strategic Plan under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). -
EPA to Start New Rule-Making on HFCs
Apr 19, 2018 | Ammonia 21
By Michael Garry
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) last week issued a notice of guidance affirming that it would adhere to a Court of Appeals ruling that limits its ability to regulate HFCs while also stating its intention to commence a notice-and-comment rulemaking process to revisit how it can regulate HFCs. -
US NGO Calls for Avoidance of Recycled-Content Building Products
Apr 19, 2018 | Chemical Watch
By Tammy Lovell
A US NGO is calling for the avoidance of several recycled-content building products unless their contents are fully disclosed and evaluated to be lead-free. -
US EPA Round-Up
Apr 19, 2018 | Chemical Watch
The US and Canadian governments have released an 'educational primer' on the US EPA's significant new use rule (Snur) and Canada's significant new activity (Snac) programmes. -
Vermont Governor Vetoes Chemicals Management Bill
Apr 19, 2018 | Chemical Watch
By Kelly Franklin
Vermont governor Phil Scott has vetoed a bill that would have given the state's health department increased latitude to ban or restrict children's products. -
Danish Study Finds Suspected Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals in Body Lotions
Apr 19, 2018 | Chemical Watch
A study by the Danish Consumer Council has found suspected endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and allergens in body lotions. -
TMA Added to REACH Candidate List
Apr 19, 2018 | Chemical Watch
The European Commission has added benzene-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid 1,2 anhydride (trimellitic anhydride) (TMA) to the REACH candidate list because of its respiratory sensitising properties. -
Is the U.S. Shale Boom Hitting a Bottleneck?
Apr 19, 2018 | The Wall Street Journal
By Alison Sider and Bradley Olson
The oil field at the heart of the U.S. shale boom appears to be choking on its own growth, a surprising development with big ramifications for energy profits and global markets. -
As FERC Review of NatGas Pipeline Policy Nears, House Lawmakers Divided Over Priorities
Apr 19, 2018 | Natural Gas Intelligence
By Charlie Passut
Two days before FERC holds an open meeting to discuss reviewing its policy for evaluating the need for natural gas pipelines, House lawmakers gave very disparate views on how the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission should proceed -- with some calling for faster permitting and others a more transparent process to appease landowners. -
EPA 'Still Thinking About' Obama Mercury Standards — Wehrum
Apr 19, 2018 | E&E Greenwire
By Amanda Reilly
EPA's air chief today said the Trump administration has not made a decision on what to do with Obama-era standards limiting mercury and other air toxics emissions from power plants. -
Officials Split on Odorizing Gas in Transmission Lines
Apr 19, 2018 | E&E Energywire
By Mike Soraghan
Pipeline officials and experts are split on whether the natural gas in transmission pipelines should be odorized to help detect leaks, according to a review by congressional researchers. -
Grid Cybersecurity Bills Advanced by House Energy Subcommittee
Apr 19, 2018 | Roll Call
By Jeremy Dillon
Bipartisan bills that aim to improve the government’s response to cybersecurity attacks on the electric grid advanced out of a House Energy and Commerce panel Wednesday. -
(ACC Mentioned) Norfolk Southern Awards Safe Chem Shippers
Apr 19, 2018 | Railway Age
By Stuart Chirls
Norfolk Southern has awarded its 2017 Thoroughbred Chemical Safety Award to 52 chemical customers in recognition of their safe handling of rail-shipped products. -
(ACC Mentioned) NS Recognizes 52 Customers for Safe Rail-Shipping Practices
Apr 19, 2018 | Progressive Railroading
Norfolk Southern Railway has awarded its 2017 Thoroughbred Chemical Safety Award to 52 chemical customers for safely handling rail-shipped products. -
170 Lawmakers Sign Resolution Calling for Pruitt's Resignation
Apr 19, 2018 | The Hill - E2 Wire
By Miranda Green
A group of 131 representatives and 39 senators signed a resolution introduced Wednesday that calls for Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt to resign. -
What ALA’s Most Recent State of the Air Report Reveals About Oil and Gas Air Pollution in the Western U.S.
Apr 19, 2018 | EDF Energy Exchange Blog
By Dan Grossman
The American Lung Association released its annual State of the Air Report today, revealing what many communities have known for quite some time: air pollution from oil and gas operations is a growing concern.
Industry and Association News
LCSA News
Chemical Management News
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Chemical Security News
Transportation and Infrastructure News
Environment News
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(ACC Mentioned) Chemicals Caught in the Middle as Tariffs Loom
Apr 19, 2018 | Chemistry World
By Rebecca Trager
The threat of a trade war between the US and China, which could significantly harm America’s chemical industry, appears to be escalating. Most recently, China announced plans to impose a 179% tariff on US sorghum, effective 18 April. Sorghum is a drought-resistant crop typically used to feed livestock, and increasingly in ethanol production.
‘The President has made it clear that any further illegal trade actions by China are not acceptable, including the unfair targeting of US sorghum producers,’ said White House deputy press secretary Lindsay Walters. ‘While we appreciate that China is recognising longstanding US concerns about discriminatory practices in the autos, ship and aircraft sectors, we await actual implementation of any policy change.’
The National Sorghum Producers, based in Texas, US, said ‘US sorghum is not being dumped in China, and US sorghum producers and exporters have not caused any injury to China’s sorghum industry.’
This extra sorghum tax, which China’s Commerce Ministry described as a ‘deposit’, comes after the ministry issued a preliminary ruling earlier this year that US companies had ‘dumped’ grain sorghum on the Chinese market, meaning the product was sold at unusually low prices that harmed the Chinese market.
China’s latest action against follows mounting tension in March after President Trump announced global tariffs of 25% on steel and 10% on aluminum. In response, China threatened to imposed tariffs of up to 25% on more than 100 American exports, about 40% of which are plastics, petrochemicals, petroleum products and specialty chemicals, and the chemical industry responded by sounding the alarm. For example, the American Chemistry Council (ACC) has pointed out that China is one of the US chemical industry’s most important trading partners, importing 11%, or $3.2 billion (£2.25 billion), of all US plastic resins in 2017.
A $5bn bite out of chemicals
These proposed tariffs could impact up to $5 billion of the chemical industry’s exports to China, Cal Dooley, the president and CEO of the American Chemistry Council, testified earlier this month before a congressional committee.
The US had a $33 billion surplus in industrial chemicals in 2017, and estimates indicate that this surplus will grow to $73 billion by 2020, given the competitive advantage that the American shale gas revolution has conferred, Dooley said. He argued that China knows the US chemicals industry is very competitive and likely targeted US chemicals exports because it is an area where America is poised for growth.
Nevertheless, these tariffs that the US and China have threatened are yet to be implemented. In fact, the US has agreed to enter talks with China about the Trump administration’s initial move to tax steel, aluminum and other goods from China. On 17 April, the US informed the World Trade Organization (WTO) that it will sit for this consultation.
‘Now that the US has accepted this consultation, they have 30 days from April 5 to sit down and meet, then they have 60 days from April 5 to reach an agreement and come to an understanding,’ WTO spokesperson Daniel Pruzin tells Chemistry World.
It remains unclear whether the full-blown trade war that the chemical industry fears will erupt. If the two countries do not settle their differences within that 60-day timeframe, China can request the establishment of a WTO panel to review its complaints and arguments, and determine whether the US tariffs are in violation of WTO rules, Pruzin explains. He says the US may block China’s request for a WTO panel once, but not a second time.
https://www.chemistryworld.com/news/chemicals-caught-in-the-middle-as-tariffs-loom/3008917.article
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Apr 19, 2018 | Investor Opinion
By Rahul V
Growing awareness toward the adoption of fire protection systems to mitigate the hazards and accidents will foster the fire suppression market share. Introduction of green buildings in Europe coupled with stringent safety regulations will fuel the business growth. As per European Commission, 70,000 people are hospitalized due to severe injuries caused by fire with an estimated damage of USD 148.6 billion every year.
Stringent government regulations towards public safety along with growing consumer awareness will drive the fire suppression market size. Growing commercial floorspace along with introduction of safety codes and standards will stimulate the product penetration. As per American Chemistry Council, the fire codes set by NFPA and IFC states that all areas with upholstered furniture including healthcare facilities and educational institutes must have sprinkler system installed.
Global Fire Suppression Market size will exceed USD 16 billion by 2024, as reported in the latest study by Global Market Insights, Inc.
U.S. is projected to reach over annual installation of 150 million units by 2024. Upsurge in construction industry along with technological advancement in the product design and development will embellish the U.S. fire suppression market share. Increasing demand for environment friendly, less toxic, automatic and new generation systems will propel the product growth. In 2016, the country construction industry continued its rebound with 5.3% with another 2% expected increase by the end of 2017.
Germany fire suppression market is set to experience substantial growth on account of enhancement and improvisation of safety standards. As per European Commission, in Germany, any office or residential building with height of over 60 m must be provided with two stair cases as a safety exit and a sprinkler system must be installed to meet the safety standards.
China fire suppression market is set to witness growth over 3% by 2024. Expansion of industrial and commercial sector along with growing measures to reduce the fire accidents will positively influence the business landscape. In 2015, China surpassed the U.S. as the world’s major safety and security products market with an annual rise of 10.8%.
Saudi Arabia fire suppression market in 2016 was valued over 150 million. Ongoing O&G projects along with expansion and establishment of other available industries will boost the demand for suppression systems. In 2015, number of operating industrial units have reached up to 7,007 with the investment of USD 290 billion.
Notable players in global fire suppression market include TYCO, United Technologies Corporation, Minimax, Lubrizol, Bristol Fire Engineering, Halma PLC, SFFECO, Firetronics, NAFFCO, Master Fire Preventions Ltd., National Fire Equipment Ltd. and Amerex Corporation.
https://opinioninvestor.com/fire-suppression-marke/367126/
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(ACC Mentioned) NGOs Focus on 'Conditions of Use' in TSCA Framework Rules Suit
Apr 19, 2018 | Chemical Watch
By Julie Miller
A coalition of NGOs has filed their opening brief in a legal challenge to the final TSCA rules for prioritisation and risk evaluation of existing chemicals. It shows they will focus squarely on arguing that the amended law requires the US EPA to examine all of a chemical’s "conditions of use".
At issue are two "framework rules" finalised last June in accordance with the 2016 amendments to TSCA. NGOs have complained that these were drastically bent in industry’s favour from the proposals issued under the Obama administration. And they have questioned the neutrality of Nancy Beck – a former American Chemistry Council staffer appointed to an EPA leadership role – and the part she may have played in shifting them.
The coalition of 14 environmental and health NGOs and one labour union filed petitions last August challenging the rules. And in a brief this week, it says "essential parts of the rules violate Congress’s unambiguous command to evaluate each chemical holistically and comprehensively."
It has requested the court set those portions aside and send them back to the EPA for revision.
Arguments
In the opening brief, the NGOs say the final rules "upend EPA’s prior approach to risk evaluations and significantly narrow the agency’s interpretation of the meaning of ‘the conditions of use.’" EPA’s exclusion of certain of these, they argue, "violates TSCA’s plain text, structure, and purpose".
More specifically, the coalition argues that:
the two framework rules "unlawfully" narrow the scope of risk evaluations, by allowing the EPA to exonerate chemicals based on only a partial review of uses and exposures;
the risk evaluation rule impermissibly allows the EPA to make "piecemeal" risk determinations based on individual conditions of use. TSCA, it argues, requires "a single, holistic risk determination" and mandates risk management action if any combination of a chemical’s manufacture, processing, distribution in commerce, use, or disposal presents an unreasonable risk; and
the rules illegally omit consideration of ongoing exposures to "legacy" uses of chemicals no longer in commerce.
The brief also highlights provisions in the rules the NGOs say are inconsistent with EPA’s duty to consider all "reasonably available" information when prioritising chemicals and conducting risk evaluations. This includes that manufacturers are "unlawfully and arbitrarily" permitted to determine what information is relevant when requesting a risk evaluation.
Timeline
The lawsuit consolidates into one case multiple petitions filed in August 2017 for review of the framework rules. This is being heard in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in California.
The EPA must file its answering brief by 5 July. The court has set a 19 July deadline for another set of briefs from a coalition of industry organisations that moved to intervene in support of the EPA.
The Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), one of the plaintiffs in the framework rules lawsuit, recently filed its opening brief in a separate challenge to the EPA's TSCA inventory notification rule.
https://chemicalwatch.com/66089/ngos-focus-on-conditions-of-use-in-tsca-framework-rules-suit
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Apr 19, 2018 | EDF Health Blog
By Richard Denison, Ph.D
Last night EDF submitted a request to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to extend the public comment period on its draft Alternative Testing Methods Strategic Plan under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).
EPA held a public meeting about the draft Strategic Plan on April 10, 2018. At that meeting, Dr. Nancy Beck prominently highlighted an analysis that EPA had received from a stakeholder that she described as robust and extensive, and her description of the analysis suggested that it has or could significantly influence EPA’s consideration of the issues raised by the draft Strategic Plan. When asked if EPA would make this analysis available to the public, an EPA official stated that it would be made available. But the analysis has not yet been published to the docket. The due date for comments on the draft Plan is a week from today, April 26, 2018.
Given the emphasis Dr. Beck placed on the analysis and the apparently extensive nature of it, EDF believes the public should be provided access to the document and ample time to review, and if desired, comment on it. Hence we have requested that:
1) EPA publish a copy of the relevant analysis to the docket for the draft Strategic Plan.
2) EPA extend the public comment period by 30 days after it publishes the relevant analysis in the docket.
Because the deadline is impending, EDF requested that EPA respond to this request within three business days, i.e., by Monday, April 23.
http://blogs.edf.org/health/2018/04/19/edf-requests-extension-of-comment-period-on-tsca-alternative-testing-strategic-plan-due-to-key-document-missing-from-docket/
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EPA to Start New Rule-Making on HFCs
Apr 19, 2018 | Ammonia 21
By Michael Garry
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) last week issued a notice of guidance affirming that it would adhere to a Court of Appeals ruling that limits its ability to regulate HFCs while also stating its intention to commence a notice-and-comment rulemaking process to revisit how it can regulate HFCs.
The agency also announced a stakeholder meeting on May 4 at its Washington, D.C., headquarters to enable stakeholders to provide input as part of the rulemaking process.
The EPA’s notice was issued “to dispel confusion and provide regulatory certainty” for end users of refrigeration, air conditioning and other applications affected by the EPA’s Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) program's Final Rule 20 issued on July 20, 2015, which delisted numerous HFCs for certain applications. That rule was in effect invalidated by the decision last August of the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.
“In the near term EPA will not apply the HFC listings in the 2015 rule, pending a rulemaking,” the agency said in the notice of guidance, its first official response to the court ruling.
At the same time the EPA said it “plans to begin a notice-and-comment rulemaking process to address the remand of the 2015 rule.” The agency added that it “intends to consider the appropriate way to address HFC listings under the SNAP program in light of the court’s opinion” and also consider “the larger implications of the court’s opinion remanding the rule to the agency.”
The court gave the EPA several options for regulating HFCs, including “retroactive disapproval” and the use of other laws such as the Toxic Substances Control Act.
The National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA) reacted favorably to the guidance, which confirms the suspension of a January 1, 2019 deadline for phasing out HFCs in vending machines.
“This week’s action delivers the positive result NAMA was working toward, a result that benefits manufacturers and operators alike -- providing valuable, additional time to work through challenges related to a transition away from HFCs,” said NAMA’s Senior Vice President, Eric Dell.
“Moving ahead, the industry will continue to work together with the EPA on this issue and remains committed to a transition away from HFCs,” he added. “In fact, NAMA is undertaking research to determine optimal next steps and address concerns related to alternative refrigerants.”
The Court of Appeals ruling was issued in the case Mexichem Fluor, Inc. v. EPA. The two plaintiffs in the case were manufacturers of HFCs: Mexican Mexichem Fluor and French company Arkema SA.
The ruling specifically vacated the 2015 EPA FInal Rule 20 "to the extent that it requires manufacturers to replace HFCs with a substitute substance."
In January the court refused to rehear the case. Honeywell, an intervenor, has appealed the case to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Meanwhile, last month the California Air Resources Board (CARB) adopted a regulation prohibiting the use high-GWP HFCs refrigerants, thereby maintaining in California the HFC prohibitions previously established by the EPA.
The U.S. Congress has also begun to address this issue. In February two U.S. senators – John Kennedy (R-La.) and Tom Carper (D-Del.) – introduced a bipartisan bill, the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act, that would empower the EPA to issue rules phasing down HFCs through a cap-and-trade program and the “advancement of environmentally friendly technologies.” It would also conform to the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, which calls for a global phase-down of HFCs.
The Trump Administration is still mulling whether to refer the Kigali Amendment to the U.S. Senate, which would need to ratify it before the U.S. would be committed to the amendment’s HFC phase-down.
http://www.ammonia21.com/articles/8250/epa_to_start_new_rule_making_on_hfcs
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US NGO Calls for Avoidance of Recycled-Content Building Products
Apr 19, 2018 | Chemical Watch
By Tammy Lovell
A US NGO is calling for the avoidance of several recycled-content building products unless their contents are fully disclosed and evaluated to be lead-free.
According to Bill Walsh of the Healthy Building Network, there is a "significant regulatory gap" that allows lead-containing building products to be used, including in schools.
And he said that, while lead paint has long been illegal, the law has not caught up with changes in the building industry that incentivise the use of recycled content that can contain lead.
HBN researchers identified products they say to avoid, as they may contain recycled content contaminated by lead and other "toxic substances". These are:
recycled vinyl flooring;
carpet and ceiling tiles containing fly ash recycled from coal-fired power plants;
tyre-derived recycled rubber flooring, often used on playgrounds and in gymnasiums, in which granulated tyres are pressed into resilient flooring tiles;
crumb rubber playground mulch, made from ground up tyres; and
artificial or synthetic turf in which the ground tyres are pulverised into granules resembling black soil.
Mr Walsh added that Health Product Declarations (HPD) should be provided for all building products. HPD is an industry-supported standard format for reporting product content and associated health hazards.
In a 2015 report, Optimizing Recycling, HBN identifies further steps recycling industry and building product manufacturers can take to reduce lead hazards.
Lead in schools
HBN's recommendations follow publication earlier this month of the report Eliminating Lead Risks in Schools and Child Care Facilities. Published by the Children's Environmental Health Network, Healthy Schools Network and the Learning Disabilities Association of America, this sets out recommendations for reducing lead exposure to children .
These include:
improving, promoting, and enforcing regulations and standards such as the EPA’s Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule (RRP);
encouraging the private sector to commit to lead-free solutions;
identifying sources of lead in schools and child care facilities;
pressing for increased government funding to eliminate these exposures.
The Brazilian government recently passed a law limiting lead in products and materials used in buildings visited by children.
https://chemicalwatch.com/66107/us-ngo-calls-for-avoidance-of-recycled-content-building-products
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Apr 19, 2018 | Chemical Watch
Snur/Snac educational primer
The US and Canadian governments have released an 'educational primer' on the US EPA's significant new use rule (Snur) and Canada's significant new activity (Snac) programmes.
Development of the guide came at the recommendation of the Regulatory Cooperation Council (RCC) to educate stakeholders on their compliance requirements in both countries. It was developed by the US EPA, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) and Health Canada.
Access to CBI
The EPA has authorised a contractor to access information submitted under TSCA, including some information that has been claimed as confidential business information (CBI).
CGI Federal Inc, of Fairfax, Virginia has been granted access to data submitted through all sections of TSCA until 25 February 2023. This is in order to assist the Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics (OPPT) with technical support, the development and maintenance of the Central Data Exchange (CDX), and work dealing with the Confidential Business Information Local Area Network (CBI LAN).
https://chemicalwatch.com/66086/us-epa-round-up
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Vermont Governor Vetoes Chemicals Management Bill
Apr 19, 2018 | Chemical Watch
By Kelly Franklin
Vermont governor Phil Scott has vetoed a bill that would have given the state's health department increased latitude to ban or restrict children's products.
Bill S103, passed by the legislature earlier this month, sought to amend the state's existing children's product reporting scheme(Act 188).
Among the proposed changes were provisions making less stringent exposure and health impact criteria required to propose product restrictions or to add substances to the chemicals of concern list. The bill also aimed to codify an interagency committee on chemicals and the types of product information to be reported to the state.
But the Republican governor vetoed the bill earlier this week, citing economic concerns. In a letter to the legislature, Mr Scott wrote that the bill is "duplicative to existing measures". And he said its enactment would "jeopardise jobs and make Vermont less competitive for businesses".
The letter specifically cites objection to section 8 of the legislation – which centres around the scientific criteria underlying product bans, or adding substances of concern to Act 188. Removing a reference to "weight of credible scientific evidence" for exposure requirements, he said, would make Vermont an "outlier".
Under existing law, Vermont's department of health "asks for more information from manufacturers than any other state in America", Mr Scott said. "These changes, in my opinion, have no practical impact to how my administration regulates these chemicals."
Paul Burns, executive director of the Vermont Public Interest Research Group, called the governor's move "shameful".
"There is no legitimate reason for the governor to veto a bill that would help to keep children safe from toxic chemicals," he said.
Lauren Hierl, executive director of Vermont Conservation Voters, added that it was "profoundly disappointing that the governor chose to side with industry lobbyists rather than our children and communities."
But the Toy Association said it supports the governor's veto: "There were concerning requirements buried in the bill that would have removed critical scientific criteria from existing law and eliminated important procedural mechanisms for regulating children’s products."
The bill is now returned to the state legislature, where the veto can only be overridden by a two-thirds majority vote in both chambers.
https://chemicalwatch.com/66082/vermont-governor-vetoes-chemicals-management-bill
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Danish Study Finds Suspected Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals in Body Lotions
Apr 19, 2018 | Chemical Watch
A study by the Danish Consumer Council has found suspected endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and allergens in body lotions.
The council checked ingredients listed on 54 body lotions and matched them against lists of problematic substances, including the EU's endocrine disruptor priority list and NGO ChemSec's Substitute It Now (SIN) list.
Researchers graded the products between A and C. They gave the lowest grade (C) to eight lotions that contained suspected EDCs. Of these, three also contained allergens.
The problematic substances identified were:
parabens – on the EU's endocrine disruptor priority list;
butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) – on the ChemSec SIN list for endocrine disrupting properties;
cyclopentasiloxane – evaluated by the Danish Technical University as a suspected EDC;
hydroxyisohexyl 3-cyclohexene carboxaldehyde – allergenic substance;
dmdm hydantoin – allergenic substance; and
diazolidinyl urea – allergenic substance
The report says that, although these body lotions may not be harmful on their own, they contribute to the "cocktail effect" of overall exposure to unwanted chemicals.
Prolonged exposure
The report also warns that, as chemicals are absorbed through the skin, products which remain on the skin allow more exposure to chemicals than products that are rinsed off.
Claus Jørgensen, senior project manager at the Danish Consumer Council, told Chemical Watch: "Lotion stays on the body after application, and therefore unwanted chemicals stay on the body for longer periods of time, and there is a risk that the unwanted chemicals can enter the body contributing to the daily exposure of unwanted chemicals."
Researchers rated 24 body lotions with an A grade because they were free of problematic chemicals.
A further 22 products were graded B because they contained perfume and some allergenic extracts, or substances that may be harmful to the environment.
Mr Jørgensen said the council has evaluated more than 800 body lotions on its consumer app Kemiluppen. This allows consumers to scan a product barcode and immediately find out whether or not the product contains problematic substances.
The council also provides the Tjek Kemien consumer app, which identifies substances of very high concern (SVHCs) in articles. This will be replaced by the EU-wide AskREACH app next year.
https://chemicalwatch.com/66100/danish-study-finds-suspected-endocrine-disrupting-chemicals-in-body-lotions
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TMA Added to REACH Candidate List
Apr 19, 2018 | Chemical Watch
The European Commission has added benzene-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid 1,2 anhydride (trimellitic anhydride) (TMA) to the REACH candidate list because of its respiratory sensitising properties.
The substance is mainly used in the synthesis of plasticisers for PVC resins, while smaller amounts are used as a reactant in wire and cable insulation enamels and polyester resins for powder coatings.
According to the Commission’s implementing Regulation, the data presented and discussed in the Annex XV dossier show that TMA causes serious and permanent impairment of lung functions, if the exposure is prolonged and no intervention takes place. This view is in line with the majority opinion of the Echa Member State Committee (MSC).
The cases of adverse effects reported vary from occupational rhinoconjunctivitis and asthma to severe diseases, such as pulmonary disease-anaemia syndrome, allergic laryngitis and allergic alveolitis, it added.
The Commission noted that, while certain effects of TMA are reversible upon cessation of exposure, the first stage of sensitisation (induction) is irreversible.
In addition, from the available data on humans, it is not possible to derive a concentration level of TMA below which sensitisation does not happen, it said.
Furthermore, it added, it seems that severe effects have some latency time. The possibility of irreversible effects occurring before a health problem is identified, has been recognised in the identification of other SVHCs due to respiratory sensitising properties and confirmed by European case-law.
The REACH committee endorsed the EU executive’s proposal in December last year.
The Netherlands made the original proposal, but it did not meet unanimous agreement in the MSC. Three members said there was not sufficient scientific evidence of TMA's probable serious effects to human health according to Article 57. Echa then referred the MSC opinion to the Commission for a decision.
https://chemicalwatch.com/66110/tma-added-to-reach-candidate-list
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Is the U.S. Shale Boom Hitting a Bottleneck?
Apr 19, 2018 | The Wall Street Journal
By Alison Sider and Bradley Olson
The oil field at the heart of the U.S. shale boom appears to be choking on its own growth, a surprising development with big ramifications for energy profits and global markets.
The Permian basin of West Texas and New Mexico has been one of the few growth engines for oil production world-wide. The region’s output is on track to rival that of Iran or Iraq and has lifted American production to all-time highs.
Output is projected to climb from three million barrels a day to more than four million barrels a day within two years. The International Energy Agency forecasts that last year’s production level will double by 2023.
But Permian producers are starting to encounter congested pipelines and shortages of materials and workers—bottlenecks that have caused some investors to sour on the region. Some energy executives question whether sky-high forecasts are achievable.
While production is expected to continue rising, the Permian’s stumbles could ripple out to the global oil market at a time when OPEC has curtailed output and many companies have cut back on megaprojects. That could become a source of volatility that propels oil prices elsewhere higher.
“It makes sense that the basin with the lowest costs, seeing the biggest increase in growth would also see the most bottlenecks and the most challenges to that growth,” said John Dowd, manager of the Fidelity Select Energy Portfolio. “It’s not physically easy to grow production 1 million barrels a day in the U.S.”
After crude prices fell from more than $100 a barrel in 2014 to less than $30 two years later, companies in many areas shut down rigs and cut spending.
But in the Permian basin, production never stopped. As oil prices have climbed, the pace of work in the region has become frenetic, with production rising by about 800,000 barrels a day in the past year.
Pipeline capacity is emerging as a problem. Oil is starting to back up in West Texas and has recently sold at a $6 to $9 discount to crude prices elsewhere in the U.S. That is a warning sign that some oil might have to travel by more expensive ways like trucks to market and that producers could be forced to take drastic measures like halt drilling.
Pipelines that carry the natural gas gushing from wells alongside oil are also facing looming constraints. Some producers face the prospect of shutting wells.
“The industry will figure out a way to get through, but there could be some bumps along the road,” said Rich Dealy, chief financial officer of Pioneer Natural Resources Co. , in an interview. For smaller companies, “the speed at which they can place wells [online] and move commodities may be delayed.”
Mr. Dealy said it has been hard to get enough workers and find places for all of them to sleep. Pioneer is well prepared, with secured space on pipelines, its own fleet of fracking equipment, and its own sand mine, he said.
A number of major Permian operators reduced their output forecasts last year, often citing weather-related issues—claims that some executives such as shale pioneer Mark Papa have questioned, suggesting that poor acreage, subpar drilling techniques and service constraints are a much more likely culprit. They argue that the bottlenecks could be more severe than some companies have acknowledged.
Even Pioneer, one of the biggest operators in the Permian, lowered its forecast for 2017 output in August, citing “unforeseen drilling delays.” Mr. Dealy said Wednesday that the current logistical challenges in the Permian won’t stand in the way of the company’s objectives there.
Permian operators are likely to see their costs rise up to 15% in the area, an issue that could affect profit margins even as oil prices rise. Investors will be watching the pace of output as companies report earnings in coming weeks.
Several seasoned U.S. oil executives have begun to extol the prospects of other areas. Steve Chazen, the former chief executive of Occidental Petroleum Corp. , the biggest producer in the Permian basin, built Magnolia Oil and Gas, a company that drills in South Texas.
“When you get to a certain size, growing at 25% every year becomes a mathematical impossibility,” Mr. Chazen said in an interview. “I think we’re close to where the growth rate is going to decline.”
Many analysts expect prices in the region could tumble further before new pipelines arrive in 2019.
Labor and supply scarcity are adding to the challenges. Operators are scrambling to acquire the sand and water needed for enormous fracking jobs.
About 87% of the supplies and equipment needed for fracking jobs in the Permian are in use, and producers are likely to reach full capacity within months, said Matt Johnson, a principal at Primary Vision Inc., a firm that tracks crews, sand, water and other services needed for drilling across the U.S.
Chris Cuyler, vice president of exploration and geoscience at Elevation Resources LLC, a private oil and gas producer, said his small firm has to schedule fracking crews at least a month in advance—compared with two or three weeks a year ago.
Companies are bringing workers from out of town. John Volke owns companies that find housing for oil-field workers and owns trailer parks known as “man-camps.”
Hotel rates have spiked as high as $600 a night. Mr. Volke has already ordered 30 new trailers and will likely have to order another 30. Rooms in the trailers Mr. Volke’s firm rents to companies run $75 to $95 a night for long-term contracts, depending on the model. That is back to where rates were before oil prices plummeted.
The constraints are taking some of the shine off Permian producers, which were Wall Street darlings in recent years.
The shares in a group of 15 such companies, including Pioneer and Concho Resources Inc.,CXO +1.73% have fallen by an average of nearly 1% this year. A broad index of U.S. producers has risen 1.3% in that time. In 2016, the Permian group rose by more than 60%, almost double the increase to a broad subset of U.S. operators.
The Permian’s growth rate is expected to account for “half of what’s supposed to happen in the whole planet,” said John Groton, director of equity research at Thrivent Asset Management. “If that’s compromised it’s a big deal.”
https://www.wsj.com/articles/is-the-u-s-shale-boom-choking-on-growth-1524056400
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As FERC Review of NatGas Pipeline Policy Nears, House Lawmakers Divided Over Priorities
Apr 19, 2018 | Natural Gas Intelligence
By Charlie Passut
Two days before FERC holds an open meeting to discuss reviewing its policy for evaluating the need for natural gas pipelines, House lawmakers gave very disparate views on how the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission should proceed -- with some calling for faster permitting and others a more transparent process to appease landowners.
Meanwhile, a Texas lawmaker on the House Subcommittee on Energy voiced concern over how the oil and gas industry will be affected by FERC's recent policy change involving master limited partnerships (MLP), as well the Commission's efforts toward advancing the permitting process for infrastructure to support liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports.
At the start of Tuesday's three-hour hearing, Rep. Greg Walden (R-OR), chairman of the full House Energy and Commerce (E&C) Committee, said that as the nation's generation mix shifts toward natural gas "we're going to need more pipelines."
"I am hopeful that Chairman [Kevin] McIntyre's review of FERC's procedures for evaluating applications for new gas pipelines will result in more efficient and timely decisions," Walden said. "With our abundant shale resources, we can be entirely self-sufficient on natural gas, but we must construct new pipelines."
Walden added that "while cross-border trade with our neighbors Canada and Mexico may be a win-win, we should never have to be reliant on Russian imports again," referring to the two occasions this year that New England had to import LNG from Russia to meet winter demand.
But Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ), E&C's ranking member, said he hopes FERC's review of its 1999 gas pipeline certificate policy [PL18-1] will lead to greater protections for property owners.
"For years, I have expressed concern with the process FERC uses to review pipeline applications, and its tendency to green light the construction of potentially unnecessary pipeline projects," Pallone said. "Homeowners in the path of a pipeline have little recourse to stop pipeline companies from seizing their land through eminent domain.
"It's time for a new approach. I believe a more regional review of these projects should be implemented rather than the current process where every pipeline appears to be reviewed individually, without any consideration of the pipelines in the area."
McIntyre, who was sworn in as FERC chairman last December, struck a conciliatory tone in his opening remarks.
"As a matter of good government, I believe that it is appropriate for us, as with any other governmental body, to review our policies and processes from time to time to explore whether any improvements can be made," McIntyre said. "Our review of gas pipeline certification processes is timely in light of the many changes that the natural gas industry has witnessed in the past 20 years."
Rep. Morgan Griffith (R-VA), whose district includes the Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP), said he was disappointed that FERC didn't hold more than two public hearings over the project -- despite requests from him, Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) and former Rep. Robert Hurt (R-VA). FERC authorized construction of the MVP last month.
"[We] begged for more public hearings, so that people could travel a shorter distance to get to these hearings, because it was affecting their communities," Griffith said. He then asked McIntyre for reassurances that FERC would review the processes for public hearings and transparency over public comments.
"It's been so frustrating," Griffith said, adding that the situation compelled him to introduce last June House Resolution (HR) 2893, aka the Pipeline Fairness and Transparency Act. He also questioned why MVP and another project, the Atlantic Coast Pipeline, could not share the same right-of-way. The companies backing both projects, which were approved by the Commission in a rare split decision last year, rejected the collocation idea in 2015.
"[HR 2893] is to express these concerns that our constituents having been living with now for several years and still feel very frustrated," Griffith said. "As we go forward, are you willing to work with us to try to get some legislation that makes folks feel like it's not just being crammed down their throats, but that they actually have input and that somebody out there is actually listening?"
McIntyre said FERC "welcomed the opportunity" to work with lawmakers.
"I don't want to leave the false impression that we don't have mechanisms in place today for proper public input, because we certainly do," McIntyre said. "One of the key issues before us under our existing policy is to make a determination as to whether a particular project is needed."
But Griffith countered "the frustration level in Virginia is so high. While you have a system in place, I appreciate you looking at it because it apparently isn't working to give confidence in the public."
Dust-up on MLPs
Lawmakers also touched on FERC's announcement last month that it would no longer allow MLPs for interstate natural gas and oil pipelines to recover income tax allowances in cost of service rates.
"I've heard from a number of Houston-area companies that are worried about changes that FERC did on whether pipelines can recover their costs under MLP structures," said Rep. Pete Olson (R-TX), adding that Enbridge Inc. would seek a rehearing over the policy change. "Their argument is that FERC made this move without allowing enough time for debate, and you didn't take into account that not all MLPs are created equal."
McIntyre told Olson that FERC's action was the result of a series of steps it took in response to a 2016 decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. In the case United Airlines Inc. et al v. FERC et al [No. 11-1479], the court held that the Commission had failed to demonstrate that there was no double-recovery of income tax costs when permitting SFPP LP, an MLP, to recover both an income tax allowance and a return on equity determined by the discounted cash flow methodology.
"We felt we had no choice but to take decisive action in a manner that we read as being directed by the court," McIntyre said. "It doesn't surprise me that a number of companies out there affected adversely, monetarily by that would have a quarrel with it. They are not bashful in sharing their views with us on that, I assure you."
"It is their right under the governing statutes to seek rehearing where they are aggrieved by an order of ours. We would look forward to processing those in accordance with our law and procedures."
Commissioner Neil Chatterjee concurred, saying FERC's "hands were tied by the courts."
FERC Hiring to Address Backlog
Olson, the subcommittee's vice chairman, then segued to voice concern over FERC permitting for LNG export infrastructure. The Texas lawmaker said he was in India two weeks ago to discuss that country's imports of U.S. LNG. He said he also spoke recently with Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Rick Perry -- who met with the subcommittee last week before heading to New Delhi to discuss growing U.S.-India energy ties -- over LNG exports.
"I've heard some concerns back home that you are slipping behind schedule of some very viable Gulf Coast LNG projects," Olson said. "I've heard rumors that FERC has only six to eight employees [tasked] with approving these booming permits. I've heard you actually approached the DOE for new members to help out with the backlog of approving LNG permits. Is that true?"
"We are paying very close attention to the pending applications, not only for LNG export infrastructure but also for natural gas pipeline infrastructure. It's consuming an enormous amount of attention and manpower within the agency. We are looking to beef up the ranks of our Office of Energy Projects, and we are actively pursuing hiring in that regard right now.
"If there's any suggestion that we are somehow not giving it our full effort right now, I can assure you that that is not the case at all."
http://www.naturalgasintel.com/articles/114080-as-ferc-review-of-natgas-pipeline-policy-nears-house-lawmakers-divided-over-priorities
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EPA 'Still Thinking About' Obama Mercury Standards — Wehrum
Apr 19, 2018 | E&E Greenwire
By Amanda Reilly
EPA's air chief today said the Trump administration has not made a decision on what to do with Obama-era standards limiting mercury and other air toxics emissions from power plants.
Speaking here at an annual environmental law conference, Bill Wehrum said EPA is in an "interesting situation" where industry would like to see the rule revoked, but it's already spent a lot of money in compliance.
"Under the law, there are good reasons why the standard shouldn't exist because it's not appropriate and necessary," he said. "But on the other hand, we cannot turn a blind eye toward the practical, the implications of the possibility of rescinding the rule and the uncertainty that that would cause within the regulated community."
EPA finalized the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) in 2011, requiring coal-burning power plants to reduce emissions of hazardous substances including mercury, lead, arsenic and cadmium by installing control technologies or retiring the plant.
Twenty-one states, as well as business and industry groups, sued, and in 2015 the Supreme Court found that EPA had not adequately considered costs when deciding to regulate toxic emissions from power plants. Justices remanded the rule back to EPA.
In 2016, the Obama administration issued a supplemental determination finding that the standards were still "appropriate and necessary," even with the consideration of costs.
EPA projected the standards would annually cost $9.6 billion, making them among the most expensive air rules ever. But the agency found the costs were far outweighed by benefits of between $37 billion and $90 billion a year.
Litigation over the supplemental finding was pending when the Trump administration took office. In April 2017, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit agreed to indefinitely postpone the proceedings to allow the new administration time to figure out what to do.
"We're still thinking about it. We haven't quite figured out what we're going to do," said Wehrum, who formerly led the EPA air office in an acting position during the George W. Bush administration. He was sworn in as Trump air chief in November.
He called the Obama-era standards "very stringent" and said the Supreme Court's remand gives EPA "an opportunity to think about it again and maybe get a different result." Reconsidering the finding that the rules are appropriate in light of their costs could provide grounds to "eliminate this regulation," he said.
But Wehrum noted the rule became effective several years ago and said some power plants have shut down "in large part" because of its requirements. Others have spent money installing scrubbers and other mercury control equipment.
"So what we hear from the industry is, however satisfied they'd be to go back and decide this rule maybe isn't necessary after all," Wehrum said, "the reality is, the bell has been rung, and if you make the regulation go away, you can't make the cost that occurred go away at this point."
It's unclear when EPA may make a decision on the MATS supplemental. Wehrum said, though, that MATS ranked among his top priorities.
He also listed taking a "hard look" at the Clean Power Plan, methane standards for the oil and gas industry, the 2015 ozone standard, air permitting, and greenhouse gas standards for cars and trucks.
'Victory'
At the same conference today, Matt Leopold, EPA's top lawyer, praised the courts for being willing to give the agency time to reconsider prior rules by postponing litigation, such as in the MATS case. Judges have similarly delayed lawsuits over the Clean Power Plan and the methane standards.
"One of the things that I think surprised me to some extent as I came into the role, and looking to the prior year at EPA, is the space the courts have given us honestly to change the rulemaking," he said. "Many cases have been held in abeyance."
He acknowledged, though, that EPA has lost several lawsuits over decisions to delay the effective dates of Obama-era regulations, including for the methane standards.
But he said the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia's decision yesterday to dismiss litigation by greens and blue states over EPA's decision to delay toxic discharge standards for power plants was a "victory."
Judge Dabney Friedrich, a Trump appointee, found that the lawsuit was moot since EPA had withdrawn an initial indefinite stay of the standards (E&E News PM, April 18).
"This was a good decision for EPA," Leopold said.
Leopold, whom the Senate confirmed as general counsel in December on a voice vote, said the administration's goal was long-term and viable environmental policy.
"We've seen a massive swing in the pendulum of environmental policy from one end to the other. And certainly, I think everyone agrees that it was unanticipated," Leopold said.
"But we keep in mind that that pendulum can swing back just as easily. So when we're writing the rules, we want to ensure we're well within the bounds of the law."
But Sanjay Narayan, a Sierra Club attorney, pushed back, saying that early legal skirmishes show the courts will push back on the Trump administration's unprecedented "antagonism" toward public health protection.
"The courts have given EPA quite a lot of leeway in terms of staying litigation, but what we haven't seen is the administration get much leeway in actually staying the rule itself," he said.
"The administration's basic argument is that it has a broad and inherent authority to stay or withdraw existing regulations. And the courts are pretty clear that that kind of inherent authority doesn't exist."
https://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2018/04/19/stories/1060079569
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Officials Split on Odorizing Gas in Transmission Lines
Apr 19, 2018 | E&E Energywire
By Mike Soraghan
Pipeline officials and experts are split on whether the natural gas in transmission pipelines should be odorized to help detect leaks, according to a review by congressional researchers.
The review by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), the research arm of Congress, found that most state officials think gas in transmission lines should be odorized, while most federal officials don't think it would do much to reduce the risk of explosion because pipelines rupture rather than leak.
Officials with the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration told GAO that "other required safety practices — such as internal pipeline inspections — can provide more preventative, risk-based safety management."
Gas in all distribution lines, such as the lines that run to houses, must be odorized. Gas in transmission lines is required to be odorized only in certain populated areas. There are no requirements to odorize gas in gathering pipelines.
A pipeline safety law enacted in 2016 included a provision for GAO to review odor requirements for all pipelines.
https://www.eenews.net/energywire/2018/04/19/stories/1060079513
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Grid Cybersecurity Bills Advanced by House Energy Subcommittee
Apr 19, 2018 | Roll Call
By Jeremy Dillon
Bipartisan bills that aim to improve the government’s response to cybersecurity attacks on the electric grid advanced out of a House Energy and Commerce panel Wednesday. The action was the latest sign of heightened awareness on Capitol Hill that malicious hackers might be able to turn out the lights.
Four pieces of legislation — all focused on putting into statute coordination within the Department of Energy to prevent cyber attacks on the grid and other energy infrastructure — were advanced by the Energy Subcommittee by voice votes. The votes showed unusual unity on the often-partisan panel.
That divide was apparent, however, in the subcommittee vote on a measure to speed up the export of liquified natural gas from small-scale export facilities. That bill advanced along party lines, 19-14, as Democrats criticized the legislation as harmful to the environment. They also complained that the bill was an earmark for a Florida-based export project, the only pending facility that would meet the requirements.
Recent high profile attempts by foreign actors, including groups linked with Russia, to probe nuclear facilities and pipeline control systems across the country since 2016 have raised awareness of committee members of the evolving cyber threat.
“As we’ve learned in classified briefings, and recently through the testimonies of Secretary Perry and our FERC Commissioners, cyber-attacks are a real and growing threat,” said Rep. Fred Upton, R-Mich., the chairman of the subcommittee, in a statement.
One of the security bills would codify a recent departmental reorganization announced by Energy Secretary Rick Perry in his fiscal 2019 budget request that creates a new assistant secretary position devoted to cybersecurity issues. The bill would ensure position remains part of department leadership in future administrations.
Two of the cyber bills would establish voluntary programs to encourage the private sector and the Energy Department to share research and cybersecurity implementation plans. The fourth bill requires the department to adopt pipeline and LNG export facility cybersecurity plans.
“The four bipartisan cybersecurity bills before us today will enhance the Department of Energy’s efforts to strengthen the cybersecurity of our nation’s electricity grid and pipeline network,” said Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., D-N.J., the top Democrat of the full committee. “It is critical that we ensure our nation’s energy infrastructure is sufficiently protected from cyber threats.”
Shifting sentiment
The bipartisan vibe evaporated with the small-scale LNG export bill. That legislation would streamline the approval process for small-scale facilities that support exports to the Caribbean, Central America and South America, defined as those that ship no more than 140 million cubic feet per day.
Republican backers argued the measure would ensure speedy gas exports to Western Hemisphere nations, which they said would provide a steady energy supply that would burn cleaner compared to other fossil fuel sources — a benefit to carbon reduction goals.
“This should not be a partisan issue . . . neither side of the aisle can deny that American small-scale LNG exports provides geopolitical, economic and environmental benefits,” said bill sponsor Rep. Bill Johnson, R-Ohio.
Democrats complained that the bill’s requirements would essentially only apply to one facility owned by Houston-based Eagle LNG Partners Jacksonville LLC, according to the Congressional Research Service. That “sounds suspiciously like the kind of legislative earmark” Congress did away with, Pallone said.
Democrats also said that by sidestepping some permits the bill would undermine environmental protections, more so than a separate Energy Department effort to hasten the pace of the permit reviews.
“In my opinion, that rule is already problematic, but this bill is even worse for the environment than the proposed rule,” Pallone said.
Republicans promised to address Democrats’ concerns, but it remains to be seen how far that effort will extend.
https://www.rollcall.com/news/policy/grid-cybersecurity-bills-advanced-by-house-energy-subcommittee
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(ACC Mentioned) Norfolk Southern Awards Safe Chem Shippers
Apr 19, 2018 | Railway Age
By Stuart Chirls
Norfolk Southern has awarded its 2017 Thoroughbred Chemical Safety Award to 52 chemical customers in recognition of their safe handling of rail-shipped products.
During the year, the railroad said, the companies shipped 153,213 carloads of chemical products regulated as hazardous material on Norfolk Southern’s rail lines without incident.
The annual safety award was established in 1995 to recognize chemical manufacturers and plants that ship 1,000 carloads or more of hazardous products over the railroad without a single incident. Forty-five corporations and seven plants attained the benchmark for 2017. Six of these customers shipped more than 5,000 carloads each without incident.
“These valued business partners and industry leaders share Norfolk Southern’s commitment to safe operations, which is our Number One priority,” said Alan Shaw, executive vice president and chief marketing officer. “With their safe work practices, they help ensure the welfare of our employees, the communities we serve, and the environment. Every day, they help Norfolk Southern demonstrate that rail is a safe, dependable, and environmentally friendly way to ship chemical products.”
As a common carrier, Norfolk-Va.-based NS, like other U.S. freight railroads, is obligated to offer transportation of hazardous materials. During 2017, hazardous materials shipped by customers on Norfolk Southern lines included industrial chemicals used to manufacture consumer goods, crude petroleum, ethanol, and fertilizers.
The carrier typically moves these products in tank cars owned or leased by customers, who are responsible for maintaining the cars and ensuring that they are in good working condition and properly secured for transit.
Norfolk Southern is a voluntary participant in the American Chemistry Council’s Responsible Care Partner Program, and observes strict standards in identifying, reducing, and managing process-safety risks in chemical transport.
Earning the 2017 Thoroughbred Chemical Safety Award:
Altivia Petrochemicals; Akzo Nobel Chemicals Inc. Lemoyne, Ala., plant; American Zinc Recycling Corp; The Andersons Inc.; ArcelorMittal USA; Archer Daniels Midland Co., Decatur, Ill., plant; Ascend Performance Materials Inc.;
BP Products North America Inc.; Buckeye Partners, L.P.;
Cargill, Inc.; CF Industries Sales LLC; Chemtrade Logistics Inc.; The Chemours Company FC LLC; Covestro LLC; Delaware City Refining LLC, Reybold, Del., plant;
Eastman Chemical Company, Kingsport Tenn., plant; Elbow River Marketing Ltd.; ERCO Worldwide; ExxonMobil Chemical Company;
Formosa Plastics Corporation, U.S.A.; Granite Falls Energy; Green Plains Inc.; Hunt Refining Co. Inc.; Huntsman Corporation;
The International Group Inc.; Irving Oil; Kemira Chemicals Inc.; Kemira Water Solutions Inc.; Linde LLC; Louis Dreyfus Commodities;
Marquis Energy LLC; Methanex Corporation; NGL Energy Partners LP; Norfalco Sales, Glencore Canada Corporation; NOVA Chemicals Corporation; Nucor Corp;
Olin Corporation; One Earth Energy LLC; Paulsboro Refining Company, Paulsboro, N.J., plant; PCS Sales (USA) Inc., Lee Creek, N.C. plant; PCS Sales (USA) Inc., West Occidental, Fla., plant; Plains Midstream Canada ULC;
Reagent Chemical & Research Inc.; Renewable Products Marketing; Shintech Inc.; Southwest Iowa Renewable Energy; Strauss Industries; Sunbelt Chlor Alkali Partnership; Sunoco Partners Marketing & Terminals;
United Refining Company; Valero Energy Corporation; and Westlake Chemical.
https://www.railwayage.com/freight/norfolk-southern-awards-safe-chem-shippers/
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(ACC Mentioned) NS Recognizes 52 Customers for Safe Rail-Shipping Practices
Apr 19, 2018 | Progressive Railroading
Norfolk Southern Railway has awarded its 2017 Thoroughbred Chemical Safety Award to 52 chemical customers for safely handling rail-shipped products.
Last year, the honorees shipped 153,213 carloads of chemical products regulated as hazardous material on NS rail lines without incident, company officials said in a press release.
NS established the annual award in 1995 to recognize chemical manufacturers and plants that ship 1,000 carloads or more of hazardous products over the railroad without a single incident. Forty-five corporations and seven plants attained the benchmark for 2017. Six of these customers shipped more than 5,000 carloads each without incident.
The award winners share NS' commitment to safety, said NS Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Alan Shaw.
"With their safe work practices, they help ensure the welfare of our employees, the communities we serve, and the environment," Shaw said. "Every day, they help Norfolk Southern demonstrate that rail is a safe, dependable and environmentally friendly way to ship chemical products."
In 2017, hazardous materials shipped by customers on NS lines included industrial chemicals used to manufacture consumer goods, crude petroleum, ethanol and fertilizers.
Typically, Norfolk Southern moves these products in tank cars owned or leased by customers, who are responsible for maintaining the cars and ensuring that valves and caps and other components are in good working condition and properly secured for transit.
As a voluntary participant in the American Chemistry Council's Responsible Care Partner Program, NS observes strict standards in identifying, reducing and managing process-safety risks in chemical transport, company officials said.
For a list of this year's award winners, click here.
https://www.progressiverailroading.com/norfolk_southern/news/NS-recognizes-52-customers-for-safe-rail-shipping-practices--54476
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170 Lawmakers Sign Resolution Calling for Pruitt's Resignation
Apr 19, 2018 | The Hill - E2 Wire
By Miranda Green
A group of 131 representatives and 39 senators signed a resolution introduced Wednesday that calls for Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt to resign.
The resolution states that the co-signers have "no confidence in the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency and [are] calling for the immediate resignation of the Administrator."
Highlighted within the resolution are concerns about Pruitt's use of taxpayer money, "dramatic" budget cuts and waivers given to employees to work at connected companies while still employed by the EPA.
"The Agency is hemorrhaging staff and experts needed to protect the health, safety, and livelihood of millions of people of the United States, with more than 700 employees of the Agency having left or been forced outof the Agency during his tenure as Administrator," reads the resolution.
The lawmakers argue that Pruitt is failing to uphold the responsibilities his job as administrator due to regulation rollbacks and actions to lower environmental protections at the agency they say should remain "science-based."
"Whereas Administrator Pruitt has failed to exercise the enforcement authorities of the Agency, which are necessary
to the fulfillment of the mission of the Agency, and has hampered career officials and experts from efficiently doing their jobs without political interference," the resolution reads.The resolution, signed entirely by Democrats, attracted the most senators to ever sign a resolution calling for a Cabinet official’s ouster, according to their press release.
Notably absent from the letter were the signatures of the three Republican members of Congress who previously called for Pruitt to resign or be fired: Reps. Elise Stefanik (N.Y.), Carlos Curbelo (Fla.) and Illeana Ros-Lehtinen (Fla.).
A number of Democrats have called for Pruitt's resignation or firing since news broke at the end of March that he rented a $50-a-night condo from the wife of a prominent energy lobbyist. Pruitt has maintained that the arrangement was ethical and approved by the agency's ethics office after the fact.
The administrator has attracted criticism from the left since ever before being confirmed. Pruitt was asked more than 1,000 questions during the nomination process and passed through confirmation with the fewest votes ever for an EPA administrator.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/383802-170-lawmakers-sign-resolution-calling-for-epa-chiefs-resignation
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Apr 19, 2018 | EDF Energy Exchange Blog
By Dan Grossman
The American Lung Association released its annual State of the Air Report today, revealing what many communities have known for quite some time: air pollution from oil and gas operations is a growing concern.
Air pollution has often been a challenge for highly-populated areas of the United States, but it is an issue rural communities have largely been able to avoid. However, that seems to be changing according to the ALA’s findings. La Plata County in Colorado and Duchesne and Uintah counties in Utah all received an “F” grade due to high levels of ozone. None has a population over 60,000 people, but each is home to significant amounts of oil and gas production.
Oil and gas operations often emit compounds that can form ozone, also known as smog. This is a major public health concern as it can increase the likelihood of developing asthma, respiratory disease and other problems. In 2013, the MIT Laboratory for Aviation and the Environment published a study that found air pollution is responsible for 200,000 premature deaths in the U.S. each year.
This isn’t the first time we’ve seen high smog levels in rural areas brought on by oil and gas development. Just a few years ago in the rural town of Pinedale, Wyoming, excessive pollution from oil and gas facilities at times created smog rivaling that of Los Angeles – which routinely tops the charts as one of the nation’s most polluted cities.
In Wyoming, Governor Mead led his regulators to quickly put sensible standards in place to require companies in the most polluted region of the state to reduce their emissions. As a result, local air pollution has stabilized and the economy and communities have continued to thrive.
Will progress continue or stagnate?
It remains to be seen, however, if this kind of progress will be replicated for other counties across the region. Standards from the Bureau of Land Management, which would reduce methane and other smog-forming emissions from oil and gas facilities on public lands, are in the process of being weakened, and efforts to reduce smog-forming pollution at the state level are uncertain.
Currently, Wyoming is poised to move forward with a project that would bring 5,000 new oil and gas wells to Converse County (currently an “A” grade on ALA’s clean air listings), but without extending clean air controls statewide, Converse County could experience the same air quality degradation that plagued the town of Pinedale.
Similarly, Utah’s air quality is being negatively impacted by oil and gas development. Last fall, the Division of Air Quality implemented a new regulatory framework for controlling emissions from oil and gas facilities – a good step — but left out some key elements that would have made the rule significantly more effective.
Utah’s local air is so poor at times that the Environmental Protection Agency is on track to step in. Each year the agency reviews smog data for counties across the U.S. and determines which counties might be in violation of the nation’s clean air laws. Largely as a result of unchecked oil and gas pollution, Duchesne and Uintah counties are now on EPA’s short list. EPA is expected to make its final decision by the end of the month, which will create an opportunity for Utah to step up and get air back to healthy breathing levels.
Pollution moves with the wind
These air quality reports underscore the importance of federal rules to address regional problems. Even if states move forward with tighter air quality controls, as they should, it may not solve air quality problems across the board – largely because air pollution doesn’t adhere to state lines, it moves with the wind. And the poor grades in La Plata County, Colorado reflect that.
In 2014, Colorado started requiring oil and gas companies to reduce emissions of methane and smog-forming pollutants. But according to this report, La Plata — which is located on the border between New Mexico and Colorado — hasn’t fully reaped the benefits of the state’s efforts. This could be attributed to the fact that emissions from heavy oil and gas activity in neighboring New Mexico – which does not have strong clean air rules for oil and gas facilities – are increasing pollution levels in La Plata.
Because air pollution is free-flowing and can impact a wide swath of communities, stronger air pollution standards are needed across the board. The Bureau of Land Management in currently accepting public comments on a proposed rollback of its methane rule, which, in addition to reducing methane waste, could also bring significant clean air benefits to many counties across the American West. If clean air and smart energy development is a priority in your community – let BLM know here.
http://blogs.edf.org/energyexchange/2018/04/18/what-alas-most-recent-state-of-the-air-report-reveals-about-oil-and-gas-air-pollution-in-the-western-u-s/#more-17665
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