In early February, EPA released a Notice of Data Availability (NODA) that gives the retail sector the opportunity to submit comments on the various challenges that they face in complying with the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).  In the NODA, EPA points out that retailers are challenged to make numerous hazardous waste determinations at thousands of sites, “generally by store employees with limited experiences with the RCRA hazardous waste regulations.”   The NODA is a continuation of EPA’s efforts, initiated in 2008, to address challenges related to hazardous waste pharmaceutical management.

Marketplace (February 24, 2014) – Peter Glaser, an Environmental Partner in Troutman Sanders’ Washington, D.C. office, offered comment during a Feb. 24 Marketplace broadcast on National Public Radio as to whether the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has the authority to require stationary sources like power plants to obtain permits for their greenhouse gas emissions.

Law360, New York (February 07, 2014,  4:13 PM ET) – Sean Sullivan, an Environmental Practice Partner in Troutman Sanders’ North Carolina office, authored an article in Law360 shedding light on 10 states recent petition to the Environmental Protection Agency to allow the states more control in regulating air pollution. The 10 Northeast states are asking the EPA to require 9 other Northern and Mid-Atlantic states to join the “Ozone Transport Region” which would then have more authority restrict air emissions in the 9 upwind states.

SCOTUSBlog

DC Environmental and Natural Resources Partner, Peter Glaser, was the Feb. 4 guest contributor on The Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) Blog. The site is holding an online symposium on regulating greenhouse gas (GHGs) under the Clean Air Act. The Supreme Court will begin hearing oral…

In a January 29 Law360 article, environmental allies say the Obama Administration’s support for natural gas emphasized in the President’s State of the Union Address on Tuesday, January 28 implied a commitment to hydraulic fracturing, a low carbon pollution tool that is often opposed by environmental groups. Several environmental attorneys weighed in on what the Administration’s position signals for natural gas development as well as the controversial technique.

Troutman Sanders’ Partner Peter Glaser was quoted  in Greenwire’s recent article regarding Virginia state lawmakers’ attempt to limit the effect of forthcoming U.S. EPA carbon dioxide rules on their state’s utility sector. The Virginia Senate’s Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources Committee held a hearing on January 29, 2014, on bill by GOP Sen. Charles Carrico that would direct state regulators to require utilities to adopt onlywidely deployed efficiency measures to complywith the federal rule.

Troutman Sanders has joined with a national consortium of leaders from the business, governmental, non-profit and regulated community to establish the National Water Quality Trading Alliance to focus on enhancing and expanding market-based opportunities for improving water quality.

Mack McGuffey has recently authored an article summarizing the events likely to make news in 2014 with respect to regulations under the Clean Air Act, including EPA’s efforts to regulate greenhouse gas emissions, two high-profile cases currently under review by the Supreme Court, and others. 

TS Partner and Environmental and Natural Resources attorney, Doug Henderson, will be the program chair for the 13th Annual Water Law & Regulation seminar on March 19, 2014 at the Marriott Suites Midtown in Atlanta, GA from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Troutman Sanders is pleased to be a co-sponsor for “Healthcare Meets the Environment: A Symposium on Managing Pharmaceutical Wastes“ on Friday, January 31 from 8 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. at Georgia State University.

Population growth, an aging population, preventative medicine and improved treatment options have contributed to an increase in the use of prescription and over-the-counter medication. While the benefits of these drugs cannot be overstated, their use does impact the environment. In preparation for the spring 2014 release of the EPA’s proposed healthcare facility-specific pharmaceutical waste management standards, this one-day symposium will explore: