Get Smart Fast: Top Environment Regulations in 200 words

Get Smart Fast: Top Environment Regulations in 200 words
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As the Obama Administration winds down, federal agencies are pushing out new rules to implement their policy agenda before leaving office. This has created a flurry of new proposals, finalized rules, lawsuits and congressional action. Here is a run-down of the status of the top tier environmental rules related to air emissions and air quality.

Clean Power Plan: This rule governing carbon dioxide emissions from power plants was stayed by the Supreme Court in February 2016. The rule is currently pending in the DC Circuit Court of Appeals. Oral arguments are scheduled for this September.

Ozone Standards: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized the latest ozone rule in October 2015. The rule lowers the allowable level of ozone - which creates smog -- to 70 parts per billion. The rule is being challenged by a number of stakeholders in the DC Circuit. Republicans in Congress have tried unsuccessfully to block the rule through legislation.

Methane Emissions: The Bureau of Land Management proposed rules in January 2016 restricting venting and flaring on federal lands. Meanwhile, the EPA finalized rules in May 2016 that govern methane emissions for new sources in the oil and gas industry. Taken together, these two rules would impose significant new limits on methane emissions - a potent greenhouse gas. Both rules are facing legal challenges and opposition from Republicans in Congress.

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