Stephen Thorn is joining the Chicago-Kent School of Law as an Adjunct Law Professor.  He will be teaching the Advanced Legal Writing: Environmental Law course.

On July 20, EPA administrators and executives from major consumer electronics companies jointly announced EPA’s commitment to encourage environmentally safe management of used electronics. The agency will take actions to promote eco-friendly design of electronics, promote recycling of used electronics and improve the US market for recycled electronics components.

According to the press release, Americans generate almost 2.5 million tons of e-waste annually. This waste contains plastic, glass, precious metals and rare earth metals. This presents an enormous economic opportunity. (more…)

Under the RE-Powering America’s Land: Siting Renewable Energy on Potentially Contaminated Land and Mine Sites Initiative, the EPA intends to take some of the ambiguity out of the redevelopment of contaminated properties for use as utility-scale renewable generation facilities. EPA’s guidance Siting Renewable Energy on Contaminated Properties: Addressing Liability Concerns provides important information on how to limit potential liability when entering into a lease contract. Several of the key takeaways are as follows: (more…)

In June, the Illinois Pollution Control Board (IPCB) proposed amendments to the Nitrogen Oxides Emissions trading regulations (35 IAC 217). The amendment is intended to sunset the trading requirements for non-Electric Generating Units (EGUs). The IPCB’s actions are in response to EPA’s decision to no longer allocating allowances for the NOx trading program, previously established under the clean air program.

However, some of the other recordkeeping, monitoring and reporting requirements will remain in place. This change is expected to impact at least 50 facilities within the state. IPCB is accepting comments on its proposal through July 18, 2011. Reference should be made to docket R11-08.

If you have any questions regarding the IPCB’s proposed amendments or the NOx trading rules, contact us at 773-467-7134, info@thornenvironmentallaw.com, or through our web contact form.

Disclaimer: This article cannot, and does not, create any attorney/client or consultant/client relationship.

In 2008, EPA proposed adding pharmaceutical wastes to the Universal waste rule to provide a better way to ensure adequate collection and disposal of these wastes. Currently pharmaceutical wastes are unregulated at the federal level. The proposed rule would apply to pharmacies, hospitals, physician and dental offices, other home-based medical care facilities, and veterinarians. Other materials that are considered universal wastes are mercury containing devices and batteries.

A pharmaceutical waste is defined under the rule as any chemical product, vaccine or allergenic that is used to diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat or prevent disease. The rule excludes radioactive wastes, which are regulated separately. The rule includes other items that are used to delivers pharmaceutical products, such as bottles and IV bags, but does not include sharps or other potentially infectious wastes. (more…)