EPA proposes more stringent smog standard, will impact San Joaquin Valley

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced that it is recommending a more stringent federal smog (ozone) standard for ambient air quality. Based upon an analysis of the latest scientific research on the effects of ozone on human health and the environment, EPA is proposing to lower the 8-hour standard from its current level of 75 parts per billion (ppb) to somewhere in the range of 65 - 70 ppb. EPA is also considering lowering the limit to a level as low as 60 ppb.

Read more at the link below:

http://www.examiner.com/article/epa-proposes-more-stringent-smog-standard-will-impact-san-joaquin-valley

EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy

L’Oreal USA fined $146,500 for illegal, air polluting hair care products

L'Oreal USA S/D Inc. has just paid a $146,500 fine for selling products that didn't meet air quality regulations, according to an announcement by the California Air Resources Board (ARB) today. The explanation for the penalty is sure to support arguments made by many that California's regulatory climate is out of control and not friendly to business.

Read more at the link below:

http://www.examiner.com/article/l-oreal-usa-fined-146-500-for-illegal-air-polluting-hair-care-products

Environmental week in review, November 16 - 22, 2014

Here's a new feature, in case you aren't a subscriber or just happened to miss last week's Bakersfield Environmental News articles. We wrote about a variety of things - reformulated gasoline, hazardous waste disposal, recycling grants, indoor air pollution at gyms, and vernal pool destruction.

Below are short briefs of each topic, with a link to each article for further reading.

Remember, to ensure you don't miss any future articles, just hit the SUBSCRIBE TO AUTHOR button below and you will be notified of every new one. It's absolutely free too!

Here is what we reported on last week:

http://www.examiner.com/article/environmental-week-review-november-16-22-2014

ARB fines 3 more companies for illegal gasoline

California's Air Resources Board (ARB) announced yesterday that it has fined three gasoline suppliers for gasoline that did not comply with California's air quality regulations. Houston-based Vitol, Inc., Petro-Diamond of Irvine, and Shell Oil Products US were fined $70,000, $50,000, and $45,000 respectively.

Read more at the link below:

http://www.examiner.com/article/arb-fines-3-more-companies-for-illegal-gasoline