cleanup
California regulators fail to enforce new oil well cleanup law
California regulators decided they lack the authority to enforce the state's new oil well cleanup law on California's largest oil company merger, potentially costing taxpayers billions.
In short:
- California’s new oil well cleanup law, passed in October, requires companies to set aside bonds to cover cleanup costs during well transfers.
- State regulators ruled the law doesn't apply to the merger of California Resources Corp. and Aera Energy, which involves about 16,000 idle wells.
- Critics argue this interpretation creates a loophole allowing companies to evade the law’s financial requirements.
Key quote:
“If a company is drilling for oil in California, they should be responsible for cleaning and closing that oil well. Not enforcing the law as intended sets-up our state for a potential financial catastrophe.”
— Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo
Why this matters:
Idle oil wells in California leak pollutants, endanger public health and pose financial risks to taxpayers. Without enforcement, the state faces escalating cleanup costs and environmental hazards.
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Houston tackles cleanup after Gulf Coast storm damages city
Houston residents began cleaning up after Hurricane Beryl swept through the Gulf Coast, leaving significant damage and power outages.
In short:
- Hurricane Beryl, a Category 1 storm, caused extensive damage in Houston, including fallen trees, flooded streets, and power outages.
- The storm killed at least three people and left 2.7 million Texas homes without power.
- Residents are now assessing damage, cleaning up, and waiting for power to return.
Key quote:
“The rebuild is going to be significant. There was real damage. But the good news is for Houston, this ain’t our first rodeo.”
— Ted Cruz, U.S. Senator
Why this matters:
Houston, known for its booming energy sector and diverse population, has become a focal point for studying the impacts of severe weather. The city's low-lying geography and proximity to the Gulf of Mexico make it particularly susceptible to hurricanes and heavy rainfall. In recent years, storms like Hurricane Harvey have wreaked havoc, leaving thousands homeless and causing billions in damages.
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Credit: J. G. Domke/Big Stock Photo
California Resources Corporation faces scrutiny over oil well cleanup compliance
California's new law requires oil companies to secure funds to plug wells before acquiring them, but California Resources Corporation's merger with Aera Energy raises concerns about compliance.
In short:
- California Resources Corporation plans to acquire Aera Energy but hasn't confirmed compliance with a law mandating funds to plug oil wells.
- The merger could leave taxpayers responsible for billions in cleanup costs if the law isn't enforced.
- California Resources Corporation previously filed for bankruptcy, raising concerns about its financial stability.
Key quote:
“It’s quite frustrating to those of us who have worked very hard to try and help California dig out of the colossal mess that it is in.”
— Ann Alexander, director of Energy Solutions, Nature, NRDC
Why this matters:
Unplugged wells can release toxic chemicals and greenhouse gases, contributing to air and water pollution and climate change. By ensuring that companies have the financial resources to plug these wells, California is attempting to safeguard its environment and public health. However, the sheer scale of the CRC-Aera merger complicates matters. Both companies have extensive portfolios of aging wells, and the financial burden of plugging them could be substantial.
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Credit: Al.geba/Big Stock Photo
EPA’s new coal ash rules leave cleanup to companies
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has introduced updated coal ash regulations aimed at curbing groundwater pollution, but enforcement is left largely to the companies responsible for the ash dumps.
In short:
- The EPA’s new rules require companies to ensure coal ash dumps do not pollute groundwater, but implementation is mostly self-regulated.
- States vary in their enforcement, with some mandating full removal of ash from unlined pits while others allow less stringent measures.
- The new rules also include a federal permitting program, but its finalization is delayed, potentially impacting enforcement under future administrations.
Key quote:
“A ton of these surface impoundments are leaking like crazy. They have huge plumes, and the plumes need to be cleaned up before the companies walk away.”
— Barnes Johnson, former director of EPA’s Office of Resource Conservation and Recovery
Why this matters:
Contaminated groundwater from coal ash sites poses serious environmental and health risks, particularly in vulnerable communities. This move comes in the wake of several high-profile incidents where coal ash spills have caused extensive environmental damage, impacting ecosystems and communities. By improving regulations, the EPA aims to prevent such disasters, but the effectiveness of these measures will hinge on robust enforcement and accountability mechanisms.
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Credit: Al.geba/Big Stock Photo
EPA introduces new rules for legacy coal ash pond cleanup
New regulations released by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency aim to tackle the cleanup of legacy coal ash ponds, requiring stringent measures to prevent groundwater contamination.
In short:
- The regulations extend 2015 rules, demanding closure of coal ash ponds that contact groundwater.
- Utilities are mandated to monitor and rectify any leaks, and ensure groundwater is cleaned from contaminants.
- The new rules could face challenges due to varying state regulations and potential political shifts post-election.
Key quote:
"EPA’s new rule is aimed at cleaning up coal plants once and for all."
— Lisa Evans, senior attorney at Earthjustice
Why this matters:
Legacy coal ash ponds, the often unlined pits where power plants have historically disposed of the ash residue from burning coal, pose significant environmental and health risks, particularly to groundwater systems. Over time, these ponds can leak hazardous contaminants like arsenic, mercury, and lead into nearby groundwater, which many communities rely on for drinking, bathing, and irrigation.
Coal ash disposal disproportionately impacts poor communities and people of color; residents in affected areas may face increased risks of cancer, neurological disorders, and other health problems associated with long-term exposure to heavy metals.
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Fungi's role in environmental cleanup and construction innovation
In Cleveland, a novel approach harnesses fungi's power to address pollution and housing crises.
In short:
- Scientists explore fungi to decompose toxic waste from abandoned homes, transforming it into construction materials.
- The process creates "mycoblocks," a sustainable alternative to traditional building materials, stronger than concrete.
- This initiative not only tackles waste management but also aims at reducing carbon emissions significantly.
Key quote:
"I think mycelium will be the unsung hero of climate change."
— Joanne Rodriguez, founder and CEO of Mycocycle
Why this matters:
Scientists and environmentalists are exploring innovative uses of fungi to tackle various waste challenges, from breaking down plastics to transforming agricultural byproducts into valuable commodities.
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Remediation overdue: South American countries fail to enforce oil cleanup laws
Existing legislation in Peru, Colombia, Ecuador and Bolivia provides for the remediation of environmental damage, though experts point to a “lack of political will” to enforce the laws.
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