EPA Says ‘Forever Chemicals’ Are More Dangerous Than Previously Thought
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EPA Says ‘Forever Chemicals’ Are More Dangerous Than Previously Thought
EPA Says ‘Forever Chemicals’ Are , More Dangerous Than Previously Thought.
'The Hill' reports that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) may soon regulate "forever chemicals"
in groups rather than individually.
"Forever chemicals" encompass per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
PFAS have been associated with testicular and kidney cancers as well as thyroid disease.
According to a Biden administration official, , the agency is lowering its health advisory for "forever chemicals" because it has found that certain types are more dangerous than once thought.
"Near zero" amounts of two common types of PFAS, PFOA and PFOS, are now considered safe to drink.
Two other types of PFAS, GenX and PFBS, will also be getting drinking water advisories which they did not have before.
However, the EPA's health notices aren't enforceable regulations, as there is no federal drinking water limit for PFAS in the United States.
'The Hill' reports that the EPA is set to propose the first-ever regulations later this year.
People on the front-lines of PFAS contamination have suffered for far too long.
, Michael Regan, EPA Administrator, via statement.
That’s why EPA is taking aggressive action as part of a whole-of-government approach to prevent these chemicals from entering the environment and to help protect concerned families from this pervasive challenge.
EPA Issues Ambitious, New Rules Aimed at , Cutting Carbon Emissions.
On March 20, the Biden administration
announced new rules regarding
automobile emissions standards.
On March 20, the Biden administration
announced new rules regarding
automobile emissions standards.
NBC reports that officials have called the
new regulations the most ambitious plan to
reduce emissions from passenger vehicles.
NBC reports that officials have called the
new regulations the most ambitious plan to
reduce emissions from passenger vehicles.
The new rules include scaled back
tailpipe limits requested by the
Environmental Protection Agency last April. .
The new rules include scaled back
tailpipe limits requested by the
Environmental Protection Agency last April. .
The new rules come amid slowing
sales of electric vehicles, a critical part
of the plan to meet the new standards.
The new rules come amid slowing
sales of electric vehicles, a critical part
of the plan to meet the new standards.
Last April, the auto industry cited
lower sales growth in its objection
to the EPA's strict standards. .
According to the EPA, the industry
could meet the limits if 56% of new
vehicle sales are electric by 2032.
According to the EPA, the industry
could meet the limits if 56% of new
vehicle sales are electric by 2032.
The EPA plan also called for at least 13% of plug-in
hybrids or other partially-electric cars, in addition
to more efficient gasoline-powered vehicles. .
The EPA's proposed standards would
avoid over 7 billion tons of planet-warming
carbon emissions over the next 30 years. .
The EPA's new rules apply
to model years 2027 to 2032.
The Biden administration's new rules
are set to ramp up to nearly meet
the EPA's limits by 2032.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Google Will Share Oil and Gas Methane Leaks , Viewed From Space.
Google and Environmental Defense Fund announced
their partnership on Feb. 14, Reuters reports.
In March, MethaneSAT will launch and monitor
the world's methane emissions in an attempt to
locate major sources of the greenhouse gas.
The satellite's data will be available later
in 2024 through the Google Earth Engine.
Google Cloud will help
to process the information.
Google will also create an oil and gas infrastructure map with the help of AI.
MethaneSAT's data will be overlaid on that map
to help researchers understand which types of
equipment have the most methane emissions. .
We think this information is incredibly
valuable for energy companies,
researchers and the public sector
to anticipate and mitigate methane
emissions in components that
are generally most susceptible, Yael Maguire, vice president of geo sustainability at Google, via Reuters.
MethaneSAT's launch comes as governments
crack down on methane emissions, Reuters reports.
Additionally, while attending the COP28 climate
summit, companies such as ExxonMobil and Aramco pledged to reach near-zero methane leaks by 2030.
A new EPA rule would allow large methane
leaks to be reported by the American
public if they have access to accurate
detection technology, Reuters reports.
The U.S. emits some of the largest
amounts of methane in the world
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
EPA Announces New Air Quality Standards , for Particulate Matter.
On February 7, the Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) announced a new rule aimed at significantly
reducing levels of particulate matter (PM) in the air. .
ABC reports that the EPA updated the national
air-quality standards, citing the known
negative health impacts of exposure to PM.
ABC reports that the EPA's previous annual standard
was set at 12 micrograms of PM per cubic meter of air,
while the latest update lowers that to 9 micrograms. .
The EPA's 24-hour standard, which accounts
for short-term spikes in pollution,
will remain at 35 micrograms per cubic meter. .
Responses to the new rules have
been mixed, with environmental and
health groups praising the decision. .
Today's action is a critical step
forward that will better protect
workers, families and communities
from the dangerous and costly
impacts of fine particle pollution, Michael Regan, EPA Administrator, via ABC.
The science is clear, soot pollution
is one of the most dangerous forms
of air pollution and it's linked to a range
of serious and potentially deadly illnesses,
including asthma and heart attacks, Michael Regan, EPA Administrator, via ABC.
On the other hand, industry groups have reportedly
signaled that it will hamper manufacturing
and eliminate jobs in the United States.
Harold Wimmer, president and CEO of the
American Lung Association, called the EPA's decision
"a step forward for public health," but still not enough.
It is disappointing that EPA did
not follow the strong science-based
recommendations of the Clean Air
Scientific Advisory Committee and
the health community to also revise
the 24-hour standard to more
fully protect public health, Harold Wimmer, president and CEO
of the American Lung Association, via ABC
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Biden Marks Anniversary of , Toxic Train Derailment , With Visit to East Palestine, Ohio.
'The Independent' reports that President Joe Biden
will visit East Palestine, Ohio, one year after a fiery
derailment spewed toxic chemicals, raising health concerns. .
'The Independent' reports that President Joe Biden
will visit East Palestine, Ohio, one year after a fiery
derailment spewed toxic chemicals, raising health concerns. .
The visit is meant to tout the administration's
efforts to clean up the effects of the spill and
prevent future derailments and potential disasters.
The visit is meant to tout the administration's
efforts to clean up the effects of the spill and
prevent future derailments and potential disasters.
According to the White House, Biden will , "meet with residents impacted by the Norfolk
Southern train derailment and assess the progress
that his administration has helped deliver.”.
According to the White House, Biden will , "meet with residents impacted by the Norfolk
Southern train derailment and assess the progress
that his administration has helped deliver.”.
A White House official said the administration will mobilize, "a comprehensive, whole-of-government response
to support the people of East Palestine, Ohio,
and nearby affected communities.".
A White House official said the administration will mobilize, "a comprehensive, whole-of-government response
to support the people of East Palestine, Ohio,
and nearby affected communities.".
Throughout the response and
recovery process, the administration
has continued to closely coordinate
with the Ohio Governor, the Ohio
Environmental Protection Agency,
the Pennsylvania Department
of Environmental Protection and
Department of Health and local partners, White House official, via 'The Independent'.
Throughout the response and
recovery process, the administration
has continued to closely coordinate
with the Ohio Governor, the Ohio
Environmental Protection Agency,
the Pennsylvania Department
of Environmental Protection and
Department of Health and local partners, White House official, via 'The Independent'.
On February 3, 2023, 38 cars of the
150-car train derailed en route from
Madison, Illinois, to Conway, Pennsylvania.
Officials from the Environmental Protection Agency said that vinyl
chloride, butyl acrylate, ethylhexyl acrylate and ethylene glycol
monobutyl ethers were released into the air, soil and water.
Officials from the Environmental Protection Agency said that vinyl
chloride, butyl acrylate, ethylhexyl acrylate and ethylene glycol
monobutyl ethers were released into the air, soil and water.
The EPA said that chemical "levels of concern"
were not detected just days after the incident.
As President Biden has said from
the beginning, the administration
will continue to support the people
of East Palestine and other affected
communities for as long as it takes,
including by using every available tool
to hold Norfolk Southern accountable. , White House official, via 'The Independent'.
As President Biden has said from
the beginning, the administration
will continue to support the people
of East Palestine and other affected
communities for as long as it takes,
including by using every available tool
to hold Norfolk Southern accountable. , White House official, via 'The Independent'.
President Biden pledged he would
make Norfolk Southern clean up
its mess in East Palestine,
and his administration is delivering. , White House official, via 'The Independent'
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
DOJ Sues Apple , for Monopolizing Smartphone Market.
The Justice Department and 16 state attorneys general filed suit against Apple on March 21 in New Jersey, 'The Hill' reports. .
The complaint alleges that
the tech company constructed a
"dominant iPhone platform and ecosystem," .
and "rather than respond to competitive
threats by offering lower smartphone prices to
consumers or better monetization for developers,".
Apple enforced a "series of shapeshifting rules and restrictions" in the App Store.
It has deployed this playbook across
many technologies, products, and
services, including super apps, text
messaging, smartwatches, and digital
wallets, among many others, Via complaint.
Today’s lawsuit seeks to hold Apple
accountable and ensure it cannot
deploy the same, unlawful
playbook in other vital markets, Via complaint.
In its defense, Apple claimed that
the lawsuit "threatens who we are and
the principles that set Apple products
apart in fiercely competitive markets.".
If successful, [this lawsuit] would
hinder our ability to create the
kind of technology people expect
from Apple—where hardware,
software, and services intersect, Apple, via statement.
It would also set a dangerous
precedent, empowering
government to take a heavy hand
in designing people’s technology. , Apple, via statement.
We believe this lawsuit is wrong
on the facts and the law, and we
will vigorously defend against it, Apple, via statement
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Appeals Court Freezes , Controversial Texas Immigration Law.
Hours after the Supreme Court allowed SB4
to take effect, the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals put it back on hold, 'The Hill' reports. .
The controversial measure allows Texas law enforcement to arrest anyone they suspect has entered the country illegally. .
They could then face deportation or jail time.
Critics say that the law could result in "civil rights violations and racial profiling," 'The Hill' reports. .
Critics say that the law could result in "civil rights violations and racial profiling," 'The Hill' reports. .
The White House previously referred to the law
as "another example of Republican officials politicizing the border while blocking real solutions.".
Dissenting Supreme Court Justices
Sonia Sotomayor and Ketanji Brown Jackson
argued that SB4 will only invite "further chaos
and crisis" regarding immigration enforcement.
Dissenting Supreme Court Justices
Sonia Sotomayor and Ketanji Brown Jackson
argued that SB4 will only invite "further chaos
and crisis" regarding immigration enforcement.
Meanwhile, Mexico reiterated that it
will not "under any circumstances" accept
deportations of those who are not Mexican citizens. .
Mexico reiterates the legitimate
right to protect the rights of its
nationals in the United States
and to determine its own policies
regarding entry into its territory, Mexican government, via statement.
Texas officials did not report any arrests during the time the new law was in effect
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
The Body Shop , Shuts Down US Operations.
The U.K.-based company made the announcement earlier this month after
filing for bankruptcy, 'The Hill' reports.
While U.S. operations have shuttered,
the company's Canadian subsidiary,
The Body Shop Canada Limited, has 105 stores.
33 of those stores will hold liquidation sales, and "online sales via Canada's ecommerce store will stop," the company said. .
The Body Shop, founded
by Anita Roddick in 1976, .
describes itself as "a once pioneering
beauty brand known for its cruelty-free heritage and ethical beauty products.".
The Body Shop expanded to over 2,500
retail stores in over 80 countries by 2023.
In 2006, the company was acquired by L’Oréal. .
L’Oréal sold the company to Natura in 2017.
Natura said that The Body Shop experienced
a 13.6% year-over-year decline in 2022.
Last year, asset management group
Aurelius purchased The Body Shop
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
John Cornyn Wants to Be , the Senate’s Next GOP Leader.
On Feb. 28, Mitch McConnell announced that he
is stepping down as Senate Minority Leader.
The next day, Sen. Cornyn threw hit hat into the
ring to succeed McConnell, 'The Hill' reports. .
I am asking my Republican colleagues
to give me the opportunity to
succeed Leader McConnell, Sen. John Cornyn, via statement.
Throughout my time I’ve built a track
record of listening to colleagues and seeking
consensus, while leading the fight to stop
bad policies that are harmful to our
nation and the Conservative cause, Sen. John Cornyn, via statement.
The Republican from Texas went on to
call the Senate "broken" and said he
could perform a "major role" in fixing it. .
From experience, I have learned what
works in the Senate and what does not,
and I am confident Senate Republicans can
restore our institution to the essential role
it serves in our constitutional republic, Sen. John Cornyn, via statement.
We will improve communication,
increase transparency, and ensure
inclusion of every Member’s
expertise and opinion. , Sen. John Cornyn, via statement.
We will restore the important role of
Senate committees and reestablish the
regular appropriations process, rather
than lurch from one crisis to another, Sen. John Cornyn, via statement.
While Cornyn is the first candidate to
announce an official bid for the position, .
other senators that are expected to
make a run for leader include John Thune
and John Barrasso, 'The Hill' reports. .
other senators that are expected to
make a run for leader include John Thune
and John Barrasso, 'The Hill' reports.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
'Griselda' dominates and the inspiring sports drama 'The Hill' wins big. We're looking at the most-streamed series and movies on THR Charts: The Breakdown for Thursday, February 22nd.
Credit: The Hollywood Reporter Duration: 01:05Published
President Joe Biden, alongside Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, faced protests during a fundraiser defending the White House's Gaza crisis handling. The event, raising $25 million, featured discussions moderated by Stephen Colbert at Radio City Music Hall. Obama emphasized the complexities of presidency, while Clinton praised Biden's economic policies. The event aimed to bolster support amid discontent over Biden's Israel stance.
#President #JoeBiden #BarackObama #BillClinton #StephenColbert #Israel #ProPalestineProtestors #NewYorkProtests #Worldnews #Oneindia #Oneindianews
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Biden Campaign to Rake In $25 Million , at Star-Studded Fundraiser.
President Biden will host the
most lucrative political fundraiser in
American history on March 28, Politico reports. .
The event will feature former
Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton.
The event will feature former
Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton.
Mindy Kaling will emcee the event
from Radio City Music Hall.
There will be musical performances by
Cynthia Erivo, Queen Latifah, Lizzo.
There will be musical performances by
Cynthia Erivo, Queen Latifah, Lizzo.
There will be musical performances by
Cynthia Erivo, Queen Latifah, Lizzo.
Lea Michele and Ben Platt.
Lea Michele and Ben Platt.
Stephen Colbert will host an "armchair conversation" with Biden, Obama and Clinton.
Unlike our opponent, every dollar we’re raising
is going to reach the voters who will decide
this election — communicating the president’s
historic record, his vision for the future and
laying plain the stakes of this election, Jeffrey Katzenberg, the Biden campaign co-chair, via statement.
The numbers don’t lie: today’s event
is a massive show of force and a
true reflection of the momentum
to reelect the Biden-Harris ticket, Jeffrey Katzenberg, the Biden campaign co-chair, via statement.
$25 million is expected to be raised at the event. .
By comparison, Biden's campaign raised
$21 million during all of last month.
Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump
raised $20 million during the month of February.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Biden Cracks Down , on ‘Junk Insurance Plans’.
On March 28, President Joe Biden announced that
a new rule will limit short-term health insurance
plans to three months, ABC News reports. .
The plans can now only be renewed for up to
four months instead of three years that were permitted under former President Donald Trump. .
The plans can now only be renewed for up to
four months instead of three years that were permitted under former President Donald Trump. .
Additionally, short-term plan providers must
clearly explain benefit limitations to consumers. .
The president really believes
the American people do not want
to be taken for suckers and junk insurance takes them for suckers, Neera Tanden, Biden's domestic policy adviser, via statement.
Short-term insurance is intended to temporarily serve as a safety net for periods of transition,
such as switching jobs or prior to receiving Medicare.
However, critics call these plans
"junk insurance" because they're often misleading as far as what they actually cover.
ABC News reports that the plans aren't required to cover those with preexisting conditions or pay for prescription drugs.
In 2018, Trump expanded short-term plans and referred to them as "much less expensive health care at a much lower price.".
Neera Tanden, Biden's domestic policy adviser,
said that Trump undermined the Affordable Care Act
(ACA) when he allowed insurance companies to
sell inadequate short-term plans.
Neera Tanden, Biden's domestic policy adviser,
said that Trump undermined the Affordable Care Act
(ACA) when he allowed insurance companies to
sell inadequate short-term plans.
The short-term plan expansion was
upheld by an appeals court in 2020
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Injured crew member treated after Dali ship crash at Baltimore's bridge. Crew alerted authorities, saving lives. Synergy Marine Group confirms safety. Biden.. IndiaTimes
A freight ship collision in Baltimore, US, was prevented from turning into a major disaster thanks to the alertness of the Indian crew on board the ship 'Dali'... IndiaTimes