Water runoff from oil drilling sites will now face far fewer regulations from the Environmental Protection Agency, allowing possibly contaminated dirt and debris to flow directly into streams and wetlands.
The new exemptions were approved with the 2005 Energy Bill and went into effect last week. The Bush Administration helped push these exemptions, which are considered by environmentalists to be as highly beneficial to the oil industry as they are harmful to U.S. streams, rivers, wetlands, and groundwater.
"The industry lobbied to extend the exemption to those construction activities, and Congress agreed in last year's Energy Bill."
"Runoff of toxic substances, such as grease or petroleum byproducts, still would require a permit. Where the EPA and Bush administration went further, environmentalists say, is in allowing sediment, such as dirt and debris, to flow from drilling sites into streams without regulation."
FULL STORY: White House played a role in easing drilling-runoff rules
Manufactured Crisis: Losing the Nation’s Largest Source of Unsubsidized Affordable Housing
Manufactured housing communities have long been an affordable housing option for millions of people living in the U.S., but that affordability is disappearing rapidly. How did we get here?
Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?
Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?
Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.
Greening Oakland’s School Grounds
With help from community partners like the Trust for Public Land, Oakland Unified School District is turning barren, asphalt-covered schoolyards into vibrant, green spaces that support outdoor learning, play, and student well-being.
California Governor Suspends CEQA Reviews for Utilities in Fire Areas
Utility restoration efforts in areas affected by the January wildfires in Los Angeles will be exempt from environmental regulations to speed up the rebuilding of essential infrastructure.
Native American Communities Prepare to Lead on Environmental Stewardship
In the face of federal threats to public lands and conservation efforts, indigenous groups continue to model nature-centered conservation efforts.
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This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
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