Arizona – Navajo Nation to Run UIC Program

The EPA has approved the Navajo Nation's application to administer the underground injection control program for oil- and gas-related injection wells. Under the program, the Navajo Nation may authorize specific waste streams for underground injection, and enforce measures for the protection of underground sources of drinking water through the issuance of permits, inspections, enforcement actions and the EPA's annual reporting scheme.

California – Obama's First Challenge

Many observers are waiting to see if (and how) President-elect Barack Obama may reverse the EPA's denial of California's request to allow the state to issue regulations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from motor vehicles. Under the Clean Air Act, California has the unique right to issue air rules that differ from federal requirements provided the federal EPA grants a waiver.

Kansas – Regs for Water Restoration Projects

The Kansas Conservation Commission recently adopted new regulations to promote the restoration of water supplies by returning an existing water supply structure to safe and efficient functioning. This can include the installation or repair of erosion-control measures and land treatment.

Massachusetts – New Stormwater Management Program

The Massachusetts DEP recently proposed a comprehensive statewide stormwater management program targeting all privately owned developments. The program was designed to help clean watersheds throughout the state by requiring owners of large developments to control phosphorus and other pollutants before the stormwater runs off their property.

Missouri – Taxes Eased Through Energy Audits

Being green in Missouri may also be deductable. As authorized under Senate Bill 1181, Gov. Matt Blunt has launched a certified home energy audit program to help families conserve energy and reduce their tax obligation. Under the program, Missouri taxpayers who use the help of a DNR-certified home energy auditor will qualify for a state tax deduction starting with the 2009 tax year.

Oklahoma – E-Reporting Is a Go

The Oklahoma DEQ recently had its electronic reporting system approved by the federal EPA. In order for states that administer federally delegated regulatory programs to accept electronic reporting from regulated sources, or for sources to submit documents directly to the EPA, the state must operate a reporting system that complies with the federal cross-media electronic reporting regulation.

Texas – TCEQ Looks to Ease LPST Compliance

The Texas CEQ proposed to amend rules that regulate the assessment and remediation requirements applicable to releases from USTs and ASTs. Under current rules, property regulated under Texas regulations for USTs and ASTs must also comply with the Texas Risk Reduction Program requirements for releases of regulated substances.

Utah – Get Ready for 2009 Tank Tags

In compliance with the Energy Act of 2005, the Utah DEQ prohibits the delivery, deposit or acceptance of product to an UST that has been determined to be ineligible by DEQ. A list of facilities that no longer have a certificate of compliance and are ineligible to receive fuel is available on the DEQ's website.

Washington – Geothermal Leasing

A final programmatic environmental impact statement jointly released by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the National Forest Service (NFS) assesses the direct, indirect and cumulative effects of leasing, exploration and development of geothermal resources in high-priority areas of BLM- and NFS-administered lands in 12 states.