Alabama – How to Get Funds for Dump Sites

Organizations that own land on which there is an unauthorized solid waste dump may be able to get some help cleaning it up. The Alabama DEM is in the process of wrapping a regulatory framework around the solid waste fund site remediation program.

Delaware – Rivers Run Cleaner

The federal EPA recently announced that significant progress has been made to reduce pollution from stormwater runoff, also known as nonpoint source pollution, to the Christina River Basin. The basin is comprised of roughly 565 square miles in Delaware, Pennsylvania and Maryland, and includes the Brandywine, Red Clay and White Clay Creek watersheds, as well as the Christina River watershed. Nonpoint sources are a significant source of pollution in the river basin; natural and manmade pollutants, such as sediment, fertilizers, and oil and grease, are transported to waterways and wetlands.

Iowa – Oil Filter Recycling Legislation Takes Effect

Businesses that generate used oil filters or accept used oil filters from customers must satisfy new recycling requirements. Businesses are no longer able to dispose of filters in the regular trash and must separate the filters for recycling. The new law also requires that retailers selling oil filters in the state must accept used oil filters from customers, or post notice of the nearest location where used oil filters are accepted for recycling.

Michigan – Wind Advisory Panel Created

In an effort to identify offshore sites for wind energy systems in the Great Lakes, Gov. Jennifer Granholm has signed an executive order creating an advisory panel that will, among its base efforts, try to gauge public opinion. The Great Lakes Council – a 13-member panel – has been directed to engage the people of Michigan in public dialogue statewide about offshore wind.

Montana – UST Training Update

The Montana DEQ says it is on target to meet the requirements of the federal Energy Policy Act of 2005 to have underground storage tank (UST) Class A, Class B and Class C operator training regulations in place by Aug. 9, 2009. UST facilities are required to have trained operators by Aug. 8, 2012.

New Hampshire – Groundwater Bills Costly

Two bills recently introduced in the New Hampshire General Court would establish more restrictions on large groundwater withdrawals and drive up the costs for those businesses whose operations depend on such withdrawals. A "large withdrawal" will constitute the withdrawal of 57,600 gallons or more of groundwater over any 24-hour period.

New Jersey – GHG Reporting Rules Proposed

As mandated by the state Legislature under the 2007 Global Warming Response Act, the New Jersey DEP recently proposed new rules and amendments to the state's Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Monitoring and Reporting Program.

Oklahoma – Fleet Conversion

The Association of Central Oklahoma Governments is doing its part to facilitate the conversion of public fleets to newer, cleaner vehicles, to reduce air pollutant emissions in the region. Through the Public Fleet Conversion Grants program, local governments and school districts will receive funds to convert their fleets to vehicles using clean fuel technology, including hybrid vehicles and alternative fuel vehicles.

Oregon – Pros and Cons of SB80

The Northwest Food Processors Association has come out against SB80, a bill that would establish a statewide cap-and-trade program for carbon emissions. SB80 has received the support of Governor Ted Kulongoski. Moreover, the governor has taken the position that Oregon's participation in a regional cap-and-trade program would promote aggressive investment in energy efficiency and conservation, and create tens of thousands of new jobs.