News Clips

As people worry about the negative effects that electronic cigarettes and vape pens may have on users’ health, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency is worried about the damage caused by discarded vaping devices.

2/29/2020

State to Delay Enforcing Ban on Retail Plastic Bags (Source: Huntington Now)

New York State won’t immediately enforce the single-use plastic bag ban, which goes into effect on Sunday, the state Department of Environmental Conservation said Friday.

2/28/2020

Retail Council of Canada encouraged by Ontario Government's New Battery Recycling Model (Source: Yahoo Finance)

Ontario Government's move to extended producer responsibility for battery recycling confirms its commitment to Blue Box reform and demonstrates the Province's strong environmental leadership.

2/28/2020

Cleaning Product Disclosures From Coast to Coast: California Law Goes Into Effect, Is New York Next? (Source: Arnold & Porter)

Less than two months after the online disclosure requirements of California's Cleaning Product Right to Know Act (the Act) went into effect, the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (NYDEC) has resumed efforts at enacting its own ingredient disclosure program for the Empire State.

2/25/2020

FAA Issues $120K Fine Against Multinational Hazmat Shipping Provider (Source: Lion Technology Inc.)

A household name for shipping services was issued a $120,000 civil penalty by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for allegedly violating hazardous materials regulations.

2/3/2020

Dollar General, Sephora, Lowe's among 7 most improved retailers addressing toxic chemicals (Source: Greenbiz)

Major retail chains are stepping up to meet customer demand for improved product safety and sustainability in the face of a radical federal regulatory reform.

2/3/2020

Proposition 65: California Clarifies Responsibilities to Warn Amongst Manufacturers, Distributors and Retailers (Source: National Law Review)

The California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) recently adopted amendments to California Code of Regulations, section 25600.2 – the section titled “Responsibility to Provide Consumer Product Exposure Warnings.”

1/29/2020

China's Overall Paper Imports Dropped Another 39% Last Year (Source: Resource Recycling)

China bought less of the world’s recycled fiber in 2019, the second year in a row of major decreases in recycled material imports. And the country’s environmental ministry has reiterated plans for an all-out import ban next year.

1/28/2020

California Becomes First State to Mandate Universal Composting Services for Residents and Businesses (Source: BioCycle)

1/21/2020

How the Textile Exchange's new index aims to make a material difference (Source: GreenBiz)

A new tool aims to push apparel and home furnishings companies further toward sustainability, and ramps up efforts by the textile and fashion industries to align material choices with the Sustainable Development Goals.

1/20/2020

OEHHA Adopts Amendments to Prop 65 Retail Seller Responsibilities (Source: National Law Review)

On January 14, 2020, California’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) adopted amendments it proposed on November 16, 2018, and modified on October 4, 2019, to the Proposition 65 (Prop 65) regulations setting forth the circumstances when a “retail seller” is responsible for providing consumer product exposure warnings. The amendments are effective on April 1, 2020.

1/17/2020

Local Business Owner Arrested for Illegal Tire Dumping (Source: Daily Commercial)

Investigators reportedly found more than 10,000 dumped tires, many of them containing still water, which creates a prime breeding ground for mosquitoes among other things.

1/8/2020

Advocacy Groups Have a New Opening to Enforce the CWA When States Do Not Act (Source: National Law Review)

A district court judge adopted the rarely applied “constructive submission” doctrine, which could ultimately give advocacy groups leverage over states that ignore Clean Water Act (CWA) requirements.