Regulatory activity this week came from the Department of Environmental Protection and its Mercury Rule Work Group, the Independent Regulatory Review Commission and the U.S. EPA on its New Source Review requirements.

· The Department of Environmental Protection will present an outline of its draft mercury reduction rule at the December 15 Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee and December 16 Mercury Rule Work Group meetings.

The DEP Mercury Rule Work Group heard suggestions from a variety of sources on what should be included in a Pennsylvania mercury emission reduction regulation. Several of those perspectives are included here—

· STAPPA/ALAPCO Perspective - PDF

· PennFuture’s Suggested Rule Language - PDF

· PA Coal Association Comments - PDF

· National Wildlife Federation - PDF

· United Mine Workers Recommendations - PDF Benefits - PDF

NewsClip: Mercury Work Group Considers Options

· The Independent Regulatory Review Commission approved the Environmental Quality Board final Laboratory Certification regulations (scroll to August EQB meeting agenda) and announced it will consider the final Environmental Hearing Board practice and procedure regulation changes at its December 15 meeting.

· The Department of Agriculture published final Nutrient Management Certification regulations in the PA Bulletin.

· The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced this week it is extending the public comment period on proposed changes to New Source Review air quality regulations until February 17, 2006.

Pennsylvania Bulletin – December 3, 2005

Comment Deadlines: Technical Guidance (DEP website)

Copies of Proposed Regulations (DEP website)

Status of Regulations, 6-Month Calendar (DEP website)

12/2/2005