The Environmental Quality Board voted to finalize a rule adopting the California vehicle emissions standards that includes limits on climate-changing carbon dioxide for the first time.

The Board also approved other items on the agenda, including proposed radiological health regulation changes needed for Pennsylvania to take over inspection and permitting duties from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, proposed regulations covering water resources management and consideration of the petition to redesignate Bear Run, Indiana County. However, the petition for Shermans Creek, Perry County, was held for further consideration.

The Board did accept several amendments to the California vehicle standards rule by Sen. Mary Jo White (R-Venango) that, among other things, requires the Department of Environmental Protection to evaluate Pennsylvania’s current vehicle emission inspection program to determine if it can be changed or eliminated in light of the new California car standards.

In other climate change actions, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources announced it was developing a Carbon Management Plan, updating the state’s greenhouse gas inventory and forming a work group to look at climate change issues.

The Rendell Administration is also developing the PennSecurity Fuels Initiative, a renewable biofuels legislative initiative that is designed to increase the use of biofuels instead of petroleum-based fuels.

NewsClip: EQB Approves California Car Regulations

State to Require Cleaner, Maybe Costlier, Cars

No other new regulations were published this week.

Pennsylvania Bulletin – September 23, 2006

Comment Deadlines: Technical Guidance (DEP website)

Copies of Proposed Regulations (DEP website)

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

9/22/2006