US Production of Biomass
Background Recently, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced the release of the Bioenergy Technologies Office’s (BETO) 2023 Billion-Ton Report (BT23). This is the fourth in a series of assessments of potential biomass resources available in the United States. BT23 provides estimates of biomass resource potential in response to market demand scenarios. According to the […]
PFAS Air Emission Contamination
Background Recently, a class action lawsuit was filed in Connecticut alleging that PFAS air emissions caused contamination to nearby land. The facility was a tissue facility that in the past manufactured diapers which were made with PFAS. The case is notable because it is one of the first PFAS class action lawsuits filed that involves […]
What is PFOS?
This article explains perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS). Let us delve into the key details about PFOS and understand its role and impact. The 3M Company formulated PFOS and holds the patent on its unique chemical structure. Chemists characterize its structure based upon the eight-carbon fluorocarbon chain fully covered with fluorine, coupled with a sulfonic acid group. […]
Work Exposure to PFAS Associated with Cancer
Often, workers contact PFAS chemicals without knowing they are being exposed to these dangerous chemicals. Investigators study work exposures to PFAS to figure out whether it affects human health and to protect workers from further harm. Scientists have become alarmed that workers exposed to PFAS have a higher risk of kidney, testicular, and liver cancer. […]
PFAS Contamination Impacts All Branches of Military
The United States Department of Defense has struggled to clean up military bases contaminated with harmful chemicals called PFAS. A review by nonprofit working groups found that out of 50 Air Force or Navy bases with high PFAS contamination, only nine have started making plans to clean up. But none of these plans have been […]
Court Sets Procedures for Opt-Out in DuPont Settlement
On March 26, 2024, the Court overseeing the $1.185 Billion public water class settlement with DuPont received declarations from the Special Master concerning parties opting out of the settlement. Unique procedures apply to class settlements. A class settlement settles all damage claims for all class members unless they “opt-out” of the settlement agreement. Courts set […]
The DOE Invests in Decarbonization Projects
Introduction Recently, the DOE announced it would invest in 33 projects across more than 20 states to decarbonize energy-intensive industries. Additionally, it would reduce industrial greenhouse gas emissions, support good-paying union jobs, revitalize industrial communities, and strengthen the nation’s manufacturing competitiveness. These projects represent an overall investment of more than $20 billion, broken down as […]
New EPA Standards for Trucks
Background Recently, the EPA finalized new greenhouse gas (GHG) standards for the manufacture, sale, or importation of heavy-duty trucks. The new standards are expected to increase production of trucks fueled by electricity and hydrogen. Subsequently, they aim to reduce GHG emissions up to 60 percent by 2032 for some classes of vehicle. Currently, heavy-duty vehicles […]
The Connection Between PFAS, Race, and Kidney Cancer
PFAS, including PFOA and PFOS, continue infiltrating our environment, with over 98% of the US population displaying detectable levels in their blood. Researchers continue to study Forever Chemicals for their link to kidney cancer. This prompted Dr. Jonathan Hofmann and his team to lead a comprehensive study in 2020. The groundbreaking research, published in the […]
What is PFOS?
PFOS has significant implications for our environment. Let us delve into the key details about PFOS and understand its role and impact. The 3M Company formulated PFOS and holds the patent on its unique chemical structure. Chemists characterize its structure based upon the eight-carbon fluorocarbon chain fully covered with fluorine, coupled with a sulfonic acid […]