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September 22, 2023
ISSA updates on submitted comments to EPA; ISSA supports draft guidance that would increase number of sanitizer products effective against viruses, but it urged EPA to withdraw its revised risk determination for 1,4-dioxane, citing its negative precedent
September 22, 2023
ACC opposes recently introduced REDUCE Act, which would place US$0.20/lb tax on virgin plastic materials; group calls bill 'misguided', says it would cost American jobs and increase prices on everyday products
September 22, 2023
ACC comments on on suspension of commercial traffic at key crossings between US and Mexico, urges policymakers to find a workable solution as quickly as possible; disruption poses issues for chemical manufacturing, a US$40B trade between US and Mexico
September 22, 2023
TNC and partners secure US$8M from US Forest Service to expand tree canopy in Newark, New Jersey; funds are from USDA’s Urban and Community Forestry Program
September 22, 2023
EPA to provide US$7.5B low-interest loan program to help communities invest in drinking water, wastewater, stormwater infrastructure while saving millions of dollars, creating good-paying local jobs; previous recipients include San Francisco, Pittsburgh
September 21, 2023
President Biden launches American Climate Corps, a workforce training and service initiative that will ensure more young people have access to skills-based training necessary for good-paying careers in the clean energy and climate resilience economy
September 21, 2023
REDUCE Act reintroduced to US Congress, which proposes US$0.20/lb. fee on virgin plastic resin to make single-use plastics; bill to incentivize recycling, reduce plastic waste, is supported by Greenpeace, World Wildlife Fund
September 21, 2023
TPL and Minnesota DNR expand Paul Bunyan State Forest by 2,529 acres; land was acquired from The Conservation Fund, which had previously purchased most of Potlatch's land holdings in Minnesota
September 21, 2023
Fundação Florestal and Bracell renew commitment to conserve about 70,000 hectares of native forests in state of São Paulo, Brazil; initiative includes measures such as monitoring, fire control and support for biodiversity
September 21, 2023
Munich's first timber construction commercial campus, Timber Factory, secures preliminary building permit. UBM and ARE Austrian Real Estate's 28,000-sq.-meter timber-hybrid building will be 'sustainable and future-oriented', with climate-friendly energy
September 20, 2023
ACC urges Biden Administration and Congress to reverse growing trend of regulatory overreach; new proposed restrictions could limit access to and increase cost of essential products, ACC says
September 20, 2023
ACC and Texas Chemical Council intend to sue EPA for unfulfilled risk evaluations of di-isononyl phthalate and di-isodecyl phthalate, initiated in 2020 at requests from Evonik, ExxonMobil, and Teknor Apex; evaluations are overdue according to deadlines
September 20, 2023
Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation provides University of Cincinnati researchers with more than US$2.5M to develop advanced PPE for firefighters, applying cooling technology, enhanced safety features in the new design
September 20, 2023
FESBC funds forest-enhancement projects, including funding to transport low-value pulp logs to Skookumchuck Pulp mill instead of piling and burning them, funding to Nk'Mip Forestry to ship low-value logs to Celgar pulp mill or one of its satellite yards
September 20, 2023
Judge allows food delivery services, including DoorDash, Uber Eats and Grubhub, to continue forward with their lawsuit against New York City; lawsuit is over NYC's cap on the fees that these companies can charge local restaurants
September 19, 2023
Forest Enhancement Society of BC announces 42 newly funded projects throughout British Columbia; projects will either assist with delivery of uneconomic forest fiber to pulp and pellet mills or green energy facilities, or help reduce wildfire risk
September 19, 2023
USDA sees record interest in conservation and clean energy programs that received funding under 2022 Inflation Reduction Act; more than US$17B--45% of the 10-year total of IRA funding--is available for new and existing programs
September 18, 2023
EU launches anti-subsidy investigation into Chinese EVs, citing market distortion due to large state subsidies; the probe could lead to tariffs, making such vehicles more expensive in Europe
September 18, 2023
UAW strike against Detroit's Big Three continues for fourth day, with potential to spread; President Biden sends officials to Detroit to support negotiations, as UAW President Shawn Fain says the Biden administration won't broker a deal
September 18, 2023
US Representative for Washington State introduces Reforestation, Nurseries, and Genetic Resources (RNGR) Support Act of 2023; legislation aims to strengthen, secure national reforestation pipeline by codifying US Forest Service's RNGR program
September 18, 2023
California Bill AB 1347, which aimed to regulate use of paper receipts, fails to move past Senate Appropriations, meaning it will not move forward in 2023-24 legislative session; Paper Receipts Converting Assn. calls it 'victory' for consumers, industry
September 18, 2023
British Columbia Forest Practices Board to audit non-replaceable forest license in Mackenzie held by Nak’al Koh Timber; license has an AAC of 50,000 m3
September 15, 2023
Conservation Fund sells 6,326 acres in northeastern Maine to Maine Dept. of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to create a new Wildlife Management Area; Nearly half of the land area features deer wintering habitat
September 15, 2023
U.S. Department of Transportation Providing $4.575 Million in ‘Quick Release’ Emergency Relief Funding for Flood Damage Repair Work at Death Valley National Park and other…
September 15, 2023
Construction begins on Royal BC Museum’s C$270M, 15,200-sq.-meter collections and research building, which incorporates mass timber; Maple Reinders Constructors has design, construction contract, with public opening set for 2026
September 15, 2023
House Energy and Commerce Committee examines legislative proposals to address generic drug shortages; AHA objects to limits on 340B drugs access, and industry representatives discussed supply chain protection
September 15, 2023
Chipotle to pay US$400,000 to three former crew members at its Sammamish, Washington, restaurant location, and will provide other relief to resolve a sexual harassment lawsuit filed by the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
September 14, 2023
PRINTING United Alliance applauds bipartisan Congressional Printing Caucus that will advance a public policy agenda that protects US printing industry; Caucus to educate lawmakers about issues, legislation, regulations that could affect printing industry
September 14, 2023
European Parliament approves new law to increase uptake of sustainable fuels, such as advanced biofuels or hydrogen, in aviation sector; 70% of jet fuels at EU airports will have to be green by 2050
September 14, 2023
European Medicines Agency's committee recommends approval of Moderna's updated COVID-19 vaccine, Spikevax, for autumn/winter 2023; recommendation is for individuals six months of age and older
September 14, 2023
US Forest Service invests US$1B in competitive grants to plant and maintain trees, combat extreme heat and climate change, improve access to nature in communities nationwide; USFS has selected 385 grant proposals from entities in every US state
September 13, 2023
US Dept. of the Interior approves more than US$50.6M to conserve, restore more than 106,600 acres of wetlands and related habitats nationwide; funding will boost Fish and Wildlife Service's conservation efforts
September 13, 2023
US Dept. of State’s Forest Investor Club releases inaugural annual report encouraging billions of dollars of investment in nature-based solutions; Apple, BTG Pactual TIG, Goldman Sachs, Mirova and others headline landmark public-private collaboration
September 13, 2023
US Dept. of Labor proposes new rule that would strengthen protections for farm workers in the H-2A program and help prevent abuses that undermine wages and standards for all agricultural workers
September 13, 2023
European Steel sector supports Commission's proposed Industrial Strategy to boost domestic clean technology; European Steel Assn. calls for clear climate transition measures, fair trade practices, collaboration to boost Europe's cleantech ecosystem
September 13, 2023
Voluntary carbon market, domestic and international compliance markets are vital to scaling African carbon markets; Verra says it will need continued collaboration with national governments, and scaling number of verification bodies able to audit projects
September 12, 2023
FDA advisory committee unanimously votes oral phenylephrine ineffective as a decongestant, potentially impacting Nyquil, Tylenol, Advil, Robitussin, Sudafed, Benadryl and other OTC brands
September 12, 2023
US International Trade Commission maintains anti-dumping measures on Chinese aluminum foil imports after first sunset review, affirming their necessity for safeguarding local industry
September 12, 2023
Paper Excellence commits C$200,000 to support rebuilding efforts for those affected by June 2023 wildfires in Shelburne and Barrington, Nova Scotia; total impact will be C$250,000 with eligible matching funding from Canada and Nova Scotia governments
September 12, 2023
Australia should encourage timber homes under AU$10B Housing Australia Future Fund to 'fast track' net zero commitments, help fight climate change, solve housing crisis as population grows: Australian Forest Products Assn.
September 11, 2023
US small-scale solar capacity hits record high in 2022, after adding 6.4 gigawatts; California leads while Hawaii has highest rooftop solar installations per capita, driven by tax credits, incentives, public policy, higher retail electricity prices: EIA
September 11, 2023
ACI supports addition of liquid laundry packets, dissolvable laundry sheets and microbial-based cleaners to EPA's Safer Choice and Design for the Environment programs, citing their environmental and health benefits
September 11, 2023
California Attorney General Bonta announces partnership with City of Fresno to tackle illegal commercial cannabis activities under state's new Cannabis Administrative Prosecutor Program; program emphasizes support for enforcement, prosecution
September 11, 2023
BlueScope gets board approval for a NZ$300M electric arc furnace project in New Zealand, with goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 45%; New Zealand government to co-fund with NZ$140M and EAF expected to be operational by 2026
September 11, 2023
Seven-year study on Tasman region forestry funded by OneFortyOne Plantations and New Zealand's Ministry for Primary Industries enters fifth year; NZ$2.7M study is looking at impact of sediment in rivers from harvesting and earthworks
September 8, 2023
‘Can’ the negativity, a thought-through DRS could revolutionise recycling, says Alupro
September 8, 2023
US senator for Washington urges Congress to unite on wildfire prevention and mitigation, pass supplemental funding bill to ensure FEMA can help communities recover from disasters; she highlights August Washington wildfires that have burned 21,000+ acres
September 8, 2023
Cal Fire and Cal Poly Humboldt partner to improve firefighting practices, prepare future workforce; they will share expertise and resources in an effort to improve fire management and response, as well as forest health and land management practices
September 8, 2023
ISSA will host free webinar on implementing and maintaining period-friendly bathrooms on Oct. 5, updating on how ISSA is engaging the public on the topic; group also publishes a biweekly roundup of public-policy issues impacting the cleaning supply chain
September 8, 2023
American Diabetes Assn. presses Congress to act on rebate reform; association seeks an increase in transparency in prescription drug rebates and asks Congress to prevent pharmacy benefit manager practices from inflating the cost of prescription drugs
September 7, 2023
ACC welcomes new proposal by the Surface Transportation Board to reform reciprocal switching rules related to rail freight; proposal addresses monopoly power of rail services that are essential for chemical manufacturers, group says
September 7, 2023
Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency and Yukon Government launch new financial support program for commercial harvesters and retailers
September 7, 2023
US Fish and Wildlife announces expansion of acquisition boundary for Middle Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge in Missouri and Illinois; expansion will allow the agency to acquire up to 90,000 acres of land from interested landowners
September 6, 2023
IAI collaborates with ICSOBA to promote technical development, sustainability in global aluminum and bauxite industries; partnership aims to accelerate progress toward net zero emissions, roadmap inclusive of all UN Sustainable Development Goals
September 6, 2023
Study initiated by TNC, University of Montana, US Forest Service identifies 'opportunity hot spots' for proactive forest management to mitigate wildfires and carbon loss in western US
September 6, 2023
CMS to choose up to eight states to participate in new healthcare model intended to curb costs, improve population health, and advance health equity; participating states will receive US$12.0M each for implementation
September 6, 2023
Bank of Canada maintained its target for the overnight rate at 5.0%, with the Bank Rate at 5.25% and the deposit rate at 5.0%; the Bank is continuing its policy of quantitative tightening
September 1, 2023
Resolute invests in truck platooning technology project spearheaded by FPInnovations, backed by NRCan's Forest Innovation Program and Quebec’s Société du Plan Nord; in addition to funding, Resolute is providing testing terrain and logistical support
September 1, 2023
AMERIPEN to participate in PACK EXPO, Sept. 11-13, in Las Vegas; presenting in various locations across the convention, AMERIPEN representatives will focus on the intersections between packaging, policy and sustainability
September 1, 2023
ISSA announces three new members of its Government Affairs Advisory Committee--Jody Carroll from Power X3 Property Maintenance Services, Caryn Gilliam from PortionPac Chemical and Amber Reyna from Verde Clean
September 1, 2023
NLBMDA says proposed Dept. of Labor rule would require overtime pay for most salaried workers earning less than US$55,068/year, up 55% from current threshold; trade group is collecting input from LBM dealers about impact changes could have on businesses
September 1, 2023
US Forest Service to invest US$20M to fund 30 research studies on restoration of degraded forests, grasslands, watersheds; funding also supports shared efforts between agency scientists, tribes, states, academia and NGOs
August 31, 2023
Unpacking EPR: Why Manufacturers and Processors Should Prepare Now for the New Frontier in Sustainable Packaging
August 31, 2023
Texas A&M Forest Service is accepting applications for more than US$500,000 in grant funds available to eligible landowners conducting prescribed burns using certified and insured prescribed burn managers
August 31, 2023
Open Space Institute, South Carolina Forestry Commission, TNC and other partners celebrate 3,800-acre expansion of Wee Tee State Forest
August 31, 2023
HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra declares public health emergency and ASPR deploys personnel to Florida to respond to Hurricane Idalia
August 31, 2023
Controversial Schiphol Flight Cuts Must Not Be Pushed Through by a Caretaker Government
August 30, 2023
Global liquefied natural gas import capacity to increase by 16% by 2024; Germany, Philippines, Vietnam start importing LNG for first time in 2023, with Antigua, Australia, Cyprus, Nicaragua expected to start next year, Asia, Europe leading capacity growth
August 30, 2023
Hershey and the EPA jointly commit US$2M to support Land O'Lakes dairy farmers in Pennsylvania; the funds will support clean water, climate and sustainable farming initiatives
August 30, 2023
New Brunswick's new forest management strategy aims to restore balanced outcomes for environment, society, economy; more areas will be conserved, while boosting economic benefits of forest sector, expanding non-timber uses such as maple syrup, agri-food
August 29, 2023
Polish tissue producer Velvet Care signs agreement for co-financing investment in gas cogeneration from funds of National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management; project will help reduce its Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions up to 46%
August 29, 2023
ACC comments on National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine report, which identifies flaws in EPA's draft formaldehyde assessment; ACC suggests the report may not be fit for regulatory decision-making purposes
August 29, 2023
Fibre Packaging Europe--which includes ECMA and Pro Carton as members--highlights article published in Politico that extols recyclability advantages of fiber packaging and asks policymakers not to move to a closed loop type recycling system
August 29, 2023
FDA Names James Jones First Deputy Commissioner for Proposed, Unified Human Foods Program
August 29, 2023
Texas A&M Forest Service conducts survey of health of baldcypress trees along Guadalupe River after decrease in water levels over four years; findings suggest the resilient trees should survive a dewater on Lakes McQueeney and Placid for dam rebuild
August 28, 2023
Klabin's cellulose receives RAL certification for use in Blue Angel products, the German government's label for environmentally friendly products; Klabin's PineFluff pulp approved for use in Blue Angel products, such as diapers, feminine hygiene products
August 28, 2023
Maine Dept. of Environmental Protection seeks grant proposals for study on surplus food, food waste management to reduce GHG emissions; study to also be used as basis for additional study to determine infrastructure improvements for food recovery
August 28, 2023
ISSA releases 2022-2023 End Period Poverty Campaign Impact Report, detailing how its campaign has influenced legislation addressing period poverty; Maine, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio are new states in 2023 requiring period products in schools
August 28, 2023
Nova Scotia to create new provincial wilderness area in Guysborough County that will protect old-growth forest, animal and fish habitats; Archibald Lake Wilderness Area, which covers 684 hectares, also includes lakes and wetland
August 28, 2023
HHS awards US$23.0M to support evidence-based teen pregnancy prevention programs; funding to be used to replicate, scale, develop and evaluate approaches to prevent unintentional teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections among adolescents
August 25, 2023
British Glass urges local authorities to keep glass recycling in UK, citing 31% increase in glass cullet export to mainland Europe as detrimental to environment, economy; local recycling local would support reduce carbon emissions, create more UK jobs
August 25, 2023
Griffith University held workshop addressing climate and human rights issues in mining, energy transition, with focus on First Nations, as renewable energy projects may affect 42% of tribal land; ASI shared engagement practices with Indigenous Peoples
August 25, 2023
Mexico’s Ministry of Economy announces temporary tariff modifications to impact 392 product categories from August 16, 2023, until July 31, 2025; adjustments range from 5% to 25%, includes products such as steel, rubber, chemicals, oils, paper and glass
August 24, 2023
US EPA releases first set of data on 29 PFAS and lithium in drinking water; data will inform future actions to protect public health under the Safe Drinking Water Act
August 24, 2023
EPR creator Thomas Lindquist says UK is 'an odd bird' in terms of waste, recycling management; he criticizes UK's EPR delay--which cites concerns over rising food prices--arguing it misses opportunity to demonstrate leadership in environmental matters
August 24, 2023
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services reports Medicare Shared Savings Program saved over US$1.8B in 2022; it is the sixth year the program has generated savings
August 24, 2023
Tasmania celebrates its forests on Australia's National Forestry Day; minister says state's sustainable forestry industry contributes more than AU$1.2B/year to its economy and supports more than 5,700 jobs, underpinning rural communities
August 24, 2023
Studies show increase in FDA approval of drugs based on single clinical trials with less public disclosure, prompting for call for greater transparency; studies focused on the period after implementation of the 21st Century Cures Act: Oregon State Univ.
August 24, 2023
Canada mobilizes federal resources to help British Columbia combat extreme wildfire activity
August 23, 2023
ACC's formaldehyde panel reviews EPA's proposed approach to evaluating formaldehyde standards; group criticizes reliance on observational studies, calls for greater coordination, advises incorporating input from other authoritative bodies
August 23, 2023
HHS launches nationwide campaign to raise awareness of muscle loss condition sarcopenia in women and prepare health professionals for better identification and treatment of the condition; more than 45% of older population in US affected by sarcopenia
August 23, 2023
American Forest Foundation welcomes Inflation Reduction Act funding to pave way for underserved landowners to conserve forests; it says USDA's 'historic move' opens up voluntary carbon market for more family forest owners
August 23, 2023
Victoria, Australia, boosts support for forestry and sawmill workers who will be affected by state's ban on native hardwood logging; funding is focused on aiding transition into other sectors
August 23, 2023
Domtar stands with AF&PA in supporting market-based solutions to strengthen existing voluntary paper, paper packaging recycling; Domtar concerned about state efforts to burden industry with costs related to hard-to-recycle products via EPR programs
August 22, 2023
EC grants conditional marketing authorization to Janssen's Talvey talquetamab, a monotherapy to treat adult patients with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma; in 2020 over 50,900 people were diagnosed with multiple myeloma in Europe
August 22, 2023
US Fish and Wildlife denies endangered species listing for Alexander Archipelago wolf, found in Southeast Alaska and British Columbia; agency says wolf, which prefers to den beneath root systems of very large, old trees, is not currently endangered
August 22, 2023
Regeneron receives funding from US Government’s Project NextGen to support clinical development of new COVID-19 monoclonal antibody therapy for the prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection; funding could total $326.0M
August 22, 2023
US Forest Service invests US$150M to Connect underserved and small-acreage forest landowners to emerging climate markets; those markets can provide economic opportunities for landowners and incentivize improved forest health and management
August 22, 2023
Can Manufacturers Institute applauds Commerce Dept. decision to not impose duties on tin mill imported from Netherlands, UK, Turkey, Taiwan, South Korea, is hopeful that final determination will eliminate proposed duties on Canadian, German tin mill steel
August 21, 2023
Arbor Metals creates strategic alliance department to foster partnerships with electric vehicle industry in Canada, aligning with government's commitment to fund Ford's new EV plant and bolster Canada's role in sustainable transportation
August 21, 2023
Germany provides €3.2M for joint project, KIBAPap, which aims to develop AI-based operator assistance system in the recycling of paper; Leipa, Veolia will incorporate project into ongoing operation of paper mill to test research goals in practice
August 21, 2023
EPA grants $8.5M to four research institutions to study pathogens, disinfection byproducts in drinking water systems, improve water infrastructure management; institutions include University of Minnesota, Georgia Tech, University of Texas, Michigan State
August 21, 2023
ACC comments on EPA's proposed significant new use rules under Toxic Substances Control Act; proposal would hinder advancement of innovative technologies including pyrolysis-based advanced recycling, group says
August 21, 2023
Australian Forest Products Assn. welcomes Federal Labor’s continued support for sustainable native forestry at national conference, and its commitment to expand Australia’s plantation estate to meet timber demand
August 21, 2023
DOE to invest up to US$1.2B for US's first direct air/carbon capture facilities in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, and Kleberg County, Texas; projects with Occidental, Battelle to remove over 2 million tonnes/year of CO2 from atmosphere, create 4,800 jobs
August 18, 2023
American Hospital Assn. expresses concern that US Congress members will eliminate bans on physician self-referral to physician-owned hospitals; report shows physician-owned hospitals have performance gaps compared to full-service community hospitals
August 18, 2023
Regeneron's new drug Veopoz receives FDA approval for treatment of adult and pediatric patients suffering from CHAPLE disease; drug is first treatment indicated specifically for CHAPLE, an ultra-rare and life-threatening hereditary immune disease
August 18, 2023
Janssen Pharmaceutical of Johnson & Johnson receives European Commission approval for educed dosing frequency of TECVAYLI subcutaneous injection for multiple myeloma patients; decision provides more flexible treatment option
August 18, 2023
Consumer Brands Assn. commends Department of Commerce's preliminary decision on new tariffs on tin mill steel, hopeful for it to protect US consumers and manufacturers; association calls for further scrutiny on marginal tariffs on Canada and Germany
August 17, 2023
In survey of over 1,000 UK businesses, with 96% being SMEs, 90% say they don't fully comprehend implications of UK’s government’s goal for net zero by 2050; major disparities exist between business of varying sizes in terms of comprehension, progress
August 17, 2023
In survey of over 1,000 UK businesses, with 96% being SMEs, 90% say they don't fully comprehend implications of UK's government’s goal for net zero by 2050; major disparities exist between businesses of varying sizes in terms of comprehension, progress
August 17, 2023
RECOUP launches Litter Composition & Pathways Project to gather robust data on UK litter, underlining need for improved, reliable information for effective policy making, environmental strategies; charity is considering AI technology in litter analysis
August 17, 2023
Victoria, Australia, is importing wood since ban on native timber logging, and Western Australia is following suit; bans have no rational reason and will increase wildfires, decrease biodiversity and carbon storage: Australian Forest Products Assn.
August 17, 2023
Timber Unlimited launched in New Zealand with funding from Forestry and Wood Processing Industry Transformation Plan, initiative offers research, technical expertise, tools, guidance, information to promote wood-use in building and infrastructure projects
August 17, 2023
Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama Announces $290 Million Investment to Enhance Sport Utility Vehicle Production
August 16, 2023
Secretaries of state from seven US states write to FTC to ask for Kroger's proposed US$24.6B acquisition of Albertsons to be stopped; the officials argue that corporate consolidation is 'draining Americans of their hard-earned wages and livelihoods'
August 16, 2023
Australian Forest Products Assn., ahead of National Cabinet meeting, urges government to harness construction and carbon credentials of sustainably grown Australian timber to help solve country’s housing crisis
August 16, 2023
Spinnova awarded €1.9M grant from Business Finland for research and development; company aims to build €3.9M pilot-scale production of Spinnova fiber from textile, agricultural waste streams, develop new refining, fiber recycling components
August 16, 2023
Aluminum a Key Element of U.S. Infrastructure Investment
August 15, 2023
New Mexico Human Services Dept. to award one of four Medicaid managed care contracts to Molina Healthcare of New Mexico; new three-year contract expected to launch in July 2024
August 11, 2023
Chile's president opposes conservative proposal for private lithium concessions; under current plan, future lithium contracts would only be issued as public-private partnerships under government control
August 11, 2023
Arizona State University awarded NIST funding to develop lab course on sustainable production of polymers; Training for Improving Plastics Circularity Grant Program aims to help prepare the future workforce needed to grow a circular economy for plastics
August 11, 2023
ATA’s Statement Opposing FMCSA’s Move to Create Patchwork of Meal and Rest Break Rules
August 11, 2023
U.S. Department of Transportation Sends $10 Million in ‘Quick Release’ Emergency Relief Funding to Vermont to Repair Statewide Flood Damage
August 11, 2023
US Dept. of HHS awards more than US$88.0M in grants to expand access to treatment for substance use disorders; the grant supports school-based mental health programs and services and expand access to substance use disorder treatments
August 10, 2023
High Point, North Carolina, to purchase, install foam densifier at city recycling facility on US$50,000 grant from Foodservice Packaging Institute’s Foam Recycling Coalition; equipment converts PS packaging, foam into ingots for insulation, walls, roofs
August 10, 2023
Twenty-four US states have passed legislation to increase advanced recycling infrastructure, with three passing laws in 2023--Utah, Indiana, Kansas; companies investing in advanced recycling technologies include ExxonMobil, Greenback Recycling
August 10, 2023
Carton Council of North America announces launch of new podcast series, ‘Road to Recycling,’ showcasing the journey to grow food and beverage carton recycling and the partnerships made along the way
August 10, 2023
New Zealand acts on East Coast land use report, including improving national guidance on forestry management; minister notes government has already allocated NZ$10.15M towards clean-up of up to 70,000 tonnes of forestry slash, but says more must be done
August 10, 2023
Pact Group accelerates Sulo household wheelie bin production with new automated equipment, incorporates up to 80% recycled plastic content; injection molding equipment funded by AU$76M upgrade from Australian Government's Modern Manufacturing Strategy
August 9, 2023
ACC reiterates strong concerns about EPA’s 2022 draft formaldehyde assessment and echoes the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Committee’s concerns regarding the assessment’s lack of transparency and replicability
August 9, 2023
UK Space Agency to fund development of new Earth observation mission to help Singapore manage climate change; University of Surrey-led project to focus on monitoring air pollution, atmospheric weather forecasting with Space South Central
August 9, 2023
HHS awards US$30.0M to 151 HRSA-funded health centers to expand developmental screening for children to strengthen and expand the availability of early childhood services; health centers provide primary care for more than 30 million people in the US
August 8, 2023
President Biden recently gives shoutout Maine-based Tanbark for its efforts to replace plastic packaging with wood fiber; company has received federal funding to be part of a resurgence of manufacturing in Maine
August 8, 2023
INEOS Grangemouth welcomes UK government support for Acorn Carbon Capture and Storage Project, says project is ‘fundamental’ to its investment plans in low-carbon hydrogen production and the industrial decarbonization of Scotland
August 8, 2023
University of Huddersfield receives £1.75M funding to lead project focused on recycling plastic waste in textile industry; project aims to transform used polyester, cellulose from mixed cotton fabrics into new fibers for creating new textile goods
August 8, 2023
Cirba Solutions holds celebratory event around US$200M expansion of its Li-ion processing operations in Lancaster, Ohio, aided in party by US$82M DOE grant; event includes US Secretary of Energy as attendee
August 8, 2023
Biden-Harris Administration Announces Second Year of SMART Grants Funding Innovations in Transportation Data and Technology Systems
August 7, 2023
Texas A&M Forest Service opens application period for Community Wildfire Defense Grants; closing date for grant applications is Oct. 31
August 7, 2023
Four-week, localized state of emergency in Stikine region of British Columbia ends as wildfire threat diminishes
August 7, 2023
Japanese engineers develop new nonwoven membrane for fuel cells which shows greater durability, ion conductivity; membrane could help fulfill US DOE's target to facilitate the use of such membranes in automobile fuel cells by 2025: Waseda University
August 7, 2023
EPA awards US$25,000 to Southern Illinois University, Carbondale to study microplastic degradation; project to research microplastics in surface water, ground water, seawater, to benefit modifying treatment systems in wastewater treatment plants
August 4, 2023
EU’s electricity market design reforms criticized by European Steel Association for falling short of addressing price spikes, with benefits of renewable energy not being relayed to industrial consumers and citizens fast enough
August 4, 2023
Aemetis Biogas secures second US$25M USDA-guaranteed funding for biogas digesters at eight additional dairies; funding to help produce about 400,000 MMBtu/year of carbon-negative renewable natural gas from captured dairy methane, replacing diesel
August 4, 2023
Greenpeace says planned submission of deep sea mining application in 2024 by The Metals Company disregards international objections; majority of governments in International Seabed Authority voice opposition to allowing mining to begin in short-term
August 4, 2023
Dept. of Energy adds copper to its Critical Materials list, marking a first in US government history, announces up to US$4B in tax credits; copper demand is expected to double by 2035, driven by clean energy transition and clean water infrastructure needs
August 4, 2023
European Commission proposes EPR rules for textiles, with implementation of separate textile collection requirement in 2025; rules aim to ensure used textiles are sorted for reuse, and what cannot be reused is directed to recycling as priority
August 3, 2023
GPO welcomes Utah Tech University Library and Open Learning Services as new member of its Federal Depository Library Program; library will provide citizens in Saint George and surrounding area with no-cost access to Federal Government information
August 3, 2023
Corrugated Partners Group to invest US$52.7M, receive state grants to open new manufacturing operation in Pennsylvania, creating 80 new jobs; 420,000-sq-ft facility in Chambersburg will primarily produce single, double, and triple wall corrugated sheets
August 3, 2023
NEW MILESTONE: List of ‘Allies in Action’ Supporting USDOT’s Safety Push Surpasses 100 Members
August 2, 2023
Texas A&M Forest Service warns of fire danger as hot and dry conditions persist
August 2, 2023
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services publishes new rules enhancing long-term care hospital payments by 0.2% for fiscal year 2024; industry concerned of inadequate inpatient and long-term care hospital payment updates
August 2, 2023
Dept. of Labor sues UnitedHealth third-party administrator UMR Inc. for allegedly improperly denying ED claims for emergency services and urinary drug screening since 2015
August 2, 2023
US senators introduce Forest Conservation Easement Program Act, intended to expand, enhance ability of Natural Resources Conservation Service to conserve working forests; program would mirror framework of Agricultural Conservation Easement Program
August 2, 2023
Air Travel Consumer Report: February 2023 Airline Complaint Data
August 1, 2023
Sasol appeals regulatory changes that use a new metric to measure emissions; company's 30% GHG reduction target for 2030 is contingent upon previous method of regulating emissions
August 1, 2023
Usage of single-use plastic shopping bags at main retailers in UK drops more than 98% since £0.05 charge was introduced in supermarkets in 2015, according to new figures announced by UK Environment Minister
August 1, 2023
Closure of UPM and Sappi mills in Germany underline need for politicians to ensure competitive conditions, including affordable energy supply; closures will reduce production capacities of Bavarian paper industry by 20%: Bavarian Printing and Media Assn.
August 1, 2023
Consumer Brands Assn. comments on EPA’s Draft Strategy to Prevent Plastic Pollution; group highlights need for harmonized recycling standards, calls for review of misunderstood 'chasing arrows' symbol, integration of advanced recycling methods
August 1, 2023
Executive Perspective: Karl Hagspiel, Senior Circular Economy Expert at Alpla, discusses company’s recycling and sustainability strategy, current challenges in rPET market; company is ‘calling for fair competition for all packaging materials’
July 31, 2023
Slides now available for CalRecycle’s SB 54 July workshop on recycling rate, compostable materials, reusable/refillable, producer definition, producer responsibility plan, data reporting, updates on needs assessment ecomodulated fees, more
July 31, 2023
GPO is improving printing, publishing services for Federal agencies by restructuring its regional customer services teams throughout the country; GPO's telework, remote work policy provides flexibility required to make teams more productive
July 31, 2023
US DOE to provide US$100M to convert carbon pollution from industry, power plants into fuels, chemicals, building products; states, local governments to procure products made from captured emissions, to speed adoption of carbon management technologies
July 31, 2023
USDA accepting second round of applications for Community Wildfire Defense Grant program, designed to help at-risk communities mitigate wildfire risk; current available funding of US$250M is financed by Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
July 31, 2023
Drax CEO says UK’s decision to designate Viking as a Track 2 carbon capture utilization and storage cluster creates an additional pathway to support company's plans for bioenergy with carbon capture and storage at Drax Power Station
July 28, 2023
The American Chemistry Council expresses alarm as the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards program expires; group raises concerns for national security and increased exposure to threats for the chemical sector
July 28, 2023
LuxWall, venture capital backed manufacturer of energy-efficient windows, to invest US$165M establishing two manufacturing facilities in Michigan; supported by Michigan Strategic Fund, project is expected to create more than 450 high-paying jobs
July 28, 2023
President Biden signs executive order on federal R&D in support of domestic manufacturing and US jobs to encourage ‘Invent it Here, Make it Here’ in industries of the future
July 28, 2023
U.S. Department of Transportation Announces New Efforts to Combat Human Trafficking
July 28, 2023
Proposed legislation in Florida would would provide land grant universities with dedicated access to existing USDA grant funding to enhance AI, mechanization and other research to develop solutions to challenges facing America's agricultural producers
July 27, 2023
GlobalData: Indonesia introduces new legislation to regulate production and sale of traditional fermented food/drinks in response to demand for probiotic/prebiotic-rich foods; guidelines will help manufacturers expand their market, particularly in Asia
July 27, 2023
British Columbia, working in partnership with First Nations, introduces new measures to sustain Great Bear Rainforest as one of world’s most treasured and diverse coastal temperate forest ecosystems
July 27, 2023
Steel Industry Groups Urge Government to Ensure Use of American Steel in Clean Electricity Technologies Receiving IRA Bonus Credits
July 27, 2023
AF&PA encourages municipal recycling programs to update guidelines to accept corrugated pizza boxes, which are already being recycled at paper mills across the US; 3 billion pizza boxes in US per year would be 600,000 tons of corrugated for recycling
July 27, 2023
Banning single-use plastics in Canada may be the answer to reducing waste, but there are a lot of side effects from using paper, wood and aluminum, says Placon; government analysis shows use of other materials would create more waste, cost more to produce
July 26, 2023
ISSA applauds state of Ohio for allocating US$5M in the 2024 state budget for free period products in schools for grades 6-12; schools will receive US$2M for period-product dispensers and US$3M for menstrual products
July 26, 2023
U.S. Department of Transportation Requires Airline Lavatories to Be More Accessible for Wheelchair Users
July 26, 2023
ACC urges Congress to reform permitting process for energy production on federal lands, citing importance for US supply chain security; group highlights chemical industry's contribution of energy-saving solutions, lower-emissions technologies
July 26, 2023
Delay of UK’s EPR rollout is ‘bittersweet,’ says Ecoveritas expert; ‘all eyes will be on the industry now, who, having gotten the delay they wanted, should rally around a good policy for the planet and the environment’
July 25, 2023
British Columbia Institute of Technology to expand mass-timber skills training with C$3.3M in funding from province; initiative will create a training hub and launch two new mass-timber courses in fall 2023
July 25, 2023
INEOS comments on government decision decision to annul permit for Project ONE in Flanders; company emphasizes the energy efficiency of the planned site, which will have lowest CO2 emissions of any ethane cracker in Europe
July 25, 2023
U.S. Department of Transportation Announces First Ships Enrolled in the Tanker Security Program
July 24, 2023
On EU's proposed Green Claims Directive, Eurometaux calls for improvements on Product Environmental Footprint methodology, warns presence of hazardous substances should not be sole reason for prohibiting environmental claim for products like EV batteries
July 24, 2023
USDA to invest up to US$500M from Inflation Reduction Act to increase availability of domestic biofuels; also, agency begins this month accepting applications for US$450M in grants through Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program
July 24, 2023
US lawmakers urge Forest Service to analyze standing sawtimber levels in high priority firesheds; they say data can encourage public-private partnership to remove sawtimber, engage in active forest management to reduce wildfire risk
July 24, 2023
ATA-Led Coalition Urges Congressional Leaders to Repeal FET
July 24, 2023
US FDA denies petition on phthalates in food packaging, food contact applications; the May 19, 2022, petition requested a ban on eight ortho-phthalates, revocation of prior sanctioned uses for five ortho-phthalates in food based on alleged safety concerns
July 21, 2023
TNC awarded US$6.2M from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Transformational Habitat and Coastal Resilience program; it will supporting work to expand use of nature-based solutions in South Carolina, help protect underserved communities
July 21, 2023
TNC expands into Singapore; supported by Singapore Economic Development Board, new office will serve as strategic global center for partnerships, innovation, scientific research, focused on addressing linked crises of climate change and biodiversity loss
July 21, 2023
Euro area government deficit-to-GDP ratio decreased to 3.2% in Q1 from 4.7% in Q4; decrease in deficit due to decreases in total expenditure and increases in nominal GDP: Eurostat
July 21, 2023
Australian Forest Products Assn. CEO welcomes government’s decarbonization proposal for six priority areas of economy, says 'getting more timber trees in the ground will be a key priority for Australia’s Net Zero 2050 Plan'
July 21, 2023
UK Research and Innovation investment of £53M in six research centers is expected to drive change in energy system, help meet UK’s 2050 net zero target; £15M is for a new Energy Demand Research Centre, co-led by Newcastle University
July 20, 2023
FMCSR Quick Reference Guide
July 20, 2023
TPL, Upper Saco Valley Land Trust and State of New Hampshire create Dundee Community Forest spanning 1,250 acres; conservation of the 17 parcels assembled over 60 years offers opportunity for trail connectivity and wildlife movement corridors
July 20, 2023
USDA seeks project proposals by Sept. 4 for Joint Chiefs' Landscape Restoration Partnership to improve forest health, reduce wildfire threats, protect water supply and improve wildlife habitat
July 20, 2023
US Senate Environment and Public Works Committee to hold July 26 hearing on improving critical mineral recovery, e-waste recycling, reuse; witnesses to include Li-Cycle CEO, HOBI International co-founder, Maryland Recycling Network president
July 20, 2023
British Columbia Forest Practices Board to audit forest planning and practices of Valemount Community Forest in Robson Valley TSA starting July 24
July 19, 2023
CEO Europe of Smurfit Kappa calls for action over proposed amendments to EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, saying they will cause 'flood of plastic' pollution, penalize recyclable materials like paperboard while promoting the plastics industry
July 19, 2023
ECMA, Pro Carton release position paper, 'The need for clear definitions for paper & board based single-use products,' say they've seen an increase in potentially false plastic-free claims for items that fall within scope of Single Use Plastics Directive
July 19, 2023
US Dept. of Commerce rules hardwood plywood exported from Vietnam using inputs sourced from China is subject to antidumping and countervailing duties; Coalition for Fair Trade of Hardwood Plywood calls it 'an important win for US workers and producers'
July 19, 2023
British Columbia strengthens protection of its ecological reserves, enabling compliance and enforcement measures that BC Parks previously lacked
July 18, 2023
Commercial Metals Company secures permit from West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection to begin construction of its fourth micro mill, targeting its commissioning by 2025
July 18, 2023
Chemours and Honeywell to collaborate with Greek authorities to address illegal fluorinated gas refrigerants entering the EU at the greek border; companies aim to protect intellectual property of refrigerant innovations
July 18, 2023
Placer County, California, partners with US Forest Service to improve public safety and prepare 2,636 acres of previously forested ground for replanting and restoration after 2022's 4,000-acre Mosquito Fire
July 18, 2023
Open Space Institute and Beaufort County, South Carolina, acquire portions of historic Cotton Hall, providing recreational access; 527-acre property includes biologically diverse bottomland hardwoods, mature upland forests, and historic homesite
July 18, 2023
British Columbia Coroners Service issues public safety bulletin about wildfire smoke as it investigates death of nine-year-old boy related to an existing medical condition aggravated by smoke
July 17, 2023
ISSA endorses Period PROUD, a new bill aiming to expand accessibility to menstrual products, using funding through the Social Services Block Grant
July 17, 2023
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services release updated guidance for state surveyors on ligature risk assessment in hospitals; hospitals can show compliance with safety standards through patient assessments and risk mitigation
July 17, 2023
Irving Woodlands celebrates US National Forest Week; company says it takes seriously its role as steward of more than 519,000 hectares of forests Irving controls in northern Maine, notes its award-winning voluntary conservation program
July 17, 2023
USDA names Oregon State University researchers Meg Krawchuk, James Johnston among 21-strong panel charged with modernizing Northwest Forest Plan; aim is to reflect new management needs in light of climate change, wildfire risk, infestation, other threats
July 14, 2023
ACC responds to EPA's listing of a di-isononyl phthalate category on Toxics Release Inventory; chemical cannot reasonably be anticipated to cause cancer, birth defects, or serious or irreversible chronic health effects in humans, group says
July 14, 2023
Renewable Carbon Initiative publishes new report, ‘Making a Case for Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) – it is much more than just a carbon removal technology’; report identifies benefits and advantages, promotes policy measures
July 14, 2023
On Carbon Border Adjustment Measure regulation, European Aluminium recommends internationally accepted emission factors for importer reporting and exclusion of energy attribute certificates due to lack of robust uniform rules, allowing greenwashing
July 14, 2023
British Columbia, Canada, introduces Single-Use and Plastic Waste Prevention Regulation; requirements will start to come into force from December 2023
July 14, 2023
Abu Dhabi's Environment Agency launches bottle-return scheme, aiming to recycle 20 million single-use plastic bottles annually; project includes placement of 70 reverse vending machines, 26 smart bins in key areas such as airports, arenas, malls, schools
July 14, 2023
OSHA proposes US$346,954 in penalties for Missouri Mats for failing to protect employees from amputation hazards at its sawmill; company allowed employees to continue operating the saw in the same condition that resulted in a worker's death in January
July 13, 2023
Canadian Kraft Paper Industries to invest C$130,000, along with C$90,000 grant from Manitoba government, C$75,000 grant from Community Economic Development Fund, to expand biomass use to generate energy at its kraft mill in The Pas, reducing GHG emissions
July 13, 2023
FDA approves Opill tablet, the first daily oral contraceptive approved for use in US without a prescription; manufacturer HRA Pharma to determine product availability and pricing
July 13, 2023
Dairy Farmers of Canada to receive over C$7.5M from federal government to undertake research aimed at providing solutions to improve the environmental and economic sustainability, and resilience of the Canadian dairy industry
July 13, 2023
Cepi, Fefco, others release industry statement on EU's proposed mandatory re-use, refill packaging targets; groups say packaging with high recycling performance like paper should not be subject to reuse targets, and reuse may affect scarce water resources
July 13, 2023
UK paper association CPI releases position paper that reaffirms UK's Paper-based Industries' position that the End of Waste (EoW) for paper and board occurs at the point of actual recycling, ie the pulping stage; position is aligned with views of Cepi
July 12, 2023
ACC calls on US congress to move approve long-term extension of Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards before they expire; rules keep important protections in place, support enhanced security, group says
July 12, 2023
European Parliament votes to continue negotiations on EU Nature Restoration Law, which would introduce legally binding commitments to restore at least 20% of EU's land and seas by 2030; TNC says vote 'crucial win-win' for nature, climate in Europe, world
July 12, 2023
Executive Perspective: Forestry Director at Finnish Forest Industries, Karoliina Niemi, and UPM Forest's Stakeholder Relationship Director, Sami Oksa, share their views on how EU regulation and the EU Forest strategy affect Finnish forest owners
July 12, 2023
Representatives from major waste management organizations are selected to California's EPR program advisory board; organizations include Waste Connections, Resource Recovery Coalition of California, California Compost Coalition, StopWaste
July 12, 2023
USDA to invest US$300M to improve measurement, monitoring, reporting and verification of GHG emissions and carbon sequestration in climate-smart agriculture and forestry; new investments will advance priorities set by broader draft federal strategy
July 11, 2023
TPL, Pacific Crest Trail Assn., US Forest Service conserve Girard Ridge, a 2.5-mile section of Pacific Crest Trail owned and managed for decades by timber companies; it will be transferred to Shasta-Trinity National Forest, ensuring its ongoing protection
July 10, 2023
Commentary: EU's new batteries regulation introduces Battery Passports that will include information on renewable content in batteries, such as Stora Enso's tree-based Lignode; passports help avoid risk of shifting fossil fuel use from grid to batteries
July 10, 2023
British Columbia declares state of emergency for unincorporated Stikine region in response to ongoing wildfire situation, with evacuation order in place for specific areas affected by Little Blue River wildfire; province expands campfire bans
July 10, 2023
ACC and its Ethylene Oxide panel submit comments on EPA’s HON proposal
July 10, 2023
US Forest Service and historically Black colleges partner to boost diversity in wildland firefighting; recruitment effort comes as US wildfire season expands due to climate change and minorities remain underrepresented in forestry and firefighting
July 10, 2023
USDA Forest Service forms Northwest Forest Plan Federal Advisory Committee to provide advice, recommendations on modernizing landscape management across national forests within Northwest Forest Plan area in Washington, Oregon and Northern California
July 7, 2023
Steel Manufacturers Assn. supports ITC's probe in GHG emissions by US steel and aluminum makers; group expects findings to help negotiate global fair trade arrangement and highlights the cleaner production methods used by US manufacturers
July 7, 2023
European Chemicals Agency adds two new substances to Candidate List of Substances of Very High Concern: Diphenyl (2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl) phosphine oxide, often used in inks, toners, adhesives, sealants; and Bis (4-chlorophenyl) sulphone, used in plastics
July 7, 2023
California Air Resources Board is examining update to its Landfill Methane Regulation with new technologies, stricter rules to cut landfill emissions by additional 10%; proposals include using satellites to track methane, landfill covers, new uses for gas
July 7, 2023
New Zealand Institute of Forestry, Forest Industry Contractors Assn. voice concern about effect of government's proposed forestry policies on sector, its workforce; policies could cost country NZ$1B-NZ$2B, as it will fail to meet its carbon commitments
July 7, 2023
Canadian government provides updated forecast for remainder of 2023 wildfire season; most recent projections indicate continued potential for higher-than-normal fire activity across most of the country due to long-range forecasts, ongoing drought
July 6, 2023
US DOE to provide US$45M to boost domestic solar manufacturing; funding to also support development of new dual use solar technologies such as agrivoltaics, building-integrated photovoltaics
July 5, 2023
Beyond Plastics joins 61 organizations calling for city of Lockport, New York, to deny request by SRI CV Plastics for subsidies of a planned PVC production plant
July 5, 2023
Canada awards CHAR Technologies C$1.43M for project in British Columbia; fund aims to stimulate domestic clean fuel production capacity, will be used for feasibility study to build a facility to convert wood waste into renewable energy and biocarbon
July 5, 2023
Canada awards CHAR Technologies C$1.43M for sustainability project in British Columbia; fund aims to simulate domestic clean fuel production capacity, will be used for feasibility studies, building facility to convert wood waste into renewable energy
July 5, 2023
ISSA and EPA list accomplishments of the Pesticide Registration Improvement Act in H1, including centralization of more than 1,000 pesticide guidance documents related to pesticide regulation and pesticide-related resources on a new webpage
July 5, 2023
OSHA fines Rex Lumber US$184,385 after third serious incident in three years; death of 20-year-old sawmill worker at Troy, Alabama, facility in 2022 followed tragedies at two Rex sawmills in Florida in 2021 and 2020 related to improper machine operations
July 4, 2023
IATA Revises Hong Kong Aviation Recovery to Year End 2024
July 3, 2023
Ricoh wins five-year patent dispute against Midwest Athletics and Sports Alliance; MASA asserted 19 printer-, copier-related technology patents targeting a wide range of Ricoh products, including office, production printers, production print software
July 3, 2023
SEC settles charges against smart windows maker View for failing to disclose US$28M in projected warranty-related liabilities; it opts against civil penalties, citing company's self-reporting and remediation efforts, but charges View's former CFO
July 3, 2023
Coalition of energy buyers, including Cepi, urges European policymakers to use proposal on Electricity Market Design to help companies buy and consume renewable energy; group emphasizes need for regulatory certainty to promote sustainable energy practices
June 30, 2023
CMS issues CY 2024 proposed rule to reduce home health net payments by US$375M; proposed PDGM behavioral adjustments could lower payments by an additional US$870M, despite concern from AHA
June 30, 2023
New Washington State University study provides insight into how potentially overlooked models of past cross-boundary cooperation in wildfire management may apply to renewed cross-boundary cooperation among federal, tribal, state, local, private entities
June 30, 2023
CalRecycle announces representatives to inaugural Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Advisory Board; purpose of board is to identify barriers and solutions to creating a circular economy, advise stakeholders on new law
June 30, 2023
Center for Biological Diversity, San Juan Citizens Alliance sue US Forest Service, alleging agency violated environmental laws in its approval of Salter Timber Project, which would cut nearly 23,000 acres of timber in Colorado's San Juan National Forest
June 30, 2023
Federal judge stops Sanpoil logging project in Colville National Forest in Washington, ruling US Forest Service didn't adequately review effects on wolves, wolverines, other wildlife; project would harvest 8,140 acres, do prescribed burns on 19,129 acres
June 29, 2023
New Brunswick government will issue new Class 1 air quality approval for Twin Rivers Pulp mill in Edmundston; mill has production rate of about 700 tonnes/day of magnesium-based sulphite pulp and 100 tonnes/day of groundwood pulp
June 29, 2023
Congressmen introduce Wildfire Tech DEMO Act (HR 4235) that would allow private entities to partner with federal land management agencies to test wildfire technologies alongside ongoing hazardous fuels mitigation activities, training under four-year pilot
June 29, 2023
USDA Forest Service to invest US$188M to support 34 projects to conserve more than 245,000 acres of working forests in 22 states as part of agency's Forest Legacy program; US$100M from Inflation Reduction Act, US$88M from Land and Water Conservation Fund
June 29, 2023
As EU Anti-Deforestation Regulation enters force, FSC working to detail traceability obligations, protect indigenous peoples, empower smallholders; EUDR bans products that do not comply with sustainability requirements or are linked to deforested land
June 29, 2023
Corning awarded US$29,838,136 grant from HHS for sustainment of critical production of pharmaceutical glass tubing, vials; funding will enable Corning to create, maintain industrial base capabilities for nation’s Infectious Disease Surveillance Networks
June 29, 2023
Toward Carbon Neutral Production: Novelis to Trial Use of Hydrogen in Recycling Furnaces
June 28, 2023
US Fish & Wildlife seeks public comment on planning efforts at 3,800-acre Little Sandy National Wildlife Refuge, near Dallas, Texas; refuge was established under conservation easement for preservation of bottomland hardwood forest, migratory waterfowl
June 28, 2023
FPAC wants Canada's just-released National Adaptation Strategy and Action Plan to take additional fire-risk mitigation steps; FPAC seeks clearer links to Wildland Fire Strategy, funding of vulnerability assessments, support, tools for forested communities
June 27, 2023
US public water system users, especially in the South and West, see reduction in arsenic exposure due to stricter regulations, says Columbia University study; disparities persist on region, race/ethnicity, educational attainment, public water levels
June 27, 2023
Stora Enso's CarrEco Brown paper helps Ecobag Network, the largest producer of ecological paper bags in Poland, achieve improved Polish requirements for paper bag performance; Polish implementation of EU's Single Use Plastics Directive took effect May 24
June 27, 2023
British Columbia amending regulations to improve forest management, transparency; actions include new requirements for forest license holders to publish forest operations maps, new legal protection for rare habitats called 'ecological communities'
June 27, 2023
British Columbia's deputy chief forester lowers allowable annual cut level by 19% to 642,800 cubic meters for Tree Farm License 44 in west-central Vancouver Island; TFL 44 license held by Western Forest Products, Huu-ay-aht First Nation
June 27, 2023
Oregon State University Extension Service to use a five-year, US$10M grant from USDA to serve as coordinator of USDA-funded projects that aim to cultivate next generation of research, education and extension professionals in food and agricultural sciences
June 26, 2023
Performance report finds state's Forestry Corp. of New South Wales not properly monitoring contractors to ensure protected trees aren't being logged, not tracking its own efforts for tighter oversight; audit recommends boosting consistency, trained staff
June 26, 2023
City Council of Leeds, UK, launches Alupro-led 'Foil in Love' initiative to encourage more recycling of aluminum packaging; program aims to reach residents via social media to collect items such as wrapping foil, trays, cans, pie tins
June 26, 2023
Australia commits AU$74M for forest plantation establishment grants; 'Support Plantation Establishment Program' will provide grants to private operators, state and territory forestry enterprises to establish new plantations and farm forestry operations
June 26, 2023
DS Smith official says European Commission’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation proposal would push economies toward plastic alternatives, embedding a plastic economy into the market, and risk compromising the paper-based packaging industry
June 26, 2023
CEPI releases position paper outlining European paper industry's stance on key aspects to consider for EU's 2040 emission reduction target; policymakers should leverage sector's sustainable forest management, decarbonized production, product substitution
June 23, 2023
Constellium Receives Low Carbon Award from Safran
June 23, 2023
ACC welcomes introduction of bipartisan legislation that would extend the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards program; bill supports chemical industry's ongoing investments in enhancing security, group says
June 23, 2023
US Senate introduces Support to Rehydrate the Environment, Agriculture and Municipalities--or STREAM--Act to increase water supply, modernize water infrastructure throughout West; bill to provide more than US$1B for water desalination, storage, recycling
June 23, 2023
The American Diabetes Assn. receives five-year, US$12.5M CDC grant to expand programming in multiple states to prevent type 2 diabetes; over 37 million Americans have diabetes, 96 million have prediabetes
June 23, 2023
US Fish & Wildlife Service names Scott Covington assistant regional director for Science Applications in Pacific Region; he will lead conservation and climate adaptation efforts in Hawaii, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Pacific Islands
June 23, 2023
INDA receives stakeholder accreditation with United Nations Environment Programme, allowing group's representatives to observe formal ongoing negotiations of UN Global Plastics Treaty; at least three more sessions expected before finalizing at end of 2024
June 23, 2023
U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security actions to restrict goods produced by Ninestar from entering country will have minimal impact on Lexmark, company says; Lexmark has stopped shipments from Ninestar and its subsidiaries, will replace company as supplier
June 22, 2023
3M settles PFAS claims by public water suppliers, will contribute up to US$10.3B over 13 years; settlement will support remediation efforts by public water suppliers across the US
June 22, 2023
Federal agencies now required by law to submit congressionally mandated reports to U.S. Government Publishing Office; Office of Management and Budget issues guidance, outlining instructions and deadlines for compliance with mandate
June 22, 2023
Mosaic Forest Management renews agreement with Fisheries and Oceans Canada to expand a hatchery at Wilfred Creek Hatchery on Vancouver Island; expansion will boost salmon populations and habitat restoration in watershed
June 22, 2023
USDA and NASA sign memorandum of understanding aimed at strengthening the collaboration between the two agencies, including efforts to improve agricultural research and agricultural management
June 22, 2023
US House introduces bill to provide care, benefits to veterans and their families exposed to toxic PFAS chemicals; bill would consider PFAS exposure at military installations as service-connected injuries, enabling eligibility for VA benefits
June 21, 2023
USDOT Proposes Requirements for Real-time Hazmat Information for Firefighters and First Responders to Improve Freight Rail Safety
June 21, 2023
Cleveland-Cliffs Applauds Preliminary Determination by the U.S. Department of Commerce in Tin Mill Products Trade Case
June 21, 2023
UK government invites Frugalpac to send its paper Frugal Bottles to trade chiefs in Australia, New Zealand to mark upcoming Free Trade Agreements; it is five times lighter than a glass bottle, uses six times less carbon and energy to produce and dispose
June 21, 2023
US Fish and Wildlife Service, NOAA Fisheries propose to reinstate protections for species under Endangered Species Act, also improve interagency consultation process, clarify standards for listing, delisting, species and critical habitat designations
June 21, 2023
Next Level Conservation Trust finalizes purchase of Fern Station Nature Preserve, permanently protecting 570 acres of forestland in Putnam County, Indiana; land--now owned by Central Indiana Land Trust--was purchased through 3:1 state partner match
June 20, 2023
ACC announces launch of new tool tracking EPA progress in new chemicals reviews under the Toxic Substances Control Act; resource will be updated monthly using EPA public data sources
June 20, 2023
Strong Recovery for Ethiopia’s Aviation Sector Post-COVID, Clearing Blocked Funds is Critical
June 20, 2023
Australia's US$2B Social Housing Accelerator Fund 'can also be a winner for sovereign capability and climate' if government encourages use of timber for new-home construction: Australian Forest Products Assn.
June 20, 2023
Shell's product safety and regulatory expert shares four-point action plan to transition away from animal testing of chemical safety in Europe; ECHA director highlights potential to achieve environmental health goals without animal testing
June 20, 2023
British Columbia's Forest Innovation and Bioeconomy Conference, June 19-21, brings together leaders in forestry, government, academia; FPInnovations, Paper Excellence, COFI, University of British Columbia are sponsoring event
June 19, 2023
US government earmarks US$11.4M for three projects aimed at focusing on innovative technologies that decarbonize process heating operations within the food and beverage sector
June 19, 2023
US Dept. of Energy announces US$38.3M awarded to nine research projects intended to decarbonize the chemical industry; funding is part of department's US$135M fund to 40 projects in total, advancing net zero emissions goals by 2050
June 19, 2023
FEFCO discusses EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, says recycling and re-use must be treated equally if a truly circular economy is to be achieved
June 19, 2023
USDA awards Portland Museum of Art in Maine a US$300,000 Community Wood Innovations Grant; funding supports PMA Blueprint project for its innovative mass-timber campus expansion and unification project designed by Lever Architecture
June 19, 2023
Paptic’s latest ‘Unboxing Sustainability’ podcast features Anna Papagrigoraki, sustainability director from CEPI, and focuses on European Commissions’ upcoming Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation
June 16, 2023
Burnham RNG to build Pasco, Washington, wastewater treatment facility on green bonds issuance; Pasco Resource Recovery Center to clean 1.5 billion gallons/year of wastewater for agricultural reuse, capture biogas to convert it into renewable natural gas
June 16, 2023
US congressman for Montana at House committee hearing slams BLM's proposed Conservation and Landscape Health Rule as 'disastrous', 'overreach', and 'an insult to those who rely on grazing lands for their livelihoods'
June 16, 2023
EURATEX welcomes European Commission's Textiles Transition Pathway as a roadmap for green, digital transition; group's Industry 5.0-focused meetings discuss future competitive business models, which require efforts along the clothing, textiles value chain
June 16, 2023
Dallas City Council approves acquisition of Big Cedar Wilderness, a 300-acre property in Southwestern Dallas, for public park; land, valued at more than US$17M, was donated to TPL to be preserved as green space
June 16, 2023
ArcelorMittal invests 67 million euros in a new electric arc furnace at its Belval site, with the support of the Ministry of Economy
June 15, 2023
AF&PA opposes Massachusetts lawmakers' current recycling, waste management proposals, saying they not reflect complexities of state's recycling system and could affect long-term success of highly recycled materials like paper
June 15, 2023
Galician government declares Ence's planned bioplant in As Pontes, Spain, a 'Strategic Industrial Project'; bioplant would produce recovered bleached fiber and biomaterials, and first phase would build paper, board recycling plant at investment of €125M
June 15, 2023
American Cleaning Institute hosts Capitol Hill fly-in event for member companies to engage with congressional offices, advocating for national labeling standard for cleaning product ingredient communication
June 15, 2023
U.S. Department of Transportation Announces Technical Assistance Grants for Transportation Projects in Rural and Tribal Communities
June 15, 2023
U.S. Department of Transportation Announces $3 Million in ‘Quick Release’ Emergency Relief Funding to Rebuild I-95 in Philadelphia
June 14, 2023
ACC raises concern over proposed federal regulations that could hinder innovation and supply chain resiliency; regulations on chemical industry impose US$7B in annual costs to the economy, group says
June 14, 2023
Ernst & Young: US tops Renewable Energy Country Attractiveness Index, supported by Inflation Reduction Act, but regulation risks global imbalance; Europe, elsewhere concerned that IRA incentivizes developers and manufacturers to locate investments in US
June 14, 2023
US Senate introduces legislation to reduce negative public health effects of wildfire smoke for vulnerable communities; Cleaner Air Spaces Act would provide grants to provide free air filtration units to households, establish clean air centers
June 14, 2023
USDA, Dept. of the Interior outline strategic priorities for managing wildland fires this year; 17,000 firefighters to be on board by year-end, and both agencies have made substantial progress toward completing fuels treatments on 6.1 million acres
June 14, 2023
Ceres CEO: Massachusetts' community climate bank program is an example of leadership with ambitious climate policies that can serve as models for the nation; program charts a novel form of public-private partnership, unlocking funds for green projects
June 13, 2023
Executive Perspective: ACC's VP of Sustainability and Responsible Care says chemical industry is crucial in providing solutions to help reduce GHG emissions, promote clean energy transition; carbon capture and utilization is poised to capture investments
June 13, 2023
US Forest Service awards Oregon US$1.2M to support wood products innovation in manufacturing, develop markets for mass timber and renewable wood energy; awards rage from US$100,000 for Beck Group Heartwood Biomass to US$300,000 for a mass timber facility
June 13, 2023
UK passes amendment to curb funding of deforestation; TNC notes some £300B of UK pension money is invested in high deforestation risk companies, and US$16.6B-worth of UK finance has been linked to companies implicated in deforestation from 2015 to 2020
June 13, 2023
American Chemistry Council responds to EPA proposal to restrict uses of perchloroethylene under the Toxic Substances Control Act; ACC points out EPA limit is 700 times lower than OSHAH legal limit
June 13, 2023
Recycling and recycled content targets in European Commission’s PPWD are achievable, but lack of alternative materials and insufficient recycling infrastructure are major barriers to overcome, according to survey of packaging producers and users
June 12, 2023
GPO surpasses 10 billion retrievals of Government Information since agency began publishing information online, with Congressional Bills, Congressional Hearings, Federal Register most popular collections on GovInfo
June 12, 2023
Councils of Somerset, Newcastle join FPF FlexCollect, the UK's largest flexible plastic household collection, recycling pilot for bags, wrappers, packets, films; £3M project to scale recycling rates ahead of UK compulsory 2027 curbside collections
June 12, 2023
Closed Loop Partners and Lucas County, Ohio, enter agreement to establish new materials recovery facility in Toledo; company to design, build modern facility to process materials such as plastics, papers, metals, textiles, electronics, food waste
June 9, 2023
ISSA supports Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act that would create a year-round, non-seasonal temporary worker program; ISSA says labor shortages in the cleaning service industry will not be solved without access to foreign workers
June 9, 2023
Mosaic Forest Management working with RCMP, British Columbia Wildfire Service and Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure on Cameron Lake Wildfire; Mosaic's private roads in area are restricted to emergency and authorized personnel only
June 9, 2023
Packaging in Australia will soon be subject to new government rules aimed at cutting waste, boosting recycling; rules will include mandatory design standards and targets for recycled content and to address use of harmful chemicals in food packaging
June 9, 2023
SEE chosen by USPS for Supplier Performance Award for Supplier Excellence for providing shipping mailers for COVID-19 test kits in 2022 as part of COVIDTests.gov program; SEE produced more than 23 million mailers, 270 truckloads of BUBBLE WRAP cushioning
June 8, 2023
US Fish & Wildlife Service honors Rayonier's Director of Public Affairs Dan Roach with Regional Director’s Honor Award for work with Southeast Forest Landowner Group; group is named Private Landowner of the Year for gopher tortoise conservation efforts
June 8, 2023
Oklahoma Health Care Authority announces intent to award Humana Healthy Horizons contract to serve Medicaid beneficiaries in state starting in early-to-mid 2024; Humana is one of three Medicaid plan administrators selected by the state
June 8, 2023
GPO partners with NOAA Central Library to add more than 47,000 unique items published by NOAA authors and grantees to National Collection of US Government Public Information
June 8, 2023
Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and Conservation Fund add some 1,740 acres to Catoosa Wildlife Manage Area on Cumberland Plateau; Catoosa WMA spans 85,000 acres and acquisition will preserve critical wooded habitats, support outdoor tourism economy
June 8, 2023
U.S. Department of Transportation Announces Loan of Up to $45 Million for the Rural Two-Lane Advancement and Management Plan Project in Oklahoma
June 7, 2023
US senators introduce Headwaters Protection Act; bipartisan legislation would expand support for two Forest Service programs that prevent water pollution at source, improve health of watersheds, and ensure investments benefit downstream communities
June 7, 2023
TekniPlex Healthcare to discuss pharma sector’s unique challenges involving packaging waste, PFAS regulations across Europe at Connect in Pharma event, and showcase various solutions, including fully transparent recyclable mid-barrier blister pack
June 7, 2023
Saskatchewan sees record-breaking exports in 2022, with global exports surpassing C$52.6B for first time--42% higher than 2021 record of C$37B; non-agriculture manufacturing and processing export growth led by 50.8% increase in semi-chemical wood pulp
June 7, 2023
Bank of Canada increased its target for the overnight rate to 4.75%, with the Bank Rate at 5.00% and the deposit rate at 4.75%; the Bank is continuing its policy of quantitative tightening
June 6, 2023
Veolia's digital recycling solution RECAPP launches UAE recycling deposit initiative for implementing reverse vending, smart deposit machines; company partners with local governments for its free app-based door-to-door collection service for bottles, bags
June 6, 2023
US Government Publishing Office kicks off its second Library Services & Content Management Pilot Project Initiative to help Federal Depository Library Program libraries make Government information more discoverable for American public
June 6, 2023
AF&PA opposes New York State’s Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act, which proposes to create an EPR program in the state, says 'rushed, one-size-fits-all' policy could impact long-term success of highly recycled materials, like paper
June 6, 2023
Canada to invest more than C$30M to create 960 green jobs, training opportunities for youth in natural resources sectors; SFI's Project Learning Tree Canada will act as a delivery organization for the program
June 5, 2023
National Waste & Recycling Assn.'s Ohio chapter chair testifies against SB 119, which would 'dramatically' increase governmental fees--in some cases more than 500%-- associated with disposal of construction, demolition waste
June 5, 2023
GFL Environmental completes divestments of Colorado, New Mexico assets to Republic Services, and Nashville, Tennessee, solid waste operations to WM; DOJ approves company divestments in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware to close with Casella on June 30
June 5, 2023
Holmen publishes its report of payments to government agencies in Sweden in 2022 in accordance with Swedish law
June 5, 2023
Reuters reports GM and Stellantis have reportedly paid US$363M in CAFE penalties; Stellantis reportedly fined for 2018 and 2019 model-years, GM reportedly fined for model-years 2016 and 2017
June 5, 2023
Hollingsworth & Vose joins UN Global Compact initiative, the world's largest corporate sustainability initiative, with more than 15,000 companies, 4,000 non-business signatories based in more than 160 countries, as well as more than 69 Local Networks
June 2, 2023
British Columbia extends deferral of old-growth harvesting in Fairy Creek watershed until Feb. 1, 2025; deferral protects 1,184 hectares of Crown land in the Fairy Creek watershed, which falls within Pacheedaht territory
June 2, 2023
Minnesota legislature passes bill that would ban PFAS in cleaning products and other product categories, effective Jan. 1, 2025, for categories including cleaning products; bill now heads to the governor
June 2, 2023
New FSC Interim Forest Stewardship Standard for Slovakia is published, goes into effect Sept. 1; Slovak Republic has 1,951,500 hectares of forest cover, mainly under control of federal and state government
June 2, 2023
Chemours, DuPont, Corteva reach agreement to comprehensively resolve PFAS-related drinking water claims of certain public water systems serving most of the US; companies to collectively contribute US$1.185B to a settlement fund
June 2, 2023
Papier- und Kartonfabrik Varel and local water district to receive €500,000 grant after successful pilot phase of their joint water reuse project to use treated wastewater for industrial purposes; PKV to take next steps for project planning, approval
June 1, 2023
Alupro to join DRS panel debate at the 2023 Environmental Packaging Summit
June 1, 2023
NHTSA proposes automatic emergency braking requirements for new vehicles, including pedestrian AEB systems on passenger cars/light trucks; NHTSA estimates the technology would save at least 360 lives a year, reduce injuries by at least 24,000 annually
June 1, 2023
Open Space Institute awarded nearly US$100,000 from US Forest Service Forest Legacy Program to implement major upgrade to National Forest Carbon Monitoring System data
June 1, 2023
Li-Cycle joins UN Global Compact initiative, committing to aligning its operations, strategies with UN's Ten Principles for human rights, labor, environment, anti-corruption; company to also take action to support UN's Sustainable Development Goals
June 1, 2023
CPI responds to inaccuracies in BBC article about recyclability of pizza boxes, paper coffee cups; CPI clarifies that stains, marks from contact with food do not prevent pizza boxes from being recycled, reiterates paper coffee cups are currently recycled
May 31, 2023
PureCycle secures financing plan with Augusta, Georgia, to proceed with development activities for its PP purification facility there; facility can expand to eight total purification lines, producing 1 billion lbs. of ultra-pure recycled resin
May 31, 2023
Researchers suggest a universal definition of reuse systems and assess how all nations can move away from throw-away packaging; authors say a path to mass adoption of reuse systems should roll out in four phases, starting with arenas and festivals
May 31, 2023
NHTSA Proposes Automatic Emergency Braking Requirements for New Vehicles
May 31, 2023
Federal Transit Administration Asks for Comment on Proposed Updates to National Public Transportation Safety Plan
May 31, 2023
American Cleaning Institute appoints Jamie Logan as Manager, State Government Affairs; ACI also promotes Ryan Heisler to Senior Manager, Environmental & Scientific Affairs
May 30, 2023
Australian Forest Products Assn. urges government to examine 'skyrocketing' hardwood imports and Australia's increasing reliance on offshore timber as domestic forest plantation estate shrinks
May 30, 2023
ACC welcomes bipartisan agreement on debt ceiling with provisions on permitting reform as it relates to energy infrastructure projects; group supports policy that ensures reliable energy delivery system, secure supply chains
May 30, 2023
Joint Communiqué by the U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and the European Commissioner for Transport, Adina Vălean on transatlantic cooperation
May 30, 2023
Fiber producer Kraig Biocraft Labs says US Air Force Research Laboratories solicited company with request for information; company says USAF is seeking out industrial supply base members to help strengthen nation's bioengineering, biomanufacturing sectors
May 30, 2023
GM Defense and Black Sage Technologies Sign Teaming Agreement...
May 26, 2023
Level 1 Fire and Travel restrictions implemented in Manitoba because of high fire danger in southeast of province
May 26, 2023
Nova Scotia sends fire crews to help with out-of-control wildfires near Yellowknife in Northwest Territories
May 26, 2023
American Forest Resource Council welcomes federal court ruling supporting US Forest Service use of aerial fire retardants while pursuing a Clean Water Act permit
May 25, 2023
ACC supports bills approved by US House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, which will help reduce emissions and improve efficiency of truck freight, group says; bills address issues that have affected chemical industry for years
May 25, 2023
Recycling plastics increases toxicity, according to Greenpeace USA's new report based on peer-reviewed and international studies; upcoming Global Plastics Treaty negotiations should focus on capping, phasing down plastic production, group says
May 25, 2023
Biden-Harris Administration Announces More than $52 Million in Advanced Technology Grants to Improve Safety and Reduce Travel Times
May 25, 2023
Metsä Board submits EIA report for its planned paperboard mill on existing mill site in Kaskinen, in accordance with Environmental Impact Assessment Procedure Act; report is open for public comment and opinion to July 21
May 24, 2023
Pregis’ takeaways from Sustainable Packaging Coalition’s SPC Impact event: brands must be open about sustainability goals; educating the public on sustainable packaging is an industry responsibility; brands should prioritize sustainability legislation
May 24, 2023
Norske Skog CEO, head of Golbey mill attend ChooseFrance 2023 business summit, meet with government officials to discuss transportation, energy, access to raw materials; Norske Skog has made substantial investment in recycled containerboard at Golbey mill
May 24, 2023
AHA and over 30 other organizations urge Congress to pass Saving Access to Laboratory Services Act; ACT would update Medicare payment system for laboratory services to ensure its sustainability
May 23, 2023
Nearly 50% of ethylene oxide production in the US is connected to PET supply chain, according to report from Defend Our Health and Beyond Petrochemicals; PET production releases more of the PFAS chemical 1,4-dioxane than any other industry, groups note
May 23, 2023
Copper Development Assn. issues challenge to letters sent by US Geological Survey to congressmen and senators that deny a bipartisan request to immediately add copper to the official Critical Minerals list due to dramatic supply risk
May 23, 2023
Nanollose receives AU$374,063 tax rebate from Australia's R&D Tax Incentive program, which provides tax offsets for eligible research, development activities; company has developed dewatering technology for microbial cellulose, sustainable Nullarbor fiber
May 23, 2023
AF&PA appoints Julie Landry as VP of government affairs, also promotes Laura Pickard to senior director, government affairs and international trade, and Abby Sztein to senior director, government affairs
May 23, 2023
New York state government announces new initiative in which any establishment serving food must display an allergy notice in an area that is easily visible and readily accessible to employees involved in food preparation and service
May 22, 2023
National Waste & Recycling Assn. voices support for Main Street Tax Certainty Act, which would make permanent 20% tax deduction for small and individually-owned businesses; group says permanent deduction would lead to higher economic growth, job creation
May 22, 2023
OSHA begins a National Emphasis Program to prevent falls, the leading cause of fatal workplace injuries; the initiative aligns enforcement and outreach efforts to protect workers
May 22, 2023
US Joint Office of Energy and Transportation announces US$51M funding to enhance EV charging resilience, offer equitable access to electrification, improve charging performance and reliability
May 22, 2023
US Joint Office of Energy and Transportation launches National Charging Experience Consortium to enhance EV charging experience in US; consortium to focus on EV charging nationwide to ensure reliable and frictionless experiences for drivers
May 22, 2023
Smurfit Kappa hosts European Round Table for Industry event where leaders from Europe’s largest firms discussed Europe’s competitiveness, sustainable growth, creation of jobs; discussion topics included energy transition, climate change and innovation
May 19, 2023
AbbVie's RINVOQ gets FDA approval for treating moderate to severe Crohn's disease in adults who had an inadequate response or intolerance to one or more TNF blockers; RINVOQ already approved for rheumatology, dermatology, and gastroenterology
May 19, 2023
US Dept. of the Interior commits US$62.5M to help plan for endangered species recovery efforts that, over next several years, are expected to benefit more than 300 species currently listed under Endangered Species Act
May 19, 2023
Government of Canada opens funding applications for industrial facilities under the Green Industrial Facilities and Manufacturing Program; facilities can receive up to C$10M per proposal to implement energy efficiency projects
May 19, 2023
HID to demonstrate latest innovations in document design, biometric technologies, secure issuance solutions for design, security, enrollment, authentication, verification at ID4Africa in Kenya, May 22-25; ID4Africa is non-governmental organization
May 18, 2023
Saskatchewan activates provincial command for wildfire response; province currently has 28 active wildfires burning and there have been 169 wildfires so far this year, double the number normally seen
May 18, 2023
FDA advisory committee votes in support of approval for Pfizer’s vaccine candidate to help prevent RSV in infants through maternal immunization; FDA decision expected in August
May 18, 2023
Biden-Harris Administration Announces Availability of $220 Million to Modernize Ferry Service and Better Connect Rural Communities
May 18, 2023
US lawmakers reintroduce bipartisan, bicameral FIRESHEDS Act to improve wildfire prevention efforts; legislation has support from a wide range of forest-sector trade groups and other stakeholders
May 18, 2023
Australian Forest Products Assn. welcomes China’s decision to lift quarantine ban on Australian log imports
May 17, 2023
Coalition of conservation, sportsmen, forest management entities applauds introduction of Forest Conservation Easement Program Act; bipartisan legislation will fill a critical gap, help keep private forestland intact and sustainably managed for timber
May 17, 2023
Central Montana’s newest wildlife management area opens to public, making access available to 100,000 acres, while keeping the land available for cattle grazing
May 17, 2023
Lawmakers Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Driver Apprenticeship Program
May 17, 2023
American Chemistry Council responds to proposed EPA New Chemicals Program Procedural Rule, emphasizing need for timeliness and predictability in new chemical reviews; group also notes policy should not affect supply chain
May 17, 2023
Rehrig Pacific supplies new recycling carts for 95,000 Virginia households, the largest cart rollout in Central Virginia Waste Management Authority's history; carts for Henrico, Hanover, Goochland counties are made from locally sourced recycled materials
May 16, 2023
To slash plastic pollution by 80% globally by 2040, UNEP report suggests first eliminating problematic, unnecessary plastics to reduce size of problem; subsequently, report calls for three market shifts--reuse, recycle, and reorient and diversify products
May 16, 2023
Schumacher Packaging calls for EU Packaging Regulation to consider the LCA of packaging, focus on advantages of paper-based solutions; planned reusable packaging quotas jeopardize regulation's goals to minimize packaging due to its mixed climate balance
May 16, 2023
Danish Energy Agency awards Ørsted 20-year contract for its carbon capture and storage project Ørsted Kalundborg Hub; from early 2026, the wood chip-fired Asnæs and straw-fired Avedøre CHP plants will capture, store 430,000 tonnes/year of biogenic CO2
May 15, 2023
Altria enters agreement to resolve at least 6,000 JUUL-related state and federal legal cases for US$235M; company believes cases do not have merit but wants to bring closure without legal process, company General Counsel says
May 15, 2023
ISSA's May Period Project Update details proposed state legislation on menstrual products; Arizona's proposed budget includes US$2M to pay for menstrual products in schools, Minnesota bill would require free menstrual products in restrooms for grades 4-12
May 15, 2023
First-in-human trial of oral HOPO 14-1 drug to remove radioactive contamination begins in US; HOPO 14-1 is up to 100 times more effective than intravenous DTPA at binding and removing radioactive elements
May 15, 2023
Consumer Brands Assn. VP of Packaging & Sustainability says policymakers need to make recycling a priority and that the current system in many places is underperforming; governments at federal, state level must join in moving toward uniform standards
May 15, 2023
New Zealand Government to fund clean up of forestry slash in Tairāwhiti and Hawke’s Bay, aims to remove up to 70,000 tonnes of woody debris from river and catchment systems; NZ$10.2M from Budget 2023 also includes funding for slash management traps
May 12, 2023
TNC, on US Fish and Wildlife's finalization of policy to balance development and conservation, praises agency's work to restore a wildlife mitigation policy that ensures consistency, transparency, and predictability for project proponents
May 12, 2023
ACC CEO testifies to US Congress, stressing importance of freight rail recovery for a resilient supply chain; to make American manufacturing internationally competitive, moving more chemicals by rail will be vital, CEO says
May 12, 2023
US Fish and Wildlife Service issues final policies on mitigating impacts of land and water development projects on America’s wildlife and their habitats
May 12, 2023
European Commission's proposed energy sharing framework will stimulate move towards consumer-centric, decentralized energy system that empowers and protects users against excessive price spikes; CEPI recommends 'best practice' improvements
May 12, 2023
TNC in Alabama to lead forestry management services for Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge and Mountain Longleaf National Wildlife Refuge; US$500,000 federal grant provided through a public-private partnership with US Fish and Wildlife Service
May 11, 2023
Twelve Italian citizens, Greenpeace Italy, ReCommon file lawsuit against fossil fuel company ENI and its two main shareholders for contributions to climate change, violation of Paris Agreement; lawsuit demands ENI to reduce emissions by 45% by 2030
May 11, 2023
HHS extends certain PREP Act liability protections for certain COVID-19 countermeasure activities beyond the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency May 11
May 11, 2023
Canadian government to invest C$46.3M over the next five years in Nova Scotia's agriculture sector; the agreement aims to help the sector build capacity, growth and competitiveness, as well as pursue science, research and innovation
May 11, 2023
Canadian government raises the interest-free limit of the Advance Payments Program from C$250,000 to C$350,000 for the 2023 program year; the program aims to help producers manage financial challenges
May 11, 2023
Sun Chemical releases Spring 2023 Regulatory newsletter, highlighting details on TiO2 ruling in Europe; company will discuss opinions on PFAS restrictions in the EU and US
May 10, 2023
German paper industry welcomes federal proposal to implement an industrial electricity price; Die Papierindustrie says measure 'essential' to support Germany's energy-intensive industries with bridge electricity price until 2030 during energy transition
May 10, 2023
UK's Confederation of Paper Industries debunks claims of tissue product shortages due to new EU deforestation legislation; group says new regulations don't come into effect until 2024, won't affect majority of wood-pulp based tissue products sold in UK
May 10, 2023
Hyundai Motor to Protect Blue Carbon Ecosystems in Partnership with Korean Government Entities
May 9, 2023
American Chemistry Council welcomes bipartisan effort making improvements to the Railway Safety Act of 2023, which strengthen emergency response and support safe movement of chemicals, group says
May 9, 2023
California's most-used insecticide Intrepid 2F contains potentially dangerous PFAS levels, Center for Biological Diversity says; activist groups request regulators remove product from use until contamination is addressed
May 9, 2023
US Proposed Passenger Compensation Rule Will Raise Costs but Not Solve Delays
May 9, 2023
Sixteen state attorneys general call on EPA, NOAA to use full extent of their authority to address 'pervasive' plastic microfiber pollution; solutions include regulating microfiber release via Clean Water Act, implementing filters on washing machines
May 8, 2023
National Science Foundation to establish seven new National Artificial Intelligence Research Institutes to promote ethical and trustworthy AI systems, develop novel approaches to cybersecurity, contribute to innovative solutions to climate change, more
May 8, 2023
Bausch Health Canada recalls all lots of its Emerade epinephrine auto-injectors in 0.3 mg and 0.5 mg strengths due to possible device failure; Bausch distributed the affected lots in Canada between April 2022 and May 2023
May 8, 2023
Proposed 300% tariffs on imported tinplate steel could raise canned food costs by 30% and threaten 40,000 manufacturing jobs; Consumer Brands Association urges Commerce Department and ITC to deny Cleveland-Cliffs' tariff petition
May 8, 2023
British Columbia Ministry of Forests to conduct aerial moth spraying in Port Alberni area to eradicate spongy moths and minimize risk they pose to forests, farms, orchards, trees
May 8, 2023
Third man to plead guilty in Texas timber theft case sentenced to 10 years of deferred adjudication, ordered to pay US$104,776; Texas A&M Forest Service says evidence linked the logging truck drivers to illegal timber sales through a third-party contract
May 5, 2023
Rehrig Pacific supplies 162,000 recycling carts to Kansas City, Missouri, in partnership with Dow Chemical, Recycling Partnership; bins are made from post-consumer materials, partially supported from Dow donation of 1.2 million lbs. of plastic resin
May 5, 2023
ISSA and ISSA Hygieia Network announce free webinar, 'How the Cleaning Industry Is Advocating for an End to Period Poverty,' on May 25; group also rounds up recent legislation impacting the hygiene industry
May 5, 2023
CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky to depart at end of June after leading the agency through a transition to normalcy after two-year COVID-19 pandemic
May 5, 2023
American Chemistry Council welcomes introduction of US Senate laws including Building American Energy Security Act of 2023, RESTART Act, SPUR Act; laws include efforts to modernize policy regarding manufacturing, energy and more, group says
May 5, 2023
Decorative Hardwoods Assn., Composite Panel Assn., Hardwood Federation, in comments to EPA, emphasize low embodied carbon of wood products; they also note the full building life cycle needs to be considered when assessing low-embodied carbon materials
May 5, 2023
Gentex and ODC Network Break Ground on Innovative Preschool
May 4, 2023
USDA invests US$63M for fuel breaks to protect communities, increase firefighter safety; funding will support projects in Colorado, Montana, Oregon, South Dakota, Wyoming
May 4, 2023
EU deforestation regulation must have positive Impact on smallholders, in addition to addressing biodiversity and climate change, says PEFC; forest certification body advocates inclusive, sustainable implementation to support livelihoods
May 3, 2023
Bristol Myers Squibb receives European Commission approval for CAR T cell therapy Breyanzi lisocabtagene maraleucel for relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma after one prior therapy
May 3, 2023
Kansas City, Missouri, rolls out 160,000 65-gallon recyclable carts on US$1.5M public-private partnership with Missouri Beverage Assn., American Beverage Assn., Dow; beverage industry has so far given city US$3M to modernize its recycling infrastructure
May 3, 2023
MSC to Attend Africa CEO Forum in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
May 3, 2023
USDOT Announces Funding for 27 Small Shipyards in 20 States to Help Increase Productivity and Create Jobs
May 2, 2023
Washington Dept. of Ecology asking the public to comment on a proposed rule that establishes enforcement procedures for boosting PCR content in plastic packaging and trash bags, including a method for calculating producer fees; comment period ends July 1
May 2, 2023
Libraries at Auburn University, Middle Tennessee State University, New York State Library sign agreements with US Government Publishing Office to become Preservation Stewards, while Indiana University Maurer School of Law expands its partnership with GPO
May 2, 2023
Twin Rivers Paper in Madawaska, Maine, agrees to pay penalty of US$67,721 in settlement with US EPA; Twin Rivers allegedly failed to file timely Toxic Release Inventory reports for nitrate compounds used at the paper mill in 2017, 2018 and 2019
May 2, 2023
Hollingsworth & Vose settles with EPA to resolve alleged violations of Emergency Planning & Community Right To Know Act, which requires companies to report use, release of toxic chemicals; company promptly corrected violations, will pay US$39,705 penalty
May 1, 2023
Helicopter Market to Reach USD 76.16 Billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 3.7%; Rising Demand from Military and Defense to Increase the Market Growth Gradually
May 1, 2023
PureCycle CEO meets with South Korea's President Yoon Suk-yeol; company aims to support South Korea's sustainability goals via its PP recycling plant established with SK Geo Centric JV
May 1, 2023
FMCSA Forms New Task Force to Combat Predatory Leasing Practices
May 1, 2023
Environmental groups urge British Columbia to suspend Drax-owned Smithers wood pellet mill permit; groups allege mill is using pulpwood-grade logs and that there has been no reduction in slash-pile burning since it opened in 2018
April 28, 2023
NWRA's Illinois chapter testifies against proposed bottle bill, the State Beverage Container Recycling Refunds Act; group says bill will trigger increased costs for residential recycling, as the most valuable materials will be removed from recycling bins
April 28, 2023
Slides now available for CalRecycle’s SB 54 April workshop on the topic of covered material; CalRecycle to host an informal workshop for SB 54 on May 31, focusing on source reduction and responsible end markets
April 28, 2023
White paper calls for EU to mandate filters in new washing machines to reduce microplastics release from textiles; paper co-authored by A Plastic Planet, Matter, PlanetCare, Xeros Technologies, 5 Gyres Institute presents three tested capture innovations
April 28, 2023
UK general government gross debt was £2.52T at the end of Q4, equivalent to 101.0% of GDP; net borrowing was £55.9B in Q4, or 8.7% of GDP: ONS
April 27, 2023
CARE for the Cape & Islands, WHOI Sea Grant program awarded US$299,999 grant to address single-use plastics used in tourism-based food and hospitality businesses on Cape Cod; grant will be used to explore potential for a reusable serviceware program
April 27, 2023
Verra staff to attend second session of UN Global Plastics Treaty negotiations in Paris on May 29-June 2; attendees to include Verra's CEO and director, plastics and sustainable development policy and markets
April 27, 2023
TPL honors conservation leaders and advocates for legislative action during annual 'Day on the Hill' in Washington D.C.; Doris Duke Foundation receives Groundbreaker Award, US Dept. of the Interior recognized with Public Land for Public Good Award
April 27, 2023
U.S. Department of Transportation Expands Investment in Regional Infrastructure Accelerators Grant Program
April 27, 2023
HHS awards US$147M to 49 recipients to support ending the HIV epidemic in the US; White House sets goal to reduce number of new HIV infections in US by 90% by 2030
April 26, 2023
EPA orders Chemours to take corrective measures addressing pollution from PFAS in stormwater and effluent discharges from facility near Parkersburg, West Virginia; EPA says site surpassed permitted limits for PFOA, HFPO Dimer Acid in 2018-2023
April 26, 2023
Plastics Industry Association commends FTC's request for comment on Guides for the Use of Environmental Marketing Claims; while revisions are needed, guide will ideally create clarity, unity on environmental marketing claims
April 26, 2023
EPA releases National Strategy to Prevent Plastic Pollution draft for public comment; draft strategy includes ambitious actions to eliminate release of plastic and other waste from land-based sources into the environment by 2040, support for circularity
April 26, 2023
Berry Global to share its sustainability expertise at upcoming Interpack event in Germany; on May 4 and 5, company to discuss its CleanStream food-grade PP recyclate as well as the impact of the proposed European Packaging & Packaging Waste Regulations
April 26, 2023
GPO director names new members to the Depository Library Council, which advises on policy matters relating to Federal Depository Library Program and access to US Government information
April 25, 2023
Alpla comments on the draft for new EU-wide rules for packaging, noting that a ‘tunnel vision on plastics prevents an objective assessment, sometimes promotes less environmentally friendly solutions and thus damages the goal of reducing emissions’
April 25, 2023
International Fresh Produce Assn. comments on European Commission's proposal on packaging and packaging waste, stressing the importance of appropriately labeled compostables and urging regulators to exempt produce stickers that are less than a square inch
April 25, 2023
SC Johnson, government of Kenya announce public-private partnership to fight malaria, providing SC Johnson's spatial repellents Mosquito Shield and Guardian to at-risk populations; SC Johnson will also invest US$1M in malaria prevention education
April 25, 2023
American Cleaning Institute urges FTC to clarify guidance on environmental marketing claims to help consumers make informed purchases; ACI recommends guidance on claims such as compostable, degradable, non-toxic, natural, organic, sustainable, bio-based
April 24, 2023
Evonik announces settlement with the EPA for exceeding emission limits ethylene oxide and ethylene glycol from facility in Reserve, Louisiana; company has agreed to spend at least US$335,000 for supplemental environmental project as part of settlement
April 24, 2023
TNC applauds US administration's steps towards climate-smart management of national forests, with release of first-ever inventory of mature and old-growth forests on federal land
April 24, 2023
Cal Fire invests US$142.6M in projects to enhance carbon storage, restore health and resilience of California forests; 27 grants awarded to projects on state, local, tribal, federal, private lands spanning more than 75,000 acres
April 24, 2023
German Energy Minister visits Mercer Stendal pulp mill in Arneburg, where biomass power plant plays key role in district's sustainable energy supply; Mercer generates up to 1 billion kWh/year of renewable energy on two steam turbines using cogeneration
April 24, 2023
Proposed bill in California would require EVs sold in the state starting in 2027 to be equipped with bidirectional charging capabilities; state would incentive bidirectional charging
April 24, 2023
California achieves 1.5 million EV sales milestone two years ahead of target, with 21.2% of new vehicles sold being EVs or plug-in hybrids in 2021
April 21, 2023
Australia awards AU$108M in grants to timber and wood processors as part of Accelerate Adoption of Wood Processing Innovation program; aim is to boost innovation and productivity in the sector, address housing shortage and climate change
April 21, 2023
Texas A&M Forest Service to receive US$21.75M from USDA for urban forestry projects; funding will help state expand its urban forest canopy, improve air and water quality, reduce energy consumption, enhance health and wellbeing of communities
April 21, 2023
ACC raises concern over EPA's Draft Formaldehyde Assessment, arguing the rule-making committee excludes scientists with expertise in formaldehyde; excessive restriction risks industries that support nearly one million workers, group says
April 21, 2023
ACC responds to EPA Draft National Strategy to Prevent Plastic Pollution, noting some components align with federal policy proposal from US plastic makers; however, ACC cautions over capping production of plastics, limiting new recycling technologies
April 21, 2023
Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation releases its Review of the 2025 National Packaging Targets, and is calling for a stronger co-regulatory framework; report identifies improved packaging design, expansion of B2B recycling as key opportunities
April 20, 2023
USDA, Dept. of the Interior reveal plans to foster forest conservation, enhance forest resilience to climate change, inform policymaking on ensuring healthy forests on federally managed lands
April 20, 2023
Knopf to publish memoir by US basketball player Brittney Griner, who was arrested in Moscow in February 2022, and sentenced to nine years in prison for illegal drug possession
April 20, 2023
European Parliament adopts new law to fight deforestation, climate change, biodiversity loss; agricultural commodities, wood, paper among sectors covered by law, which requires companies to ensure products sold in EU have not led to forest degradation
April 20, 2023
Open science leader Dr. Ralf Schimmer joins Wiley to work on government affairs, public policy, thought leadership
April 20, 2023
GlobalData: China's meat substitutes market set to surge 12.6% CAGR over 2022-2027 as health/lifestyle lead younger consumers to alternative proteins; government policies aim to cut meat consumption by 50% by 2030, aligning with carbon neutrality targets
April 19, 2023
Biden-Harris Administration announces US$50M in funding from the Infrastructure Law for states to ensure that smart manufacturing technologies and high-performance computing are more accessible by small- and medium-sized domestic manufacturers
April 19, 2023
ACC welcomes introduction to the US Senate of the Chemical Tax Repeal Act; bill would address taxes imposed under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, group says
April 19, 2023
SC Johnson partners with the government of Tanzania, investing US$1.5M for efforts to eradicate malaria; company will also donate two of its spatial repellents, Mosquito Shield and Guardian, to at-risk communities in Tanzania
April 19, 2023
CSPA 'encouraged' to see investment tax credits for carbon capture/storage, hydrogen, clean technology, clean energy in federal budget, urges Canadian government to finalize specifics of Contracts For Differences, citing unfairly traded steel in market
April 19, 2023
US senator for Washington state urges Forest Service to increase firefighter numbers and resources ahead of 2023 wildfire season; Sen. Cantwell notes Central Washington's US$4B agriculture economy is at risk from above-normal fire potential
April 18, 2023
PharmaJet receives US$4.0M expansion award to assess Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis virus DNA candidate vaccine with Tropis or Stratis delivery systems in support of the Department of Defense.
April 18, 2023
Residents of Oakland, California, buying 27% fewer sugary beverages since a local 'soda tax' went into effect, and that is likely improving their health and saving the city money, according to new study from University of California San Francisco
April 18, 2023
HHS expands Medicaid funding for school-based health services in Illinois, enhancing health care access for eligible children, including mental health support
April 18, 2023
AHA and 340B Health defend Arkansas' 340B Drug Pricing Nondiscrimination Act, supporting community access to care and opposing PhRMA's constitutional challenge
April 17, 2023
Biden-Harris Administration Announces More Than $1 Billion for Local Communities to Improve Roadway Safety
April 17, 2023
Client experience platform Boulevard, Professional Beauty Assn. launch joint fundraiser initiative to help pass tax legislation that would extend existing 45B FICA Tax Tip Credit; legislation would help self-care businesses to achieve tax parity
April 17, 2023
More than 120 European packaging associations call for safeguarding the internal market legal basis of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation; signatories say the internal market addresses differences between national rules from member states
April 17, 2023
Representative body British Glass says UK’s recycling policy is eroding the UK circular economy, rewarding the export of waste glass, reducing the recycled glass content of UK packaging and making it harder for businesses to achieve net zero goals
April 17, 2023
US Dept. of Energy reports there are more EV models than plug-in hybrids on the market in US; EVs have outsold PHEVs since 2018 as number of PHEV models declines
April 14, 2023
CalRecycle extends application deadline for the SB 54 ‘Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act’ Advisory Board to 11:59 PM on April 24
April 14, 2023
Alaska DNR and Conservation Fund partner to add 309 acres to Alaska State Parks system within Kasilof River estuary; Kasilof River Flats IBA is one of Audubon Society’s global-priority IBAs for its coastal wetland habitat
April 14, 2023
Alupro sends joint letter to UK government, calling for immediate government action to ensure deposit return scheme across England, Wales, Northern Ireland enhances aluminium recycling rates without compromising market
April 14, 2023
Kansas becomes the 23rd state to enact advanced recycling legislation with SB 114; law regulates advanced recycling plants as manufacturing facilities, to bring additional US$144M in activity, could support as many as 550 jobs in local communities
April 14, 2023
New Zealand Forest Owners Assn. tells ministerial inquiry into land-use in Tairāwhiti that region needs more trees for land stability; FOA also acknowledges forest practices have to improve with increasing land-use risks from climate change
April 13, 2023
US makes available US$1B to boost urban tree cover and equitable access to nature, as part of US$1.5B investment in USDA's Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Program
April 13, 2023
US EPA seeks public input on proposed PFAS hazardous substance designations; agency says it aims to tackle pollution, protect people from 'forever chemicals' with transparent, science-based approach
April 13, 2023
US senators introduce resolution to retain habitat definition in Endangered Species Act, overturning a Biden administration rule; lawmakers says reinstating 2020 rule would provide clarity for landowners and businesses and still support conservation
April 13, 2023
US producer price index for inputs to new nonresidential construction edged down 0.1% from February to March, up 2.7% over past 12 months; downturn driven by decline in energy inputs: AGC of America
April 13, 2023
US Health Department releases US$375M to reduce poverty through community programs; total community services block grant funding for FY23 now exceeds US$750M, supporting services like housing, job training, and health equity initiatives
April 12, 2023
US Government Publishing Office awards contract for U.S. passport covers to Infineon Technologies Americas and Thales DIS USA, allowing them to supply these security solutions for up to 10 years; GPO makes passports for Department of State
April 12, 2023
ISSA names 2023 Outstanding Government Service Awards winners at its Clean Advocacy Summit; Senator John Boozman recognized for passage of pesticide registration legislation, Representative Grace Meng for federal policy changes on menstrual product access
April 12, 2023
Bank of Canada maintained its target for the overnight rate at 4.50%, with the Bank Rate at 4.75% and the deposit rate at 4.50%; the Bank is continuing its policy of quantitative tightening
April 12, 2023
ACC argues EPA's proposed ethylene oxide limits are overly conservative and lack solid scientific backing; compound is important for medical sterilization, battery development, drilling support, group says
April 12, 2023
PEFC to host webinar April 20 on new EU Deforestation Regulation, and how PEFC certification can help companies demonstrate compliance; new law will address deforestation-linked key commodities entering or exported from EU market
April 11, 2023
3M works with U.S. government on national strategy to curb traffic-related deaths
April 11, 2023
Green Builder Media names Jeld-Wen's Auraline True Composite Windows and Patio Doors a 2023 Sustainable Product of the Year; joinery company also wins 2023 Excellence in ENERGY STAR Marketing Award from EPA and US Dept. of Energy
April 10, 2023
Enviva welcomes EU's Renewable Energy Directive III agreement, and that woody biomass continues to be recognized as a renewable energy source
April 10, 2023
US beverage industry has paid more than US$1.89B in taxes in the five years since aluminum tariffs were imposed, according to data from the Beer Institute; of that amount, only US$126M went to the US Treasury
April 7, 2023
WoodMac: Australia's Safeguard Mechanism legislation could trigger spike in carbon capture projects, as gas producers must abate or offset reservoir CO2 emissions from first production; there are now 27 CCS projects in Australia proposed or in development
April 7, 2023
Wisconsin governor's budget initiatives include several forestry industry measures related to workforce development, forest regeneration and management, invasive species management, support for Wisconsin's county forests and forestland conservation
April 7, 2023
St. Louis County, Minnesota, will receive US$890,925 from USDA Forest Service to help plan for, mitigate wildfire risks; county among 100 projects to receive some of US$197M through Bipartisan Infrastructure Law's Community Wildfire Defense Grant program
April 7, 2023
New Mexico governor signs bill meant to prevent prescribed burns from becoming wildfires after Calf Canyon Hermits Peak Fire burned 342,000 acres in 2022; law bans prescribed burns during days when National Weather Service issues 'red flag' wind warnings
April 7, 2023
US EPA announces proposal to significantly reduce hazardous air pollutants from chemical plants, including the highly toxic chemicals ethylene oxide and chloroprene; reductions would dramatically reduce cancer risks from air toxics
April 7, 2023
FDA revokes approval of premature birth drug Makena and its generics, citing no clinical benefits in reducing preterm birth risk
April 6, 2023
K-C's three green hydrogen projects with energy partners win places on UK Government's Hydrogen Business Model Strategy shortlist; scheme to kickstart low carbon hydrogen economy by funding first-round allocation of 250MW of electrolytic hydrogen projects
April 6, 2023
Majority of adults in US concerned about future of Medicare; 81% concerned Medicare will offer lower benefits in future, 73% believe Congress needs to make changes to Medicare to keep it viable; 79% see debate in Congress as mostly political: KFF
April 6, 2023
New study on impacts of EU packaging regulation shows a blanket approach on re-use may lead to higher CO2 emissions, costs for consumers; foodservice, ecommerce plastic packaging use-cases in the study were selected to compare impacts of paper packaging
April 6, 2023
US allocates US$33.7M from Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to promote forest management, wood products sector; US$29M will help businesses that buy, process small timber, biomass from federally managed or tribal lands at risk of wildfire, insects, disease
April 6, 2023
Texas House Committee on Natural Resources hears testimony on two bills that would create the Texas Land and Water Conservation Fund, dedicating US$2B in state funds to conservation
April 4, 2023
New NPS study of forests in 39 Eastern national parks finds that reducing deer population and removing invasive plants are key to long-term forest health; forests put at risk due to browsing by overabundant white-tailed deer, crowding by invasive plants
April 4, 2023
Biden-Harris Administration Launches First-Ever Program to Improve Safety on America’s Roadways by Preventing Wildlife-Vehicle Collisions
April 4, 2023
British Columbia seeks public feedback on next stage of Lakes Resiliency Project to create forest landscape plan, developed with First Nations, forest and range licensees; draft report examines forest health in 1.5-million-hectare Lakes Timber Supply Area
April 4, 2023
US Fish and Wildlife Service denies request to list coyote as endangered under Endangered Species Act due to similarity to endangered Mexican wolf; service determines coyotes do not meet statutory, regulatory criteria for listing as endangered, threatened
April 4, 2023
US HHS releases National Cancer Plan to advance the Cancer Moonshot vision of President Biden; plan consists of eight goals and strategies to prevent cancer, detect it earlier, reduce death rate by 50% within 25 years
April 3, 2023
EURATEX welcomes progress of moving new EU Textile Strategy into draft legislation but urges realistic timetable and competitiveness test before adoption; strategy must support textile firms, offer competitive advantage to sustainable, quality textiles
April 3, 2023
UK government and nation's supermarkets failing to meaningfully help farmers and growers eliminate the damage caused by agriplastics in the production of foods such as fruit and vegetables for their shelves, according to Environmental Investigation Agency
April 3, 2023
US Senators reintroduce Recovering America's Wildlife Act that would invest US$1.39B/year in state and Tribal efforts to help endangered wildlife; act would be 'shot in the arm' for agencies to conserve species, their habitats, restore biodiversity
April 3, 2023
New Zealand Farm Forestry Assn. advises Tairawhiti Land Use Inquiry Panel that plantation trees offer many functional solutions for region's land use problems; small-scale owners play vital role, with 30,000 hectares of woodlot forests under 50 hectares
April 3, 2023
US EPA approves waiver requests for two separate California measures to ensure more non-polluting trucks are put on roads and that new trucks stay cleaner longer; a third request for truck tailpipe pollution standards is still up for approval
March 31, 2023
Majority of UK packaging producers affected by impending implementation of EPR legislation are unprepared, view their packaging data collection capability as a ‘work in progress,’ according to new findings by Ecoveritas
March 31, 2023
NutraMaize receives a two-year, US$650,000 Phase II Small Business Innovation Research grant from the USDA to demonstrate the health and pigmentation benefits of feeding orange corn to poultry on a commercial scale
March 31, 2023
Snohomish County and Washington State University to establish world-leading research & development center for sustainable aviation fuels at Paine Field Airport; US$6.5M proviso proposed in state senate transportation budget would provide start-up funding
March 31, 2023
EU agrees to increase renewable energy target to 42.5% by 2030 and promote faster permitting for projects; TNC welcomes announcement but believes 45% renewables by 2030 is possible and official says 'we must go smart to go fast'
March 31, 2023
USDA offers US$1B in grants to help agricultural producers and rural small businesses invest in renewable energy systems and make energy-efficiency improvements; funding is from Rural Energy for America Program
March 30, 2023
Ontario ready for 2023 wildland fire season, with action plans in place to manage large, complex fires; in 2021, amid severe drought and dry weather, some 793,325 hectares of forests were burned, including one of the largest fires in province's history
March 30, 2023
FDA approves Narcan nasal spray for OTC use to combat opioid overdoses; over 100,000 reported fatal overdoses driven by synthetic opioids prompt nonprescription access to life-saving medication.
March 30, 2023
Drax to enter formal talks with UK to advance BECCS project, supporting government's goal of achieving 5Mtpa of GHG removals by 2030; biomass strategy to be published by end of June will set out how the technology could be deployed
March 30, 2023
Indiana legislative proposal would weaken wetlands protection, says TNC; it notes Indiana Homebuilders Assn. was only group to support the amendment, following its attempt to remove all state regulation of wetlands in 2021
March 30, 2023
TPL transfers 2,744-acre Rolston Rest, the largest private unprotected inholding remaining in Vermont’s Green Mountain National Forest, to US Forest Service for permanent protection
March 29, 2023
SFI applauds Canada's Budget 2023 commitment to support forestry sector; it includes a C$197.7M investment in Student Work Placement Program and C$368.4M to renew and update forest sector programs to support jobs in rural and remote communities
March 29, 2023
US judge upholds rule eliminating BLM protest process; American Forest Resource Council says process led to unnecessary delays to timber harvests, fuel reduction projects on BLM lands, including more than two million acres of O&C lands in Western Oregon
March 29, 2023
Corbiota, an independent spinoff of BASF's Chemovator arm, accepted into Germany's Scale-up.NRW program, which supports rapid and international scaling; Corbiota develops animal feed solutions with a focus on healthy gut microorganisms
March 29, 2023
Ineos supports Plastics Europe in its call for a harmonized rule in the EU for calculating chemically recycled content; clear framework will help enable investment, scale-up of chemical recycling, company says
March 29, 2023
Australian Forest Products Assn. welcomes federal government guarantee that projects involving processing of native forestry products will be eligible for support under newly established National Reconstruction Fund
March 28, 2023
CalRecycle extends the application deadline for the SB 54 ‘Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act’ Advisory Board to 11:59 PM on April 2
March 28, 2023
Ricoh USA receives 2023 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year Award for Sustained Excellence from EPA, US Dept. of Energy
March 28, 2023
Bioenergy Europe joins new coalition of EU trade associations representing wood and wood fiber-based industries and supported by EU forest owners and managers; its aim is to inform EU policymaking related to transition towards a circular bioeconomy
March 28, 2023
EU trade associations launch coalition with aim to present EU policymakers with an ambitious common vision leading to a transition toward a circular bioeconomy; coalition has made publicly available a paper detailing common challenges, needs, solutions
March 28, 2023
US Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals dismisses challenge to forestry project on Washington's Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest; American Forest Resource Council intervened in lawsuit on behalf of Hampton Lumber and Skagit Log and Construction
March 27, 2023
Boeing Statement on Canada’s Multi Mission Aircraft Project
March 27, 2023
ISSA announces over 75 cleaning industry leaders to participate in 2023 ISSA Clean Advocacy Summit in Washington DC on March 29; advocates will meet with congressional offices to support tariff relief, ending period poverty and new temporary visa program
March 27, 2023
US, in past 10 years, has consumed 38% more lumber on average than it produced annually; but recent policies threaten Canada's position as a preferred forestry trading partner, while European lumber exports to US have doubled since February 2021: FPAC CEO
March 27, 2023
March 26-April 1 declared as National Cleaning Week by US House of Representatives and 15 states--Alabama, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Mississippi, New Hampshire, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, Vermont
March 27, 2023
Cepi, industriAll Europe call for urgent action to safeguard European pulp, paper sector amid energy crisis; partners call on EU to support industrial decarbonization projects, unlock financing instruments for energy efficiency, renewable energy projects
March 24, 2023
Stellantis and US DOE launch Battery Workforce Challenge created to develop the next generation of engineers, technicians, workers to address EV workforce demands; Challenge includes advanced battery design and development competition series for students
March 24, 2023
British Columbia's minister of state for trade will promote mass timber during US visit, including attending International Mass Timber Conference in Portland, Oregon; aim is to attract investment and showcase province's mass timber to a global audience
March 24, 2023
Michigan senator presents document from Norfolk Southern worker, which mentions dozens of rail cars that have traveled over 5,000 mi. without Class I brake inspections; one case details a car that has gone 90,000 mi. without mechanical inspection
March 24, 2023
US Court of International Trade upholds 25% Section 301 tariffs on Chinese hardwood plywood and multilayered wood flooring, says Decorative Hardwoods Assn.
March 24, 2023
FDA issues draft guidance that aims to provide food manufacturers with recommendations on how and when to use Dietary Guidance Statements on the label of food products to ensure the label statements promote good nutrition and greater consistency
March 23, 2023
American Chemistry Council submits letter commenting on US Senate rail safety hearing in wake of chemical railcar derailment in East Palestine Ohio; ACC encourages development of federal standards for placement and operation of railcar defect detectors
March 23, 2023
ACC's Titanium Dioxide Stewardship Council issues statement opposing California Assembly Bill 418, which would ban use of TiO2 as a food additive
March 23, 2023
Affordable Care Act celebrates 13th anniversary; HHS reports over 40 million people are currently enrolled in ACC Marketplace or Medicaid expansion coverage, as 2023 open enrollment grew 13% from a year ago to about 4.4 million people enrolling
March 22, 2023
New Mexico Environment Department to provide US$800,000 in RAID grants for recycling, composting projects, scrap tire management, illegal dumpsite abatement; grant funding may also be used to develop educational outreach, marketing campaigns
March 22, 2023
Unifor organizes forest industry rallies in Quebec to raise questions of province on upcoming strategy to stop decline of caribou; union says forestry workers should be included in dialogue to help find long-term sustainable solution
March 22, 2023
Fruit, vegetable industry players release joint statement on European Commission’s packaging waste proposal, saying a ban on single-use packaging for less than 1.5kg of fresh produce disregards material uses and life-cycle analyses on sustainability
March 22, 2023
HRSA announces Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network modernization initiative to strengthen accountability, transparency; plan includes listing de-identified information online to help families, clinicians, others make informed decisions
March 22, 2023
City of Lawton, Oklahoma, and Republic Paperboard approve US$15M upgrade to enhance paperboard mill's wastewater purification efficiency, address contributions to occasional odors in west Lawton; Republic to reimburse city US$100,000 for fees, other costs
March 22, 2023
FoodDrink Europe expresses concern that 'the agri-food sector has been largely ignored in the EU’s latest plans, despite its crucial role in the EU economy and its potential to contribute to the objectives of the European Green Deal'
March 17, 2023
Cefic responds to publication of European Commission's Net-Zero Industry Act; policy does not integrate business and investor perspective, would decrease industry's competitiveness, says Cefic director general
March 17, 2023
HHS awards 15 states with one-year Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic planning grants to offer community outpatient mental health treatment and expand equitable behavioral health services in US; each state to receive US$1.0M grant
March 17, 2023
New Zealand Farm Forestry Assn. says forests need to be multifunctional to meet climate change, ministerial inquiry into land-use in Tairawhiti must look at tree options for shoring up vulnerable farm and former forestland to avoid legacy of mistakes
March 16, 2023
Federal Reserve creates new Bank Term Funding Program that offers loans to help banks and other institutions meet needs of all their depositors; Dept. of Treasury to make available up to US$25B from Exchange Stabilization Fund as a backstop for BTFP
March 16, 2023
Government Publishing Office director presents GPO's FY2024 appropriations request to Congress in amount of US$132.5M, a 2% increase over GPO's FY2023 appropriation, to meet projected requirements for congressional publishing, fund public info programs
March 16, 2023
Tex-Tech to supply thermal protection materials for NASA's Space Launch System via Artemis program; company thermal systems use products such as 3D textiles, ablative assemblies, reinforced carbon-carbon, multilayer felt to withstand extreme heat, cold
March 16, 2023
US senator for South Dakota introduces bill that would require Forest Service to expedite treatment of more than 70 million acres of National Forest System lands in need of treatment to reduce threat of insect/disease infestations, catastrophic wildfires
March 16, 2023
Amid more than 66,000 wildfires that burned nearly 7.6 million acres of land across US in 2022, students in Job Corps Civilian Conservation Centers provided 204,633 total hours of support to federal firefighters, a 20% increase over prior year
March 15, 2023
AF&PA opposes US EPA's final NOx Federal Implementation Plans, says Clean Air Act rule would--for the first time--include seven manufacturing sectors, including US paper mills; AF&PA says rule will harm industry and should exclude paper mill boilers
March 15, 2023
Conservation North urges British Columbia to update Biodiversity Order in Prince George TSA, per Forest Practices Board recommendation; 2020 report found biodiversity in TSA at high risk, and that the Order should be brought in line with current science
March 15, 2023
HHS announces Medicare Part B coinsurance costs for 27 prescription drugs may be lower from April 1 to June 30, 2023 due to Inflation Reduction Act; price cuts could save individuals on Medicare from US$2 to US$390 per average dose
March 14, 2023
US DOE researchers enhance recyclability of waste plastic; process uses catalysts to fully recycle HDPE, potentially convert it to biodegradable material with the same mechanical, thermal properties of the starting single-use plastic
March 14, 2023
EPA proposes first-ever national standard for six PFAS substances in drinking water; proposal includes regulating PFOA, PFOS at a level they can be reliably measured at 4 ppt, any mixture containing one or more of PFNA, PFHxS, PFBS and/or GenX chemicals
March 3, 2023
Century Aluminum CEO Jesse Gary Thanks the Biden Administration for Invitation to Participate in Roundtable Discussion on Industrial Innovation and Decarbonization
March 3, 2023
In Matter of Weeks, USDOT Sees Significant Moves Toward Stronger Rail Safety Standards and Accountability
March 3, 2023
Alupro executive director provides advice on implementing an effective deposit return scheme in UK; policy should include variable, flexible deposit rate, fair and level playing field with targets across reforms, must better educate consumers
March 3, 2023
Use of pressure sensitive RFID smart labels has seen drastic increases across all industries, supply chains, Mark Andy finds, with retail applications most prevalent, including inventory control, safety against stealing
March 3, 2023
Cleveland-Cliffs Applauds Unanimous U.S. International Trade Commission Affirmative Preliminary Vote in Tin Mill Products Trade Case
February 24, 2023
New Zealand Forest Owners Assn. says two months not enough time to look into complex land issues in Tairawhiti, after forestry slash furor prompts launch of ministerial enquiry; FAO chief acknowledges 'industry must take some drastic steps'
February 24, 2023
Century Aluminum Issues Statement of Support for New Biden Administration Tariffs on Russian Aluminum
February 23, 2023
New Zealand's Ministry for Primary Industries contributes NZ$262,300 to study to assess how wood, biomass from hardwood forests could boost sustainability, reduce GHG emissions in regional industries; NZ Dryland Forests Initiative will lead the research
February 23, 2023
SOAR prepares for Canadian National Policy Conference
February 23, 2023
Three Oregon counties to benefit from more than US$5M in USDA funding for collaborations with landowners aimed at reducing wildfire risk, improving water quality and restoring forest ecosystems
February 21, 2023
USDA to invest more than US$48.6M for projects that mitigate wildfire risk, improve water quality, restore forest ecosystems, and ultimately contribute to agency's efforts to combat climate change
February 21, 2023
German paper industry association warns that EU's plans for packaging regulation endangers desired ecological goals; giving reusable packaging 'blanket priority' counteracts circular economy, would push packaging made of paper, paperboard out of market
February 21, 2023
UK public sector net borrowing registered a surplus of £5.4B in January, down £7.1B from January 2022; public sector net debt was £2.49T at the end of January, or 98.9% of GDP: ONS
February 21, 2023
USDOT Secretary Buttigieg Calls on Rail Industry to Take Immediate, Commonsense Steps to Improve Accountability and Safety
February 21, 2023
U.S. Department of Transportation Fact Sheet: Steps Forward on Freight Rail Industry Safety & Accountability
February 3, 2023
Illinois Attorney General files lawsuit against PFAS manufacturers including Chemours, BASF, Bayer, Clariant, Arkema, DuPont, Solvay and others; lawsuit alleges the companies have contaminated state environment, natural resources
February 3, 2023
US Fish & Wildlife to initiate grizzly bear status review in Northern Continental Divide and Greater Yellowstone ecosystems; decision follows initial reviews on petitions to remove grizzly bear from Endangered Species Act list of endangered wildlife
February 3, 2023
US Forest Service releases action plan outlining steps it will take to advance tribal consultation and Nation-to-Nation relationships; plan recognizes role tribal governments play in decision-making about USFS-managed lands and waters
February 3, 2023
EU industries stand to lose out on billions of Euros of potential green investment or lose market share to fossil-intensive competition as delay to finalizing ‘fine print’ on GHG emission target regulations creates uncertainty for manufacturers: Cepi
February 3, 2023
AHA releases 2023 advocacy agenda
February 3, 2023
Two Sides submits comments as US FTC prepares to review Green Guides for use of environmental marketing claims; Two Sides says Green Guides are needed now more than ever to avoid anti-paper greenwashing, provides several recommendations for improvement
February 2, 2023
K-C's U by Kotex aids government initiative on period poverty in New South Wales, Australia, by providing free dispensers, tampons and pads in state's public schools; K-C study found 42% of menstruating NSW students missed school due to fear about leakage
February 2, 2023
AHA requests meeting with HHS to discuss 340B remedial payment and outlines principles to accelerate process; district court has remanded to HHS the question of how to repay 340B hospitals for funds unlawfully withheld for five years
February 2, 2023
House passes bills to end COVID-19 public health emergency, vaccine mandate for health care workers at facilities that participate in Medicare, Medicaid; Senate not expected to pass either bill
February 2, 2023
Biden-Harris administration awards nearly US$11.0M to address disparities in cancer screening, follow-up care; HRSA Accelerating Cancer Screening program uses outreach specialists/patient navigators to conduct patient outreach in underserved communities
February 2, 2023
U.S. Department of Transportation Names 19 Members to the Anti-Discrimination Subcommittee
February 1, 2023
US Forest Service to offer US$41M through 2023 Wood Innovations Grant and Community Wood Grant programs to spark innovation and create new markets for wood products and renewable wood energy; application deadline for both grant programs is March 23
February 1, 2023
Grand jury indicts Texas man on two counts of unauthorized harvest of timber, with each charge a state jail felony; Texas A&M Forest Service investigators were alerted to alleged crime by sawmill operator, who became suspicious of the origin of timber
February 1, 2023
Libraries at University of Montana, University of Memphis, University of Tennessee, Knoxville sign MOA with GPO to become preservation stewards, three other libraries are adding materials to their current Preservation Steward collections
February 1, 2023
Biden Administration to end COVID-19 emergency declarations on May 11; administration opposes House resolutions that would end the emergency declarations immediately if passed
February 1, 2023
HHS Issues Final Rule to Protect Medicare, Strengthen Medicare Advantage, and Hold Insurers Accountable
January 31, 2023
Chair of Alupro expects demand for aluminum packaging to remain high, consumption levels to continue and recycling rates to remain strong in 2023; robust legislation in the UK ‘has the opportunity to revolutionise aluminium packaging recycling rates’
January 31, 2023
Bureau of International Recycling expresses concern over EU revision to Waste Shipment Regulation; group says EU waste exports may be 'considerably burdened' by intergovernmental agreements, inspections, audits, may prohibit plastic recyclable exports
January 31, 2023
HHS alerts health sector to pro-Russian hacktivist threat; hacktivist group allegedly released attack list for denial-of-service attacks against hospitals, medical organizations in several countries that support Ukraine
January 31, 2023
3rd Circuit Court sides with 340B drugmakers in contract pharmacy case; Court states drugmakers that participate in 340B drug pricing program do not have to provide discounted 340B drugs to unlimited number of contract pharmacies
January 31, 2023
UK general government gross debt was £2.45T at the end of Q3, equivalent to 100.2% of GDP; net borrowing was £27.6B in Q3, or 4.4% of GDP: ONS
January 30, 2023
JD Irving to see property assessment increases for each of its four New Brunswick pulp, paper mills in 2023; company will pay about C$4.9M in provincial, municipal property taxes on pulp, paper, tissue mills in Saint John alone, up 19% in three years
January 30, 2023
USDA appoints IP's Santiago Arbelaez, VP Strategy, Industrial Packaging, to 2023 Paper and Packaging Board for three-year term; he will join eight-member board of directors to oversee sectors' national program focused on sustainability, recycling
January 27, 2023
US lawmakers for Maine urge federal government to protect state's forest economy by cracking down on illegal wood imports; they note illegal logging and associated trade globally is valued at US$157B/year and undermines conservation and climate efforts
January 27, 2023
American Cleaning Institute issues statement to clarify New York law limiting trace levels of 1,4-dioxane in detergent, cleaning products; ACI notes 1,4-dioxane is a manufacturing by-product, state has not imposed restrictions on use or sale of detergents
January 27, 2023
Mercedes-Benz world’s first automaker to certify SAE Level 3 conditionally automated driving system for US market; Nevada certifies system, which will be available in US in 2024 S-Class, EQS Sedans, with deliveries slated for second half of 2023
January 27, 2023
HHS Approves California’s Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Plan demonstration authority to cover pre-release services to incarcerated individuals; initiative will offer behavioral health care for people as they leave incarceration
January 27, 2023
U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg Highlights Department’s Work to Combat Human Trafficking
January 27, 2023
Biden-Harris Administration Announces Availability of Nearly $1.7 Billion to Modernize Fleets and Deploy Clean Transit Buses Across America
January 26, 2023
Connecticut to introduce waste management proposals, including food waste collection, organics recycling, US$5/ton fee on all waste; 860,000 tons/year of municipal solid waste to be shipped out of state on recent closure of MIRA waste-to-energy facility
January 26, 2023
Biden-Harris administration announces record-breaking 16.3 million people signed up for health care coverage in ACA marketplaces during 2022-2023 open enrollment season; marketplaces see nearly 50% increase in signups since Biden took office
January 26, 2023
Biden-Harris Administration Announces More Than $380 Million in Grants to Modernize Ferry Services, Reduce Emissions, and Connect Rural Communities
January 25, 2023
Ontario denounces 'unfair' US duties on Canadian softwood lumber; US Dept. of Commerce preliminary decision signals a small decrease in duty rates is expected later in 2023, but province says duties add financial hardship for people in both countries
January 25, 2023
British Columbia, First Nations, Nature Conservancy of Canada, Interfor and partners create Incomappleux Conservancy, spanning 58,654 hectares of inland temperate rainforest, to protect rare ecosystems; Interfor releases 75,000 hectares of forest tenure
January 25, 2023
US tariffs on Canadian lumber imports are making housing and lumber more expensive, hurting people on both sides of the border, say British Columbia ministers after latest US Dept. of Commerce ruling on duties
January 25, 2023
Evonik launches PlasCO2 project with three partners, dedicated to using CO2 as raw material in production of chemicals such as plasticizers, specialty petrochemicals; German Federal Ministry of Education and Research will provide €1.8M in funding
January 25, 2023
Connecticut governor announces proposal for EPR for packaging; EPR would require packaging producers to take responsibility for the waste materials generated from their products, incentivizing greater recyclability and reuse of materials
January 25, 2023
British Columbia launches BC Timber Sales Value-Added Manufacturing Program; it will provide a dedicated fiber supply to small and medium-sized secondary manufacturers producing high-value products, such as mass timber, plywood, veneer, paneling, flooring
January 25, 2023
Cepi welcomes European Commission's initiative to step up EU action on raw materials via forthcoming EU Raw Materials Act, says package should include systematic impact assessment of EU policies on future wood supply for European industry
January 24, 2023
FDA announcing draft guidance for industry on action levels for lead in processed foods that are intended for babies and children under age 2, to help reduce potential health effects in this population from dietary exposure to lead
January 24, 2023
Cengage Group sends letter to US Congressional leadership encouraging them to prioritize high-quality skills education, training for every American to address inequities in current system, minimize stigma of alternative educational paths
January 24, 2023
Kelheim Fibres 'welcomes' preliminary EU agreement on deforestation-free supply chains, adopted at end of 2022; company has been exclusively using FSC or PEFC certified pulps from sustainably managed sources for many years
January 24, 2023
U.S. Department of Transportation Providing $29.4 Million in ‘Quick Release’ Emergency Relief Funding to California, Four U.S. Federal Land Management Agencies for Flood Damage…
January 23, 2023
US EPA's plans for regulating wastewater and landfill-related pollution, including PFAS, does not reflect urgency of the issue, says Environmental Working Group; PFAS pollution from landfill disproportionally affects vulnerable communities, group notes
January 23, 2023
US Space Force uses PVC to make uniform insignias--not textile thread--due to intricacy of approved designs; companies that use PVC for insignia were not based in the US, so some certified US manufacturers purchased their own PVC-making equipment
January 23, 2023
European Paper Packaging Alliance welcomes Italian firms Medac and Burgo as new members; as discussions around EU’s proposed packaging waste regulation heat up, EPPA will make the case for sustainable, renewable, recyclable single-use paper packaging
January 23, 2023
GPO to digitize historic volumes of Congressional Directory from 19th, 20th centuries; first release includes directories from 1869-1888, 1993, with additional digitized historic directories to be released on GovInfo as they are completed
January 23, 2023
Mississippi Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund accepting grant applications for projects ranging from improving recreation and trails, restoring public waters and lands, to enhancing privately owned agricultural lands and forests, and protecting wetlands
January 23, 2023
Euro area government deficit-to-GDP ratio increased to 3.3% in Q3 from 2.0% in Q2; increase due to sizeable increases in total expenditure: Eurostat
January 20, 2023
Paper Excellence to resume over 100 jobs at Crofton paper mill, resulting from C$18.8M investment from British Columbia, Canadian governments as mill retools to manufacture new pulp products; funding supports production of water-resistant paper packaging
January 20, 2023
Europe's ECHA adds nine chemicals to its Candidate List for hazardous chemicals; items are used in flame retardants, paper, paints and coatings, inks, plasticizers and more
January 19, 2023
British Columbia provides C$50M to Forest Enhancement Society of BC to increase fiber supply; investment is aimed at keeping people working, local mills running, while also mitigating wildfire risks and reducing climate emissions
January 19, 2023
Newfoundland opens new C$8.9M Centre for Research and Innovation in former HR building at Kruger’s Corner Brook pulp, paper mill; center supports R&D, business diversification, innovation, entrepreneurship, economic initiatives in Newfoundland, Labrador
January 19, 2023
Russ Taylor: Western SPF prices set to be volatile during 2023, and average Western SPF 2x4 price for year likely to be near US$475/mbf; British Columbia forestry policies, high stumpage rates, fiber supply issues bode poorly for investment in province
January 19, 2023
EURATEX supports an EU due diligence framework toward more sustainable supply chains, but also calls for 'realism, proportionality, and workability'; group says proposal should let companies prioritize risks, should not regulate directors' duties
January 19, 2023
MARAD Announces Nearly $20 Million in Funding Available for Small Shipyard Grants
January 18, 2023
British Columbia and Blueberry River First Nations reach agreement towards partnership approach to land, water, resource stewardship; actions will include protecting more than 650,000 hectares from new petroleum & natural gas and forestry activities
January 18, 2023
Board of Galicia in Spain paves way for Altri Group to develop new lyocell fiber mill in town of Palas de Rei by classifying proposed facility as a Strategic Industrial Project; Altri to make final investment decision in H1 2023
January 18, 2023
Germany's Robert Koch Institute updates hospital hygiene requirements for surface cleaning to include probiotics; recommendation states probiotic bacteria form a long-term stable microbiome, do not stimulate cross-resistance to antibiotics
January 18, 2023
US DOT unveils Research, Development and Technology Strategic Plan through 2026 with strategies to reduce fatalities across network, such as new data collection methods and infrastructure design evaluation; plan also to implement about US$5B for research
January 18, 2023
Valio announces its packages with caps will be gradually changed to tethered caps to comply with requirements of the EU Single-Use Plastics Directive, which goes into effect July 2024; the change impacts about 200 Valio products
January 17, 2023
Polymer Factory Sweden receives first payment from European Defense Fund under grant announced in December 2022; company is a participant in the NanoSHIELD project to develop protective equipment for chemical, biological, radioactive, nuclear threats
January 17, 2023
England to ban a range of polluting single-use plastics from October; ban will include single-use plastic plates, trays, bowls, cutlery, balloon sticks and certain types of PS cups and food containers
January 17, 2023
Virgin Atlantic Fined for Operating Flights in Prohibited Airspace
January 16, 2023
Washington state Rep. Dan Newhouse named co-chair of House Paper & Packaging Caucus, which represents US paper and wood products industry; Newhouse will serve alongside California Rep. Lou Correa as co-chairs
January 16, 2023
Conservation Fund hails passage of Charitable Conservation Easement Program Integrity Act; it also applauds fellow land trusts 'for standing tall' against opposition to stop abuse of federal tax deductions that support land donations for easements
November 18, 2022
Massachusetts' Baker-Polito Administration awards US$4.2M to support recycling, waste reduction programs across 270 municipalities; fund to help Recycling Dividends Program, pay-as-you-throw programs, wheeled-carts for curbside recyclables, food waste
November 18, 2022
Japanese scientists develop automatable, 'highly sensitive' detection technology for SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater; technology uses COPMAN method to concentrate viral particles in wastewater with coagulant, can detect other viruses: Hokkaido University
November 18, 2022
US Fish and Wildlife Service seeks public comments on plan to protect key conservation areas in parts of Willamette Valley; plan encompasses habitat for 10 species listed under Endangered Species Act, including certain butterflies and Oregon white oak
November 17, 2022
Purdue University receives US$1M grant from USDA to develop nanocarriers as an antibiotic delivery system to help plants fend off citrus greening disease
November 17, 2022
Krispy Kreme to pay US$1.2M in back wages and liquidated damages to 516 workers to resolve overtime violations in multiple locations found as part of a US Dept. of Labor investigation
November 17, 2022
Oak Ridge National Laboratory researchers design recyclable carbon fiber material to promote low-carbon manufacturing; approaches uses dynamic covalent bonds that are reversible, enabling both carbon fiber, polymer recycling for composites
November 17, 2022
USDA announces US$20.5M in grants to help states, tribes establish bridge programs to protect water resources during forestry operations and to support sawmills, wood processing facilities that utilize byproducts of forest restoration activities
November 17, 2022
Australia's forest industries well-positioned to help pivot towards sustainable wood fiber-based alternatives, as country joins global coalition aiming to end plastic pollution by 2040: Australian Forest Products Assn.
November 16, 2022
Indonesia is committed to sustainable wetland management as part of climate change mitigation efforts, and has restored 3.7 million hectares of peatlands; APP ready to play its part, says executive, emphasizing importance of science-based solutions
November 16, 2022
German paper industry organization warns officials against using wood as energy supply stopgap in energy policy amid ongoing European energy crisis; further promotion of wood biomass combustion would deprive pulp, paper industry of important raw material
November 16, 2022
US Forest Service to provide up to US$40M to Trout Unlimited as part of five-year agreement to improve watersheds on national forests and grasslands–home to many of America’s most important trout and salmon species
November 16, 2022
FDA published final rule about new traceability protocols for food products vulnerable to contamination; people who manufacture, process, pack or hold foods including produce, cheeses will be subject to record-keeping requirements during production
November 16, 2022
Saskatchewan approves 101,000 m3 timber allocation for Pivot Furniture, a tech company with furniture design centers in Prince Albert and Saskatoon; Pivot's co-founder says allocation signals to climate tech companies to consider investing in province
November 15, 2022
US national laboratories launch Stor4Build consortium on energy storage for buildings; cost-effective energy storage is necessary for large-scale deployment of renewable electricity, decarbonization, and essential for meeting clean energy goals
November 15, 2022
National Forest Foundation, as a partner of the Wood for Life project, receives US$2M in federal funding to expand firewood relief program for tribal communities in Forest Service’s Rocky Mountain and Southwestern Regions
November 15, 2022
Environmentalist report America’s Vanishing Climate Forests finds US land management agencies are undermining president's pledge to protect mature and old-growth forests by logging thousands of acres on public lands
November 15, 2022
Conservation groups to rally in front of US Forest Service regional headquarters in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Nov. 16 to call for end to logging mature and old-growth forests on public lands and demanding a lasting rule to protect them
November 15, 2022
US Forest Service launches interactive map showing progress made in addressing wildfire crisis in eight western states as part of agency's 10-year wildfire crisis strategy
November 11, 2022
Australian forestry and farming leaders attend COP27 to promote climate-smart farming with forestry; delegation hopes to get better recognition for farming and forestry as solutions to help Australia reach climate targets
November 11, 2022
Australian Forest Products Assn. welcomes federal government’s move to join Forest and Climate Leaders Partnership launched at COP27; UK-led voluntary partnership is intended to spearhead action on climate change through forest-based initiatives
November 10, 2022
World needs 0% new plastic waste target by 2040 in upcoming Global Treaty to End Plastic Pollution; policymakers, businesses, researchers, society must go beyond existing best available technology to achieve 'ambitious' target: University of Portsmouth
November 10, 2022
Washington State DNR actively recruiting for year-round fire positions to expand wildfire response capacity statewide; agency currently has more than 60 vacancies across an array of firefighting skills
November 10, 2022
Washington State DNR to host meeting on Nov. 15 to solicit public input on recreation management on DNR-managed lands in Yakima County; it will also seek nominations for a focus group that will provide input on recreational and public use priorities
November 10, 2022
European Carton Makers Assn. issues statement on direct food contact inks to help eliminate confusion; the statement details GMP Regulation (EC) No 2023/2006 and the new German Ink Ordinance, also refers to European Ink Manufacturers Assn. documents
November 10, 2022
New Brunswick to invest C$600,000 in Northern Hardwoods Research Institute, which is working on projects to benefit forestry and technology stakeholders, woodlot owners; Groupe Savoie, AV Group, J.D. Irving and Forest NB will match province's funding
November 10, 2022
EURATEX releases position paper on EU's Due Diligence framework for corporate sustainability; group says EU proposal risks heavily shifting responsibilities to smaller players in supply chain, and should instead base criteria on companies' sizes, risks
November 9, 2022
US voters in Nov. 8 elections approve nearly US$8.7B in new funding for parks, climate resiliency, land conservation; it represents the largest amount of new state and local funding approved for conservation since 2016: TPL analysis
November 8, 2022
Wine Traders for Alternative Formats issues letter to UK’s exchequer secretary to the treasury highlighting need for glass bottle alternatives to reduce carbon footprint, says bag-in-box, cans, returnable glass bottles, paper bottles, pouches are viable
November 8, 2022
New Zealand government requests establishment of a panel to hear its dispute against Canada regarding the administration of dairy tariff rate quotas under the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership
November 8, 2022
New Zealand government agrees with declaration from members of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development that commits members to working together to boost sustainable agriculture and food systems
November 7, 2022
World Leaders from 26 countries and EU launch Forests and Climate Leaders’ Partnership at COP27 in Egypt; co-chaired by US and Ghana, partnership will help deliver commitment made at COP26 to halt and reverse forest loss, land degradation by 2030
November 7, 2022
British Columbia completing new round of Forest Employment Program projects to be funded through its C$185M support package to help British Columbians affected by old-growth deferrals; up to C$27.5M of total is allocated to FEP over three years
November 4, 2022
ACC commends EPA's growing focus on air monitoring infrastructure across the US, including GHG emissions tracking; ACC Responsible Care members have voluntarily made commitments for transparency on air emissions, group notes
November 4, 2022
Conservation Fund, partners protect 3,800 acres in Georgia within Fort Stewart’s Army Compatible Use Buffer; working forest conservation easement restricts development, supports timber harvesting, wildlife habitat, recreation and climate benefits
November 3, 2022
New Zealand public wants limits on planting trees on productive farmland for carbon offsets, say farm groups; report finds forestry interests bought more than 52,000 hectares of land in 2021, up 36% on prior two years, and up from 7,000 hectares in 2017
November 3, 2022
Old-growth logging in British Columbia falls 42% since 2015 to 38,300 hectares in 2021, representing 0.3% of BC's 11.1 million hectares of old-growth; province says logging deferrals protect biodiversity while new management approaches are developed
November 3, 2022
NIST researchers develop simple, low-cost material to scrub CO2 from smokestacks; aluminum formate is reusable, 'easily synthesized' from aluminum hydroxide, formic acid, lacks shortcomings of other proposed filtration materials, requires gas drying step
November 3, 2022
Four European beverage associations express concern at mandatory targets the European Commission intends to set for the reuse of beverage containers, say the targets overlook existing efforts, investments in circularity and use of more recycled content
November 3, 2022
Maersk signs General Protocol for Collaboration with the Spanish Government to explore large-scale green fuels production; collaboration could deliver up to two million tonnes of green fuels/year, generate up to around 85.000 jobs, if implemented in full
November 2, 2022
California attorney general sends letters to seven manufacturers of plastic bags demanding that they substantiate their claims that the bags are recyclable; the manufacturers provide a large portion of bags used by California grocery retailers
November 2, 2022
In response to a report that found that signatories of the voluntary New Plastics Economy Global Commitment will likely miss key 2025 targets for a circular economy for plastic, Greenpeace USA underlines the need for a global plastic treaty
November 2, 2022
3M and US DOE's Argonne National Laboratory use AI to reduce energy use by 20% for producing meltblown nonwoven materials, such as those in medical masks; process does not compromise materials' quality, uses simulations, machine learning, fluid dynamics
November 1, 2022
Ohio vinyl tile manufacturer Nox US faces US$1.23M in penalties after seventh worker in five years suffers severe injuries when caught in a machine; OSHA placed Fostoria plant in its Severe Violator Enforcement Program in 2017
November 1, 2022
German paper industry welcomes Gas Commission's final report, which recommends gas price 'brake' for energy-intensive companies, including gas-fired CHP systems; Die Papierindustrie says electricity price cap is 'at least as important' as gas price brake
November 1, 2022
US HHS reports gains in health insurance coverage in 2021-2022 in groups with historically higher uninsured rates; Black consumer enrollment up 49% from 2020, Latino enrollment up 53% from 2020, American Indian/Alaska Native enrollment up 32% from 2020
October 31, 2022
Oregon to receive more than US$1.5M in federal grants to help support development of habitat conservation plans to improve management of state and private forestlands
October 31, 2022
Consumer firms are underprioritizing the integration of policymakers, consumers into sustainability efforts; out of 400 senior executives, only 6% say it’s critical to work with policymakers, only 32% have collaboration with consumers, community: report
October 31, 2022
US Forest Service signs landmark 20-year national master stewardship agreement with National Wild Turkey Federation; with US$50M in federal funding, it paves way for collaboration to address western wildfire crisis, promote healthy forests nationwide
October 31, 2022
PNNL, Washington State University, Green Canopy Node awarded US$2.6M in federal funding to research circular design of modular residential buildings; project focuses on reuse, recycling, reimagining building components to make houses that store carbon
October 28, 2022
UN-funded study finds polymer, additives manufacturers may face more than more than US$20.00B through 2030 from plastic waste litigation; legal systems are evolving to hold companies liable, as plastic pollution costs society more than US$100.00B/year
October 28, 2022
UK general government gross debt was £2.44T at the end of Q2, equivalent to 101.9% of GDP; net borrowing was £43.9B in Q2, or 7.2% of GDP: ONS
October 27, 2022
EU-funded T-REX textile recycling project launches with 12 major players, including Infinited Fiber, TWD Fibres, Aalto University, BASF, Veolia and Adidas; technologies by Infinited, BASF to recycle textiles into TWD, Linz Textil yarns supplied to Adidas
October 26, 2022
More than 330 businesses call on heads of state to make nature assessment and disclosure mandatory at COP15, the UN Biodiversity Conference; CDP data reveal firms are falling short of the disclosure needed to limit economic, climate, biodiversity risks
October 26, 2022
Bureau of International Recycling urges national governments, international legislators to enact immediate financial aid for recycling industry; current energy, cost-of-living crises in Europe, world have placed 'unprecedented pressure on profit margins'
October 26, 2022
USDA awarding US$2.2M to 16 organizations to educate historically underserved producers, small-scale farmers and others on farm risk management and climate-smart farm practices
October 26, 2022
Stora Enso, ahead of December's UN Biodiversity Conference, joins call for governments to make assessment, disclosure on nature mandatory; Business for Nature supporters say companies have role in reversing nature loss, protecting biodiversity and species
October 26, 2022
Five libraries partner with GPO as Preservation Stewards to meet the needs of efficient Government document stewardship in the digital era, support continued public access to U.S. Government documents in print format
October 25, 2022
GlobalData: Biden’s new US EV tax credit is not enough to dominate EV market; China has 10-year advantage in electrification race, and set to make up 60% global EV fleet by 2030 due to dominant control over 70% of global battery production supply chain
October 25, 2022
Biden-Harris administration requests industry, expert input on US$27.00B Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund; fund to provide grants to governments, tribes, nonprofits to raise private capital for projects that reduce emissions in disadvantaged communities
October 25, 2022
HHS awards US$13M to bolster nursing education, training to grow nursing workforce, improve access to nursing education; Clinical Faculty and Preceptor Academies Program gives US$8.4M to 10 awardees, RN Training Program gives out US$4.75M to 14 awardees
October 25, 2022
AHA urges Congress to prioritize actions to address rising costs, workforce challenges and diminished Medicare, Medicaid reimbursements; in letter AHA outlines six steps it would like Congress to take to help hospitals
October 24, 2022
Cepi supports EU ambition to enhance ecosystem health and resilience, notes European pulp and paper industries source 86% of their wood in EU and need healthy, growing forests; Cepi sets out its views on EU's proposal for a nature restoration regulation
October 24, 2022
Colorado Dept. of Agriculture to receive US$25M from USDA to expand research on the benefits of regenerative agriculture, scale the model nationwide, and continue building markets for producers deploying climate-smart agricultural practices
October 21, 2022
Chemours and University of Delaware unveil Center for Clean Hydrogen; Center is part of the Clean Hydrogen Partnership, a public-private partnership between the US Dept. of Defense, the University of Delaware, Chemours, Plug, NREL
October 21, 2022
Tennessee adds 838 acres to Fall Creek Falls State Park, expanding region's extensive conservation footprint; purchase involved TennGreen Land Conservancy, TNC, Conservation Fund, Open Space Institute, Lyndhurst Foundation
October 21, 2022
Kao China begins environmental protection program, named 'China's cleanliness and water-saving campaign,' in partnership with China's Ministry of Ecology and Environment; campaign solicits environmental action proposals from university students
October 21, 2022
Canadian International Trade Tribunal maintains anti-dumping measures on gypsum board from USA, says removing them could harm domestic producers; Canada Border Services Agency will continue to impose anti-dumping duties on these products
October 21, 2022
Euro area government deficit-to-GDP ratio decreased to 2.1% in Q2 due to stronger increases in total revenue compared to total expenditure and a higher GDP compared with Q1: Eurostat
October 20, 2022
Washington State DNR seeks input on proposed carbon project parcels for inclusion in 10,000 acres of high ecological value state lands set aside for conservation, carbon sequestration; DNR has identified 50 more parcels totaling 11,726 acres as candidates
October 19, 2022
Scientists say PFAS contamination should be presumed at more than 57,000 US sites, though that number is likely a 'large underestimation'; contamination most likely at certain industrial facilities, sites of PFAS-containing waste, firefighting foam use
October 19, 2022
Study finds FDA's proposed menthol ban would reduce littering by 3.8 billion cigarette butts annually; cigarette butts are most littered items in the world, are major source of plastic waste, leach nicotine, heavy metals, toxic chemicals into soil, water
October 19, 2022
USDA awards over US$64M for 185 grant projects to expand and strengthen local and regional food systems and increase the availability of locally grown agricultural products
October 19, 2022
Sodra's CEO says forest industry's potential has not been in EU’s spotlight; company's sustainability efforts include investing in CLT, biochemicals, green energy, biofuels--and it opposes any diluting of incentives to find fossil-free alternative fuels
October 19, 2022
Oregon extends Good Neighbor Authority agreement with US Forest Service until 2032; it allows continued cross-boundary work to reduce risk of catastrophic wildfires, improve forest and watershed health, create jobs in forest-dependent, rural communities
October 17, 2022
ISRI appoints its Chief Scientist, Director of Environmental Management David Wagger to its General Services Administration Committee; Wagger to provide committee with recycling industry perspectives, insights for advising federal waste policies
October 17, 2022
New York's Gov. Hochul signs New York Textile Act to strengthen state's manufacturing; act creates workgroup to increase private investment in, use of New York-produced natural fibers for all sectors, including apparel, health care, home, industrial use
October 17, 2022
Sysco Central Texas to pay US$154,000 in back wages to resolve alleged hiring discrimination against 370 female and Black job applicants at the company's New Braunfels, Texas, warehouse distribution center, says US Dept. of Labor
October 17, 2022
Government of Canada proposes strengthening labor code regulations to provide free menstrual products in federally regulated industries; minster of labor announces proposed regulation is now available for comment through Nov. 13
October 17, 2022
Infinited Fiber-led, EU-funded New Cotton Project launches exhibit installation at Fashion for Good Museum in Amsterdam; exhibit celebrates consortium's first circular garments produced with Adidas, H&M group, features two Aalto University white papers
October 17, 2022
European Commission approves €10M Slovak scheme to support agricultural product processors and the food production sector in the context of Russia's war against Ukraine
October 14, 2022
Canada's FedNor invests C$1.7M in First Nation-owned Papasay Value-Added Wood Products sawmill in Northern Ontario; funding will help diversify product line, increase mill’s output, support forest product supply chains and community economic development
October 14, 2022
New Zealand’s Commerce Commission issues warnings to Better Packaging and one of its directors, Rebecca Percasky, following an investigation into an attempted customer allocation agreement
October 14, 2022
Voslauer wins an Austrian State Prize for Smart Packaging for its jointly developed reusable PET bottle with Alpla; Alpla also receives nomination for its PET bottle with a handle, made using two-stage stretch blow molding technology
October 13, 2022
Wisconsin DNR partners with state, national groups to protect at-risk Connecticut warbler; efforts aim to improve habitat for songbird in Bayfield County, protect its wintering grounds in South America after surveys confirm bird's populations have plunged
October 13, 2022
MSU School of Packaging awarded two-year, US$450,000 National Science Foundation grant; researchers will explore designing a high-barrier biodegradable paper as an alternative to plastics and PFAS-coated paper
October 12, 2022
Andersen to pay a former job applicant a year’s worth of pay as part of settlement with Minnesota Dept. of Human Rights over refusal to hire the applicant because of disability; window and door maker must also work to build a more inclusive workplace
October 12, 2022
Ecosurety and behavior change charity Hubbub launch #InTheLoop open-source toolkit; toolkit is an in-depth guide for local authorities on how to roll out successful recycling-on-the-go campaigns, uses insights gathered from seven previous UK trials
October 12, 2022
North Carolina's Henderson County Solid Waste to add foam densifier system to its transfer station on US$40,000 grant from Foodservice Packaging Institute; new year-round recycling program to serve 49,000 households in Henderson County
October 11, 2022
Toray Composite Materials America to invest US$15.0M to double Torayca 1100 carbon fiber production capacity at Decatur, Alabama, facility, completing September 2023; upgrade to meet rising demand for US DOD weapon systems, Future Vertical Lift aircraft
October 11, 2022
DuPont Personal Protection launches new portfolio of patented Kevlar engineered yarns for protective equipment; portfolio combines cut-, heat-resistant soft-spun Kevlar with high-strength inorganic, elastic stretch-core yarns for better comfort, dexterity
October 11, 2022
BLM's Gunnison, Colorado, field office to open 30-day public comment period on vegetation management project on 90,725 acres of land; many of project area's spruce and fir stands are overstocked or have died from insects/disease and pose wildfire risk
October 11, 2022
New Zealand releases proposal to cut agricultural emissions, put country on track to meet its 2030 methane reduction target, give it a competitive edge in global marketplace; plan largely adopts farming sector’s proposal to price emissions at farm level
October 10, 2022
White House releases National Strategy for Advanced Manufacturing; the Biden-Harris administration is focused on efforts that revitalize the manufacturing sector, build strong US supply chains, invest in R&D, and train the workforce
October 10, 2022
Members of US Congress request EPA to create standardized labels for recycling bins, as 62% of Americans worry about incorrect sorting in bins; Leave No Trace program's standardized labels led to recycling level increase of 100% at several national parks
October 10, 2022
Norwegian timber industry trade group Treindustrien 'disappointed' in lack of funds in proposed national budget for improving energy efficiency of existing buildings; timber industry had high expectations for government's plan to save 10 TWh in buildings
October 10, 2022
German paper industry welcomes recommendations of Gas Commission to cap prices in 2023, but says 'situation in the industry is still serious'; trade group calls on government to implement price cap quickly, also address 'serious electricity cost problem'
October 10, 2022
International Civil Aviation Organization adopts goal to achieve net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050; organization also increases goal to stabilize emissions of international aviation at 85% of 2019 level, aims to increase Sustainable Aviation Fuel production
October 7, 2022
Flexible Packaging Assn. opposes New Jersey Senate Bill 2145, which aims to prohibit the sale, distribution and import of certain products marketed as recyclable, unless the Dept. of Environmental Protection determines that products are widely recycled
October 7, 2022
Norway's package of measures to deal with electricity situation may not benefit timber industry, says Treindustrien; under current plan, wood processors could fall outside new fixed-price agreement scheme and cannot use industrial power agreements
October 7, 2022
NatureWorks is recognized as BioPreferred Program Champion by USDA, signifying long-term commitment to renewable materials, reducing petroleum reliance, support of bioeconomy; company was first materials manufacturer to receive the biobased certification
October 7, 2022
New Zealand seeks public input on how forests are managed through National Environmental Standards for Plantation Forestry, aims to address concerns over farmland conversion; permanent forest category of Emissions Trading Scheme to open on Jan. 1, 2023
October 7, 2022
US DOT awards nearly US$39M to 12 marine highway projects; improvements include upgrades at Port of San Diego to handle barge cargo of building materials, including lumber, and purchase of an electric dock crane at Port of Vancouver in Washington
October 6, 2022
Australia's environment minister, in Threatened Species Action Plan, pushes for 30% of country to be protected within 10 years; Victoria is ahead of that target, with at least 34.7% of its land mass protected, says Victorian Forest Products Assn. CEO
October 6, 2022
Native timber harvesting area in Victoria, Australia, is now less than 2% of state's public forests; government is undermining industry confidence that it can guarantee timber supply until 2030 for state's remaining mills: Victorian Forest Products Assn.
October 6, 2022
National wildland firefighter shortage an issue for Idaho even as fire season winds down; director of Idaho Dept. of Lands highlights University of Idaho's associate degree in Wildland Fuels & Fire Technology and other courses for firefighters, foresters
October 6, 2022
VTT, Aalto University lead industrial chemical recycling project for difficult-to-recycle plastic waste, on €3.0M Business Finland funding; Urban Mill project includes Borealis, Valmet, Corex, Wipak, PR Pulping, Sulapac, and recyclers Kaipola, Keskinen
October 6, 2022
US DOT launches US$30M Thriving Communities program to help communities identify, develop infrastructure projects; program to provide two years of intensive technical assistance to under-resourced and disadvantaged communities at no cost to community
October 5, 2022
US Government Publishing Office (GPO) Director Hugh Halpern to attend PRINTING United Expo in Las Vegas, Oct. 19-21, giving printers an opportunity to learn how to engage with one of the largest procurers of print in the country
October 5, 2022
Spinnova receives €1.6M grant from Business Finland to study fiber use in new application areas, product segments such as composites, nonwovens; €3.2M project to also research development of scalable dope-dyeing to reduce water, energy, chemical waste
October 5, 2022
AF&PA CEO issues statement in response to renewed discussions about New Jersey's paper bag ban; New Jersey is only state that has banned paper bags, but 100% recyclable, reusable, compostable paper bags can be 'sustainable choice, environmental solution'
October 5, 2022
Director of transportation of 48forty Solutions discusses company’s partnership with EPA’s SmartWay program, which allows carriers, suppliers and shippers to better understand how to reduce emissions according to fuel efficiency
October 5, 2022
American Forest Resource Council, Eastern Oregon Counties Assn. seek to intervene in lawsuit challenging US Forest Service’s 'eastside screens' amendment; lawsuit threatens projects that would reduce hazardous forest fuels on at least 209,000 acres
October 4, 2022
Survey finds 90% of European respondents say companies should be held responsible for non-sustainable packaging; 53% say companies should only use '100% recyclable' packaging, 52% want more recycling in public areas, 50% want more deposit return programs
October 4, 2022
EURATEX says EU Energy Council's regulation to lower electricity prices by reducing power demand will trigger competition among member states instead of promote cooperation; group says regulation could de-industrialize EU, reduce industrial capacity
October 4, 2022
US DOT announces Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act initiative to help reduce transit project costs; program authorizes borrowing of up to 49% for projects that meet eligibility requirements, such as infrastructure improvements
October 3, 2022
Paper Excellence's Prince Albert Pulp submits environmental impact statement to Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment; EIS is key part of environmental permitting process, marks progress toward restarting dormant pulp mill, which has been down since 2006
September 30, 2022
US Fish and Wildlife Service reopens public comment period on proposed critical habitat rule for coastal marten; based on input from Yurok Tribe and Green Diamond, agency is now considering excluding an additional 40,208 acres from final designation
September 30, 2022
US DOT to meet with state, industry and federal leaders to discuss funding resources for truck parking projects; agency also to share a new handbook for states that details strategies for developing, designing and constructing new truck parking
September 30, 2022
California governor signs law that bans intentionally added toxic 'forever chemicals,' known as PFAS, from cosmetics sold in California; law follows state's ban of 13 PFAS from personal-care products two years ago
September 30, 2022
European Commission's €7B commitment to protect, restore biodiversity globally is a positive signal from EU ahead of UN Biodiversity Conference CBD-COP15 in December; now other major donor countries need to follow suit: TNC
September 29, 2022
TNC applauds passage of law in California to remove barrier to prescribed fire; it allocates US$20M for a pilot Prescribed Fire Claims Fund to pay for damages if a controlled burn escapes beyond fire lines, giving a 'backstop' to private insurance market
September 29, 2022
Chemours joins Appalachian Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub in collaboration with West Virginia and corporate, non-profit, academic and research partners; initiative aligns with US Dept. of Energy-ld Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub Program for cleaner energy
September 29, 2022
Oregon Dept. of Forestry shares revised action plan for engaging public on wildfire protection efforts as state works to create more fire-resilient communities; new timeline set for roll out of wildfire risk map after earlier version was retracted
September 29, 2022
Die Papierindustrie presents position paper outlining framework for Germany's future energy policy to provide energy-intensive industries secure, affordable energy supply; paper calls to restart decommissioned power plants, expand use of renewable energy
September 29, 2022
California Gov. Gavin Newsom signs legislation into law that dedicates US$40M to the Dept. of Conservation's Multibenefit Land Repurposing Program; the program was established last year with an initial US$50M
September 28, 2022
CEPI, other energy-intensive industries issue statement urging European leaders to introduce EU-wide measures to address impact of natural gas prices on industrial competitiveness and to disconnect electricity prices from gas prices
September 28, 2022
Biden administration approves EV infrastructure deployment plans for all states, D.C. and Puerto Rico; states now have access to 2022, 2023 National EV Infrastructure funding, which totals more than US$1.5B, to build EV charging network across country
September 28, 2022
South Carolina Forestry Commission warns of elevated fire danger as Hurricane Ian brings increased wind speeds and high gusts to 'very dry' state; agency urges vigilance when burning outdoors, though storm is set to saturate SC with rain on Friday
September 28, 2022
EURATEX, Textile and Clothing Assn. of Portugal to host Porto Convention in Porto, Portugal, on Oct. 13-14; event to focus on regulatory reforms, innovative technologies, changing consumer behaviors to develop sustainable textile, clothing industry
September 28, 2022
ACC commends introduction of the Reliable Rail Service Act to the US Senate; survey of ACC members recently found nearly 50% of companies reporting rail problems grew worse in Q2 2022
September 27, 2022
TNC transfers 164-acre Alburgh Bluffs parcel to Vermont to expand Alburgh Dunes State Park; US$1.1M purchase was made possible with support from federal Land and Water Conservation Fund, state agencies, Ducks Unlimited, other donors
September 27, 2022
IATA urges International Civil Aviation Organization to address industry issues by adopting long-term aspirational goals of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050; agency also urges governments to better prepare for health emergencies, avoid fragmented actions
September 27, 2022
US Dept. of Labor awards US$4.5M to support continued clean-up, recovery efforts in western Oregon more than two years after wildfires; incremental funding to provide disaster-relief jobs, training, support services in 20 counties
September 27, 2022
OSHA cites Alabama cabinet maker Wellborn Cabinet for violations, proposes US$115,188 in penalties after death of worker in March; 33-year-old maintenance technician came into contact with 277-volt circuit while replacing light fixture in paint booth
September 27, 2022
As EU Emissions Trading System, Market Stability Reserve reviews enter next stage of negotiations, CEPI encourages negotiators to consider 'drastically changed' energy prices, maintain technology-neutral approach to pulp, paper industry's decarbonization
September 26, 2022
American Forest Resource Council, American Loggers Council, firefighters and recreational groups welcome senators' introduction of Promoting Effective Forest Management Act of 2022; law is aimed at reducing catastrophic wildfires, improving forest health
September 26, 2022
More than 60% of US voters agree government should make permitting process more efficient for clean energy infrastructure projects; Bipartisan Policy Center/Morning Consult poll finds finds 61% of voters support permitting reform, with only 13% opposed
September 26, 2022
National Park Service leaders, members of Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, and land conservation partners mark National Public Lands Day by celebrating ongoing efforts to protect North Carolina's Blue Ridge Parkway around Waterrock Knob
September 26, 2022
Conservation Fund, state and partners celebrate new 402-acre Broyhill State Forest in North Carolina; high conservation value working forest supports water quality, recreation, increased connectivity for nearly 2,500 acres of surrounding protected lands
September 26, 2022
USDA signs cooperative agreement with Arkansas government under Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program; through the program, Arkansas seeks to purchase, distribute locally grown, produced, processed food from underserved producers
September 23, 2022
EPA’s GreenChill program awards 13 grocers for managing refrigerants to reduce emissions; recipients include: Ashland Food Co-Op, PCC, Weis Markets, BJ’s, Coborn’s, Food Lion, The GIANT Co., Giant Eagle, Hy-Vee, Meijer, Target, Aldi, Sprouts
September 23, 2022
Domtar hosts USDA officials at Marlboro pulp, paper mill in South Carolina to demonstrate challenges of sustainable wood fiber sourcing, ensure Lacey Act doesn't create costly, unrealistic reporting requirements; all Domtar mills, forestland are certified
September 23, 2022
TNC urges US Congress to advance policies that accelerate clean energy deployment but protect communities, natural resources; it says proposed permitting reform language misses mark, when US has never had a greater opportunity to expand clean energy use
September 23, 2022
Natural gas transported by interstate pipelines leaks hazardous air pollutants, carcinogens; estimates say gas infrastructure leaked 1.4 million tons of methane in 2020, benzene up to 299 ppm, or 30,000 times short-term exposure level: PSE Healthy Energy
September 23, 2022
The Packaging Forum, NZ Food & Grocery Council to jointly lead project to codesign a Plastic Packaging Product Stewardship Scheme for New Zealand; consumer and community groups, government, producers, processors will be involved in decision-making process
September 22, 2022
Government of Canada announces legislative review of the Cannabis Act with a broadened focus, including economic, social and environmental impacts of the act; review will also assess progress toward regulation, reduced risk and displacing illicit cannabis
September 22, 2022
NAFO welcomes introduction of Promoting Effective Forest Management Act, applauds senators' efforts to improve climate, support forest health and resilience, address critical forestry workforce needs
September 22, 2022
INDA Appoints Wes Fisher as Director of Government Affairs
September 22, 2022
Mondi endorses a common vision of a circular economy for plastics; vision will form basis for future policy engagements with governments through a newly launched Business Coalition for a Global Plastics Treaty convened by Ellen MacArthur Foundation, WWF
September 22, 2022
University of Calgary launches C$1.6M initiative to support regenerative agriculture demonstration projects; the multi-year initiative is being funded by Environment and Climate Change Canada
September 21, 2022
New biodiversity finance and conservation commitments unveiled at high-level event on sidelines of UN General Assembly; Germany increases global biodiversity funding by €0.87B to €1.5B/year, 16 nations endorse 10-point plan for financing biodiversity
September 21, 2022
CEPI comments on European Commission proposal to revise Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive; CEPI says mandatory recycled content is not an appropriate tool to regulate well-functioning markets of secondary raw materials, such as paper for recycling
September 21, 2022
National Wild Turkey Federation and USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service ink new five-year forest conservation agreement; it will provide US$7M to support more landowners in implementing volunteer conservation practices on private lands
September 21, 2022
Cutting CO2 emissions from land use change 72% by 2030 by protecting forests, wetlands, grasslands, and increasing carbon storage in forests by 32% can help US meet emission reduction targets; it must also cut agricultural methane emissions by 25%: report
September 21, 2022
Industry partners are using Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s AutoBEM software, which offers energy modeling of most US buildings, to trim buildings' carbon footprint; Google and architecture and engineering firm SmithGroup making data publicly available
September 20, 2022
Conservation Fund receives US Fish and Wildlife Service Land Protection Award, which recognizes outstanding achievements in land protection in and around National Wildlife Refuge system
September 20, 2022
Sasol receives summons from South Africa's National Prosecuting Authority for criminal proceedings related to historical aspects of environmental management at its Secunda Operations
September 20, 2022
US DOT to make approximately US$160M/year available for five years through programs to use tech to improve infrastructure; programs are Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation and Advanced Transportation Technology and Innovation
September 19, 2022
ISRI applauds actions, negotiations which averted US railroad strike; group says rail service is vital to receiving, delivering recycled materials used in manufacturing, including recycled steel, aluminum, paper, copper, plastics, glass
September 19, 2022
Natural climate solutions can mitigate 15% of Minnesota’s annual carbon emissions; new Climate Action Framework highlights how planting more trees, restoring prairies and wetlands, improving agriculture can help state meet emissions-reduction goals: TNC
September 19, 2022
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology begins scalable Li-ion batttery recycling project LiBinfinity on €17.0M government investment; project uses mechanico-hydrometallurgical process without energy-intensive steps, to reduce EU's dependency on imports
September 19, 2022
British Columbia marks National Forest Week, Sept. 18 to 24, celebrating the roles forests play in everyday lives, economy, communities and environment; 2022 theme is Canada’s Forests: Solutions for a Changing Climate
September 19, 2022
EPA awards Rowan University in Glassboro, New Jersey, US$314,416 grant to identify safer alternative chemicals and lower-energy, lower-emission technologies for use in early stage pharmaceutical design, manufacturing in effort to cut pollution
September 19, 2022
US Senate passes bipartisan bill to ensure proper use, recycling of federal fleet EV batteries; bill to provide US manufacturers with domestic supply of reusable EV batteries, cobalt, rare metals, while reducing nation's dependence on foreign suppliers
September 16, 2022
US Forest Service adds 1,247 acres in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, acquired by TPL from Lyme Timber in November 2021, to Ottawa National Forest; conservation of the land will benefit environment and outdoor enthusiasts
September 16, 2022
EURATEX supports European Commission's recent proposals to tackle EU energy, gas crisis, though proposals may cost jobs, industrial capacities; group says proposals should include nonwoven, textiles finishing and services sectors to state-aid framework
September 16, 2022
Pennsylvania receives more than US$900M in USDA funding for 19 projects aimed at creating new revenue streams and support for Pennsylvania farmers using climate-smart practices
September 16, 2022
Texas A&M to receive up to US$65M from USDA to execute a five-year multi-commodity project to work with Texas’ large agricultural sector on expanding climate-smart agriculture and forestry practices
September 16, 2022
Lactalis Australia breached Dairy Code of Conduct when it failed to publish its milk supply agreements on website by Code's deadline and instead required dairy farmers to sign up through a web portal to receive them by email, government authorities say
September 15, 2022
USDA names Winrock International to implement US$20M Growing Value for Producers Through Increased Access to Markets for Climate-Smart Commodities project; initiative will support US rice and beef producers in Arkansas, Missouri and tribal lands
September 15, 2022
OSU College of Forestry, Pacific Northwest tribes partner on US$5M, three-year forest restoration project being funded by US Dept. of the Interior; project will include collecting seeds of culturally and ecologically significant plants on BLM land
September 15, 2022
USDA awards University of Missouri US$25M--the largest federal research, education and extension grant ever awarded to the school--from the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities Program
September 15, 2022
American Farmland Trust and partner organizations being awarded a US$30M grant from USDA Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities to spearhead an effort to transition the US beef supply chain to carbon neutral
September 15, 2022
Funding of US$2.5M from US Forest Service Wood Innovations Grant and Community Wood Grant programs will help four Maine businesses invest in high-demand forest products including CLT, new pine resources, wood biomass fuels
September 14, 2022
European Parliament adopts new rules on adequate minimum wages for all workers in the EU; member states will have to guarantee that their national minimum wages allow workers to lead a decent life, taking into account cost of living and wider pay levels
September 14, 2022
Cal Fire awards researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Massachusetts US$514,981 to develop a model to predict how wildfires spread to communities; aim is to help fire protection engineers design better-prepared homes, landscaping
September 14, 2022
New US EPA study shows that toxic PFAS leach from the inside coating of fluorinated HDPE containers into the products they contain; Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility is urging EPA, other regulatory authorities to take immediate action
September 14, 2022
TNC expands forest restoration partnerships with US Forest Service to include new agreement with Idaho Panhandle National Forest aimed at restoring forest health, reducing flammable material and risk of severe wildfires
September 14, 2022
USDA announces US$64M award to Nature Conservancy, others to fund five-year project to advance agroforestry in 38 US states; project one of 70 awards that USDA funding through Climate-Smart Agriculture, Forestry Partnership Initiative
September 13, 2022
US EPA selects University of North Carolina Chapel Hill as pollution prevention (P2) grant recipient; P2 grants let states, Tribes provide businesses with technical assistance to help them develop, adopt P2 practices and reduce business, liability costs
September 13, 2022
Idaho's Salmon-Challis National Forest has had six new fires in past week; US Forest Service, Idaho Dept. of Lands, BLM in east-central Idaho are in Stage 1 fire restrictions
September 13, 2022
Center for Biological Diversity and Friends of the Earth file notice of intent to sue US EPA for failing to finalize nationwide standards to protect waterways from harmful vessel discharges; EPA proposed rule on October 26, 2020 but never finalized it
September 13, 2022
British Columbia opens third intake of Mass Timber Demonstration Program; C$2M of new investment adds to C$5.4M already invested to support 12 mass timber building projects, four research projects
September 13, 2022
US president to launch National Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Initiative; aim is to harness potential of biology to make 'almost anything' from medicines to fuels and plastics, drive US innovation and grow America's bioeconomy across multiple sectors
September 12, 2022
Royal Mail to suspend services on Monday, September 19, following announcement that the Queen's state funeral is to be marked as a bank holiday; further details to be available on the Royal Mail website once arrangements have been confirmed
September 9, 2022
California passes bill for battery-embedded e-waste processing costs; consumers to be charged point-of-sale fee for products containing batteries that require tools to remove, including medical devices, energy storage systems, vaping devices
September 9, 2022
New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries partnering with WheyTech Bionics on a two-year project that aims to develop technology to process whey permeate as a sweetener product with anti-diabetic properties
September 8, 2022
US Forest Service to 'conditionally' resume prescribed fire program after completing 90-day national review; pause since May 20 followed prescribed fire escapes that had devastating impacts on communities and natural resources
September 8, 2022
Oji Fibre Solutions, New Zealand government partner on joint feasibility study at Kinleith pulp, paper mill; study aims to harness valuable by-products of wood fiber, boost development of wood bio-products, like hydrogen, biofuels, biochemicals, bioenergy
September 8, 2022
German Printing and Media Assn. asks Federal Minister of Economics to include small- and medium-sized printing, media companies in its energy cost containment program because rising energy prices pose threat to entire value chain
September 7, 2022
GlobalData expects Canada to fall short of target to produce nearly 100% electricity from zero-emitting sources by 2035; Canada only adding 2.6 GW of annual renewable capacity additions on average every year, which means cumulative shortfall of 48.4 GW
September 7, 2022
Recycling organizations NRC, NEWMOA publish ‘Model Minimum Postconsumer Recycled Content Requirements for Plastic Products and Packaging Legislation,’ which provides a potential basis for state legislative action and encourages a circular economy
September 7, 2022
Michigan government announces US$1.2M federal investment to six meat processing companies aimed at helping the state's small agriculture businesses to expand
September 7, 2022
Multi-state coalition calls on the federal government to reduce the purchase of unnecessary single-use plastics and packaging; coalition says the General Services Administration should prioritize the purchase of sustainable alternatives
September 7, 2022
Bank of Canada increased its target for the overnight rate to 3.25%, with the Bank Rate at 3.5% and the deposit rate at 3.25%; the Bank is continuing its policy of quantitative tightening
September 7, 2022
USDA awarding US$2.2M to 16 organizations to educate historically underserved producers, small-scale farmers and others on farm risk management and climate-smart farm practices
September 6, 2022
Auto parts maker Hematite cited for 10 federal safety regulations by OSHA after its plastic molding plant in Clayton, Ohio, has 13 fires in two years; company faces potential penalties of US$271,000
September 6, 2022
Sylvamo joins Keep Us Posted, a US Postal Service advocacy organization that supports reliable mail delivery without excessive postage rate hikes; group lobbies policymakers, educates Americans on key issues surrounding USPS' affordability, reliability
September 6, 2022
UK's Confederation of Paper Industries writes open letter to new Prime Minster urging urgent action to address energy costs in UK; CPI also issues position paper calling on government to make good on promises of support for energy-intensive industries
September 6, 2022
US awards US$62.8M in 'Build Back Better' funds to Appalachian Climate Technology Coalition; ACT's Abandoned Mines to Sustainable Lands project is considering reforestation for carbon sequestration, ecotourism, renewable energy to boost mine reclamation
September 6, 2022
CEPI signs joint letter from energy-intensive industries to European Commission president calling on EU to introduce EU-wide measures to limit price of natural gas, disconnect electricity prices from gas prices; EU gas recently peaked at €334/MWh TTF
September 2, 2022
Biden-Harris Administration, Dept. of Energy issues information request to help expand Li-ion battery recycling programs; DOE seeks industry, recycler, retailer guidance for US$335.0M in investments to accelerate collection, logistics, processing
September 2, 2022
University of Alberta researchers discover sulfur content in fire-resistant protective wear causes fiber degradation, loss of effectiveness; manufacturers can use information to improve safety gear for oil, gas workers, electricians, firefighters: study
September 2, 2022
Anti-Defamation League urges California governor, ILWU to ensure California ports remain open for business to all ships; extremist groups have been promoting rallies at California ports to disrupt operations by Israel-based container shipping carrier ZIM
September 2, 2022
US Dept. of Commerce to award Oregon Mass Timber Coalition some US$41.4M as one of 21 winners of US$1B Build Back Better Regional Challenge; grants will support projects to modernize, boost state's forest products industry and forest-dependent communities
September 1, 2022
Projects under way in British Columbia's Thompson-Okanagan region are designed to enhance forest resilience against wildfire and impacts of climate change; work is funded by C$25M provincial investment through Forest Enhancement Society of BC
September 1, 2022
Work is under way to enhance forest resilience to protect against impacts of wildfire and climate change in British Columbia's western Kootenay-Boundary region; project is one of 22 to share Forest Enhancement Society of BC/provincial funding of C$25M
September 1, 2022
Australia needs one billion new production trees planted by 2030 to meet future wood needs and allow greater uptake of timber construction, says trade group CEO; Potsdam study finds building homes from timber could save 10% of world’s carbon budget
September 1, 2022
Amid European energy crisis, Italian paperboard maker RDM asks Italian government to set cap on price of gas and to ensure gas supply for industries defined as 'essential' as well as guarantee supply credits to gas suppliers for the essential companies
September 1, 2022
Pennsylvania governor's office announces that 266 elementary schools will receive US$7M in USDA grant funding to provide students with fresh fruit and vegetable snacks during the school day
August 31, 2022
White House mandates that all federally funded research papers and data must be available immediately upon publication and at no cost; policy goes into effect Dec. 31, 2025
August 31, 2022
GlobalData: Lack of government support has stunted Mexico's growth of renewables, and its aim to achieve 35% of electricity generation from clean energy sources by 2024 doesn't look feasible; however, Mexico has huge potential to harness power from wind
August 31, 2022
'Enough with the anti-forestry insanity', says F2M's CEO, in response to New York Times opinion by songwriter Carole King; he says environmental scientists and those working on forest health know 'there is a tremendous cost to leaving our trees alone'
August 30, 2022
Washington's state forester opens application window for 2023 Smokey Bear Awards, wildfire prevention’s most prestigious national honor that recognizes people or organizations working to protect lands and communities; submission deadline is Dec. 15
August 30, 2022
Oregon's governor declares state of emergency because of imminent threat of wildfire amid continued warm and dry conditions; many parts of state are in drought emergencies
August 30, 2022
Canada files notice that it will challenge US softwood lumber duties under Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement
August 30, 2022
Agriculture producers and processors in British Columbia to soon be able to apply for federal government regenerative agriculture funding to help increase innovation and resiliency as they compete with the international market
August 29, 2022
Projects under way in northern British Columbia with provincial investment of C$25M through Forest Enhancement Society of BC will reduce community wildfire risk, enhance forest health
August 29, 2022
US senator urges Dept. of Labor to act on emerging trend of 'invasive and exploitative’ surveillance technologies in workplaces, says implementation of it is growing due to an imbalance of power and lack of legal protections, regulatory restrictions
August 29, 2022
Scottish government announces consultation on forthcoming agriculture bill; themes the consultation covers include high quality food production, ensuring fair income for farmers, and sustainable and regenerative agriculture
August 29, 2022
US DOT issues temporary hours-of-service exemption to carriers transporting gas, diesel, jet fuel to Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin in response to BP Whiting refinery shutdown; action is effective until the end of the emergency or September 10
August 26, 2022
AstraZeneca announces FDA decision to grant priority review for supplemental New Drug Application for Lynparza tablets in combination with abiraterone and prednisone or prednisolone; combination is a treatment for castration-resistant prostate cancer
August 26, 2022
US DOE's REMADE Institute creates new technology license for e-waste recycling innovation in partnership with Virginia Tech, Phinix; patent-pending technology makes it easier, more cost-effective to recover precious metals from electronic waste, computers
August 26, 2022
Auto Care Assn. President, CEO Bill Hanvey applauds recently introduced Maine Right to Repair referendum for bringing more visibility to the need to secure the consumers' right to choose where they get their vehicles maintained and repaired
August 26, 2022
Moderna completes submission to the FDA requesting emergency use authorization for Omicron-targeting bivalent COVID-19 booster vaccine; application is for a booster dose in adults age 18 years and older
August 26, 2022
Moderna files patent infringement lawsuits against Pfizer and BioNTech in the US and in Germany; complaint alleges Pfizer and BioNTech's COVID-19 vaccine Comirnaty infringes on mRNA technology patents filed by Moderna between 2010 and 2016
August 25, 2022
Oak Ridge National Laboratory creates miniaturized environment to study ecosystem around poplar tree roots for insights into plant health and soil carbon sequestration; knowing how microbes interact with roots can help plants grow faster, more resilient
August 25, 2022
New South Wales launches Bushfire Commercialisation Fund to help innovators translate cutting-edge research into practical solutions to improve bushfire detection, preparation, response; aim is also to position NSW to export innovative bushfire solutions
August 25, 2022
US DOE finds all light-duty EVs sold in US in 2022 cost under US$1,000 per year to charge with electricity, while most gasoline cars cost between US$2,000 and US$7,000 per year to fuel; costs based on 15,000 miles driven per year, US$4.87/gallon gasoline
August 25, 2022
Toyota partnering with National Renewable Energy Laboratory to build, evaluate a one-megawatt proton exchange membrane fuel cell to provide stationary power; US$6.5m project to integrate multiple Toyota fuel cell modules into a larger system
August 25, 2022
Florida invests more than US$56M to acquire seven properties totaling nearly 20,000 acres to be designated for conservation; more than 98% of the land is within Florida Wildlife Corridor, a network of connected lands crucial for wildlife habitat
August 24, 2022
Governments of Norway, Rwanda launch High Ambition Coalition to End Plastic Pollution by 2040 with 18 additional nations; group to draft international treaty by 2024 to eliminate problematic plastics, ensure value chain transparency, national action plans
August 24, 2022
As Congress considers reauthorization of FDA user fee programs, several lawmakers urge for the inclusion of a Senate-passed amendment that would prohibit PFAS in food packaging; the lawmakers note PFAS have been linked to a variety of health hazards
August 24, 2022
Tilray Medical's Purified Oral Solution receives approval, verification from The Natural Health Science Foundation for use in clinical trials in Australia and New Zealand; product meets quality standards for consistency when being prescribed to patients
August 23, 2022
GlobalData forecasts US pharmaceutical sales of prescription/nonprescription drugs to hit US$624B in 2023, but expects few pharmaceutical companies to be left unaffected by Medicare’s planned negotiation on US drug prices, which go into full effect 2026
August 23, 2022
Conservation North urges British Columbia government to act on 2020 Forest Practices Board biodiversity recommendations for Prince George TSA; FPB had concluded industrial logging was putting ecosystems in Prince George TSA at risk of irreversible loss
August 22, 2022
US EPA proposes 'Safer Communities by Chemical Accident Prevention Rule', offering revisions to further protect vulnerable communities from chemical accidents; proposal includes enhanced employee participation, transparency on safety decisions
August 22, 2022
USDA to Invest up to US$300M in new Organic Transition Initiative that will help build new and better markets and income streams for farmers and producers; aim is to reverse decline in non-certified organic farms transitioning to organic production
August 22, 2022
Vehicle crash rates dropped substantially in Oregon, Washington after those states passed laws that prevent holding a cell phone while driving; results not as dramatic in California, where law prohibits ‘holding and using’ a phone while driving: IIHS
August 22, 2022
Voters in North Dakota, Maryland, Missouri and South Dakota to vote on marijuana legalization ballot measures in November 2022; proponents of legalization also push for measures in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Nebraska
August 19, 2022
Oregon increases fire danger level to High for recreationists in Tillamook State Forest from Aug. 16 amid rising temperatures in northwest corner of the state
August 19, 2022
Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center, hosted by Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets, announces five recipients of the Dairy Product Packaging Innovation Grant; the US$1.1M in funds will be used for researching new sustainable solutions
August 19, 2022
UK public sector net borrowing estimated at £4.9B in July, down by £0.8B from July 2021; public sector net debt was £2.39T at end of July, or 95.5% of GDP: ONS
August 18, 2022
All old-growth forest on Nova Scotia Crown land now protected under province’s new approach to ecological forestry; at least 20% of trees in a forest must be minimum age for the forest type to qualify as old-growth and forest must be largely undisturbed
August 18, 2022
British Columbia Ministry of Forests invites public comment by Oct. 18 on Lillooet TSA, which covers some 1.1 million hectares and includes territories of four First Nations; TSA's current AAC is 570,000 m3, of which 400,000 m3 are for non-pine species
August 18, 2022
British Columbia's shishalh Nation to purchase of 100,000 m3 of annual timber volume from Interfor, strengthening economic relations between the parties; province has approved tenure purchase and provided funding support
August 18, 2022
International Geosynthetics Society to present on geotextiles, sustainability and industry challenges at EuroGeo7 conference in Warsaw, Poland, on Sept. 6; panel discussion to include members of European Commission, IGS, construction groups
August 17, 2022
Global plastics recycling market to reach US$143.12B by 2030, after growing at 15.7% CAGR on increasing use of recyclates in packaging, automotive industries; packaging had largest market share in 2021, followed by European market on regulations, policies
August 17, 2022
US Forest Service, EPA, other federal agencies to help grow outdoor recreation in rural communities through Recreation Economy for Rural Communities program; economic output of outdoor recreation was valued at US$689B in 2020, generating 4.3 million jobs
August 17, 2022
Canadian, British Columbian governments supporting 10 new projects with more than C$1M through Canada-British Columbia Agri-Innovation Program to help fight climate change, address labor shortages, increase adoption of regenerative agriculture practices
August 16, 2022
British Columbia names Shane Berg as its 18th chief forester and assistant deputy minister for the Office of the Chief Forester; Berg is a registered professional forester who has served as deputy chief forester since April 2017
August 16, 2022
Justice Department, US Attorney’s Office announce criminal charges for ABC Polymer Industries over an Aug. 16, 2017, incident at its Helena, Alabama, plant in which a worker was pulled into a cluster of unguarded moving rollers and killed
August 16, 2022
OSHA cites New Jersey-based packaging manufacturer International Cushioning for 25 violations after investigation of Ohio worker’s second-degree burns; company faces more than US$177,000 in penalties
August 15, 2022
SWANA and USAID's Blue Ocean flagship program to address plastic pollution in ten countries, more than 25 cities around the world; SWANA to provide capacity building, technical assistance, USAID to focus on waste management in Caribbean, Latin America
August 15, 2022
UK steel and paper mills could see further relief under new proposals to help subsidise electricity costs; proposal is estimated to help nearly 300 businesses supporting 60,000 jobs
August 15, 2022
Nova Scotia sends crews to help Newfoundland and Labrador battle large wildfires
August 15, 2022
Land Trust Alliance says increase in funding of Farm Bill conservation programs in Inflation Reduction Act acknowledges critical role of private landowners in addressing climate change; LTA welcomes unprecedented investment in voluntary land conservation
August 15, 2022
Newly passed Inflation Reduction Act represents 'most significant climate change legislation in history,' investing millions of dollars in climate-smart agriculture and natural climate solutions: TPL
August 12, 2022
USDA awarding US$197M for 41 locally led conservation projects through Regional Conservation Partnership Program, which leverages partner resources to advance projects that address climate change, water quality, other challenges on agricultural land
August 11, 2022
Victoria, Australia, government's forestry policies blamed for closure of sawmill in small East Gippsland town; opposition leader alleges premier's ban on native timber logging that is costing jobs was partly fueled by a 'radical green ideological agenda'
August 11, 2022
British Columbia returns 2,276 hectares of territorial lands to Wei Wai Kum, while balancing First Nation's interests with those of BC Timber Sales and maintaining some public access; transfer will help boost Wei Wai Kum’s forest industry participation
August 11, 2022
Australia's forest industries have 'huge role to play' in emissions reduction; minister says that, with the right investment framework and the right regulation, country can create carbon sinks that will be needed to help remove GHGs from atmosphere
August 11, 2022
Australia’s forestry plantation estate has shrunk by 230,000 hectares in six years to 1.744 million hectares, as farmers, landowners pivot to other commodities; Australian Forest Products Assn. calls for policy incentives for tree farmers
August 10, 2022
Poisoning reports for illegal synthetic cannabis decreased by 37% in states with recreational cannabis programs, compared to states with restrictions, study shows; research suggests many users will choose legal, less toxic products when possible
August 10, 2022
Public hearings scheduled Aug. 23–25 on Oregon's Certified Burn Manager Program rules; program will provide training, certification to conduct prescribed burns that cross property boundaries, reduce individual liability when following program criteria
August 10, 2022
Washington state recognizes large landowners for investments to protect clean water for humans, fish; honorees include BTG Pactual, Fruit Growers Supply, Manulife, Olympic Timber c/o Campbell Global, Rayonier, SDS, Sierra Pacific Industries, Weyerhaeuser
August 10, 2022
Canada invests over C$2.4M and Indigo Park contributes C$2.4M in project to install 500 Level 2 EV chargers at 68 sites across the country to be available by March 2024; Canada has invested C$1.0B in EV, charging station initiatives since 2016
August 10, 2022
American Farm Bureau Federation 'appreciates' USDA's proposed marketing disclosure requirements, says a 'strong relationship between integrators and farmers is crucial to ensuring America's families have access to safe, affordable food'
August 9, 2022
Taiwan Textile Research Institute develops recycled polyethylenimine fibers from aerospace, semiconductor waste; PEI's high stability, lightness, heat resistance, stretchability has use in textiles, circuit boards, boiler filters, fire-resistant equipment
August 9, 2022
Gerresheimer to expand its manufacturing, supply and logistics capability for glass vials at its site in Morganton, North Carolina, investing up to US$94M; project will be supported by the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority
August 9, 2022
USDA and OSHA enter into an updated memorandum of understanding with OSHA on worker safety; going into effect for five years, the updated MOU provides guidance about how both agencies will collaborate on training, information sharing and workplace hazards
August 9, 2022
Mercedes-Benz working closely with customs, law enforcement authorities to fight counterfeit products, with a focus on brake discs, wheels, body and steering parts; over 1.86 million counterfeit Mercedes-Benz parts seized by law enforcement in 2021
August 9, 2022
Canada contributes C$1M to Wood Manufacturing Cluster of Ontario to support study of small and medium enterprises across cabinetry, commercial millwork, furniture; project aims to integrate Industry 4.0 technology to establish an industry roadmap for SMEs
August 8, 2022
Drax CEO says company will kick start its bioenergy with carbon capture and storage projects in US if proposed boost in support for BECCS in Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 is enacted; bill is 'kind of climate leadership companies like Drax need to see'
August 8, 2022
New US duties on Canadian lumber announced last week are unfair and will be appealed, say New Brunswick Lumber Producers and JD Irving officials; NBLP will challenge new rates in coming weeks, calls for a negotiated settlement between the two governments
August 8, 2022
UK allocates £44.2M for community forests and woodland creation; as part of government’s £750M Nature for Climate Fund, projects will expand woodlands near cities, towns, villages, giving more people access to nature, improving health and wellbeing
August 8, 2022
Washington State DNR temporarily closes vehicle access to area around Sumas Mountain because of environmental damage, garbage dumping; DNR manages area's 14,000 acres of forests mainly for timber harvesting for revenue to support schools, local services
August 8, 2022
Euratex supports EU's trade negotiations to reduce European textile, clothing tariff barriers in India, set 'ambitious' Indian import sustainability standards; EU's annual textile imports from India exceed €6.00B, while EU's exports only at €500M
August 5, 2022
Ontario supports US decision to lower duty rates on Canadian lumber but maintains all tariffs should be removed; province's forest sector generated C$18B in revenue from sale of manufactured goods, services in 2020, supported over 148,000 jobs in 2021
August 5, 2022
British Columbia 'frustrated' at US Dept. of Commerce's ruling on softwood lumber duties; ministers say tariffs are making housing, lumber more expensive in both countries at a time US and Canada should work together amid rising costs, global inflation
August 5, 2022
New Zealand Forest Service widens National Exotic Forest Description survey to include small scale forest owners; official says small forests could contribute to more than 40% of wood supply in next decade and it is important to identify trends, issues
August 5, 2022
Beverage maker selects new 1P23 tethered cap from TriMas’ Affaba & Ferrari brand for its iced tea in Italy; the move comes ahead of EU’s directive for caps to remain permanently attached to bottles to prevent environmental waste, facilitate recycling
August 4, 2022
US Dept. of Labor to begin series of events in August to highlight the importance of maternal health and workplace protections for expectant and new mothers; events will include free webinars, industry-specific employer compliance events, more
August 4, 2022
British Columbia Forest Practices Board to audit forest planning and practices of Lake Babine Nation Forestry on First Nations Woodland Licence N21 near Burns Lake during week of Aug. 8
August 3, 2022
Recycling Partnership launches Center for Sustainable Behavior & Impact to drive residential recycling improvements with support from Walmart Foundation, Milliken; launch advisors include individuals at NYC Dept. of Sanitation, Shelton Group, Systemiq
August 3, 2022
New Zealand's Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Amendment Bill would reduce number of retail outlets able to sell tobacco, reduce nicotine levels in smoked tobacco products; law will also outlaw sale to anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 2009
August 3, 2022
Manitoba and Norway House Cree Nation sign memorandum of agreement on cooperative forestry development; chief says agreement is resolution to past controversial harvesting within Norway House Cree Nation’s traditional territory, resource management area
August 3, 2022
Manitoba signs agreements with two Cree Nations to work toward development of revenue sharing that will see up to 45% of timber dues revenues returned to rights holders; pilot agreements cover revenue collected from Jan. 1, 2022 to June 30, 2024
August 3, 2022
US DOT awards US$3.1M to community colleges and training institutes to assist Armed Forces veterans who want to get CDLs and training to pursue careers in trucking; grants awarded through the Commercial Motor Vehicle Operator Safety Training Grant Program
August 2, 2022
New Zealand outlines actions to address plasterboard shortage as Fletcher Building subsidiary cannot meet demand; four alternative plasterboard products can be used in place of GIB, and 100 containers of plasterboard imports are en route to NZ
August 2, 2022
OSHA fines Dollar Tree US$1.2M for 'flagrantly ignoring' workplace safety after finding hazardous conditions at two Ohio Family Dollar stores; OSHA says it repeatedly finds violations such as obstructed exits, stacks of merchandise at company's stores
August 2, 2022
British Columbia awards C$1M to Coastal First Nations-Great Bear Initiative to clean up marine debris along Great Bear Rainforest coast, educate community; funding is via Clean Coast, Clean Waters initiative, which is key to CleanBC Plastics Action Plan
August 2, 2022
More than 20,000 people sign e-petition urging parliament of New South Wales, Australia, to end native forest logging, transition to 100% plantation-based industry by 2024; petition also seeks ban on use of native forest materials for energy generation
August 1, 2022
TPL applauds 'groundbreaking' agreement in US Senate to advance comprehensive climate change legislation; nonprofit notes commitment to climate-smart conservation through Urban and Community Forestry program, Forest Legacy Program and other initiatives
August 1, 2022
TPL applauds Dept. of the Interior’s allocation of US$192M to expand public parks in cities through Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership; TPL says it will increase equitable access to outdoors, help people lead healthier, happier, more prosperous lives
August 1, 2022
German paper industry calls on government to cancel natural gas surcharge planned for autumn, says country should not pass on cost of saving gas importer Uniper from bankruptcy; paper production already threatened by surging costs, impending gas shortage
August 1, 2022
Effective July 22, ethanedinitrile, a chemical used to kill pests found in wood, can be imported, manufactured, used in New Zealand; an alternative to methyl bromide, EDN is already approved for use in Australia, South Korea, Malaysia and Russia
August 1, 2022
UK general government gross debt was £2.37T at the end of Q1, equal to 99.6% of GDP; net borrowing was £15.8B in Q1, or 2.6% of GDP, 0.5% lower than the average deficit of G7 member states: ONS
July 29, 2022
Texas A&M Forest Service urges caution as state continues to experience hot, dry conditions; 224 counties are under a burn ban --the most Texas has seen since October 2011
July 29, 2022
Governments of Canada and Ontario investing C$4M to grow and sustain agri-food workforce; the money provides funding for innovative pilot projects that are tailor-made to address employee needs at a local level
July 29, 2022
New Brunswick to issue new Class 1 air quality approval for Arbec Forest Products OSB mill in Miramichi; company's current approval expires on Aug. 31 and new five-year approval takes effect on Sept. 1
July 29, 2022
New Brunswick invests C$350,000 in project to conserve, restore wetlands along lower Saint John River and help mitigate effects of climate change; funding will enable Ducks Unlimited Canada to enhance 63 conservation areas along lower part of river valley
July 29, 2022
British Columbia receives report on timber harvesting rights successorship; it provides recommendations to extend union rights, or successorship, where forest tenure is transferred between entities and harvesting rights continue within a five-year period
July 28, 2022
National Waste & Recycling Assn. urges US Congress to pass CHIPS Act to incentivize domestic manufacturing of semiconductors, needed for making computer chips essential to waste, recycling sectors; bill passed Senate on 66-33 vote, now heads to House
July 28, 2022
Machinists union claims legal victory for Washington state woodworkers and forestry-dependent communities after state supreme court rules DNR continues to have fiduciary duty to manage working forests
July 27, 2022
Pet Food Institute praises US House passage of bill granting US$8M to FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine, which will help expedite reviews for new feed ingredients; studies show new ingredients currently take three to five years to receive FDA approval
July 27, 2022
Land Trust Alliance applauds introduction of North American Grasslands Conservation Act; grasslands are critical for wildlife, agriculture and can store large quantities of carbon, but nearly 53 million acres of US grasslands have disappeared in 10 years
July 27, 2022
US GPO unveils strategic plan for fiscal years 2023-2027; goals include achieving operational excellence, leveraging its expertise in new software solutions, anti-counterfeiting technology, offering new products, services, developing its workforce
July 26, 2022
USDA launches US$1B Community Wildfire Defense Grant program; five-year, competitive program is designed to help at-risk communities, including Tribes, non-profits, state forestry agencies and Alaska Native corporations, plan for and mitigate fire risks
July 26, 2022
US Endowment, Michigan State University to develop ForesTrust, a blockchain network to track wood and fiber from forest to consumer; Forest Service awards US$250,000 for project, which will incorporate MSU work to track stored carbon through value chain
July 26, 2022
US Forest Service outlines strategy to address reforestation backlog on four million acres of national forests; it is part of 10-year goal to cut wildfire risk, protect communities, improve forest health, and supports government's climate adaptation plans
July 26, 2022
US Forest Service to remove impediments to partners, Tribes contributing expertise and capacity to promote healthy, resilient forests and grasslands; policy requirements for cash matching or substantial cash contributions have impeded needed work
July 25, 2022
Business Facilities ranks Louisiana LED FastStart as No. 1 custom training program in US; program includes VR and AI capability, a job seeker platform that expands access and increases diversity, education partnerships, development of a technology center
July 25, 2022
Canada designates Nova Scotia's Big Glace Bay Lake as a National Wildlife Area to protect biodiversity, at-risk species; NWA covers 392 hectares of estuary, marsh waters, mixed woodland, shallow coastal water, eelgrass flats and migratory bird sanctuary
July 25, 2022
British Columbia working to finalize new funding for Deadwood Innovations, a JV with Nak’azdli Whut’en First Nation that transforms beetle-damaged trees into EWPs; company aims to build pilot-scale plant at a former mill site in Fort St. James
July 25, 2022
US EPA releases draft analysis of the insecticide sulfoxaflor and its impact on federally listed endangered and threatened species; sulfoxaflor is less persistent and less toxic to most species compared to older insecticides, EPA says
July 22, 2022
Oregon forestry department to hold community information sessions on state's recently released wildfire risk map; each session will include presentation about map's purpose, how wildfire risk is assessed, how property owners can appeal assigned risk class
July 22, 2022
US Forest Service issues interim policy direction to make it easier for existing, potential partners--including states, tribes--to work with USFS to achieve mutually beneficial goals; policy will now consider partners' 'valuable contributions' beyond cash
July 22, 2022
US Forest Service to take emergency action to protect giant sequoia trees in California from immediate wildfire threats; emergency fuels reduction treatments will remove surface and ladder fuels on 13,377 acres, protecting 12 giant sequoia groves
July 22, 2022
American Forest Resource Council applauds Washington Supreme Court ruling supporting state DNR's fiduciary duty to manage working forests; DNR manages over 2 million acres of state trust lands to produce timber supplies, revenue for community benefit
July 22, 2022
Washington DNR head says state Supreme Court ruling affirms DNR position that it has discretion under constitutional, legislative mandate to manage public lands on behalf of communities, ensure lands provide greatest environmental, social, economic good
July 21, 2022
US Forest Service seeks public input on Siuslaw National Forest's four designated wilderness areas; feedback will inform upcoming amendment to land management plan, steer future wilderness management decisions on recreation, wildlife habitat, more
July 21, 2022
Royal Mail says UK's Office of Communications' regulatory review does not go far enough to address challenges facing the company; Ofcom's decision to block tracking on courier's products could put the service's finances at risk, says courier
July 21, 2022
Executive Perspective: UK's food and beverage industry 'wants to see bold new policies from a new prime minister that create the conditions for investment to boost productivity and competitiveness,' says Karen Betts, CEO of UK's Food and Drinks Federation
July 21, 2022
Euro area government deficit-to-GDP ratio fell to 2.3% in Q1 from 3.4% in Q4; decrease due to stronger decrease in total expenditure compared to decrease in total revenue, influenced by policy responses to COVID-19 pandemic: Eurostat
July 21, 2022
UK public sector net borrowing estimated at £22.9B in June, up by £4.1B from June 2021; public sector net debt was £2.39T at end of June, or 96.1% of GDP: ONS
July 20, 2022
Canada's Minister of Natural Resources awards C$110,000 to EllisDon's Mass Timber Modular System Project to support wood construction, low-carbon economy; EllisDon's mass timber-based volumetric modular system can be used for various residential projects
July 20, 2022
Canadian government contributes C$550,000 to the Hybrid Timber Floor System Project led by EllisDon and DIALOG, set to finish this year; patent-pending system allows mass timber-based floor systems to be used in non-residential long-span construction
July 20, 2022
CEPI responds to European Commission's Winter Preparedness Package that aims to address Russian gas supplies; disruption to paper industry’s gas supply would affect entire EU logistics, availability of paper packaging, hygiene products, district heating
July 20, 2022
Washington DNR, Washington State University to host two August events for forest landowners to meet consulting foresters, sign up for site visits to their property, spend the day outside learning about forest stewardship, managing their private forestland
July 20, 2022
USDA awards $5.5M in grants for conservation projects on 11 forests that will create or add 7,000 acres of community forests; projects include protecting 300 acres of intact coastal forest in Alaska, Potter Valley Tribe acquiring 21 acres in California
July 19, 2022
New York state government to award more than US$38M for 40 products across the state to conserve viable agricultural land through the state's Farmland Protection Implementation Grants Program
July 19, 2022
Renewable Carbon Initiative introduces policy working group to promote more sustainable carbon use in the EU; targets include significant changes to feedstocks used in materials and organic chemistry industries
July 19, 2022
CF Industries Holdings criticizes US International Trade Commission's vote to reject anti-dumping and countervailing duties on imports of urea ammonium nitrate from Russia and Trinidad and Tobago, says decision will 'perpetuate an unlevel playing field'
July 19, 2022
US Forest Service opens public comment on environmental assessment of 45,647-acre Fourmile project in Pennsylvania's Allegheny National Forest; proposed management activities include timber harvesting, vegetation treatments, wildlife habitat improvements
July 19, 2022
American Farm Bureau Federation praises US International Trade Commission's vote to reject anti-dumping and countervailing duties on imports of urea ammonium nitrate from Russia and Trinidad and Tobago, says move prevents higher tariffs on key fertilizer
July 18, 2022
RRD applies to cease being reporting issuer under securities laws in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Quebec; if granted by Ontario Securities Commission, some of RRD's outstanding securities may be subject to Canadian resale restrictions
July 18, 2022
US Forest Service names Carson National Forest Supervisor James Duran as Santa Fe National Forest's acting forest supervisor for next four months while Santa Fe's Forest Supervisor Debbie Cress takes on temporary assignment
July 18, 2022
British Columbia and the Kispiox First Nation reach agreement supporting Kispiox’s interests in the cannabis economy, affirming common policy objectives regarding public safety, protecting young people and socioeconomic development
July 15, 2022
ICC International Court of Arbitration awards US$84M to Ardagh Group for an adverse jury decision in the District Court of Delaware in 2017 involving the company’s glass business, formerly called Verallia North America, and its seller Saint-Gobain
July 15, 2022
British Columbia's largest-yet First Nations Woodland Licence will give Lheidli T’enneh First Nation greater forest stewardship benefits and exclusive timber harvesting rights on some 217,312 hectares within its territories east of Prince George
July 15, 2022
Australia and US at Sydney Energy Forum sign Net-Zero Technology Acceleration Partnership; aims include accelerating development of zero emissions technology, increasing and diversifying supply chains, deploying clean energy across the world
July 15, 2022
AWC applauds inclusion of mass timber pilot program in National Defense Authorization Act passed by US House of Representatives; trade group urges Senate to move legislation forward to utilize wood to address backlog of housing projects and facilities
July 15, 2022
The Week in Chemistry: US PE, PP spot prices lower for week of July 4, North American chemical railcar traffic dips 3.1%; US government places sanctions on entities involved in illicit Iranian oil, petrochemical trade
July 15, 2022
ASPAPEL asks Spain's MITERD agency for remuneration treatment for currently excluded cogeneration plants so adjustment mechanism covers real cost of gas; 48% or 420 MW of paper cogeneration plants have recently been idled due to cost of gas they support
July 14, 2022
US EPA requests public's feedback for its Environmental Justice Action Plan, which addresses nation's recycling infrastructure, waste management, SuperFund cleanup sites; virtual, in-person engagement sessions to take place through Aug. 3
July 14, 2022
Gambia bans timber exports to combat trafficking; Greenpeace says illegal and abusive exploitation of forests violates rights of forest-dependent communities, notes Gambia's forests are also home to several protected species and carbon sinks
July 14, 2022
Neiman Enterprises to remove a shift at Hulett, Wyoming, sawmill and reduce hours at Spearfish, South Dakota, citing timber harvest reduction in Black Hills National Forest; company is committed to working with stakeholders to maintain health of forest
July 14, 2022
TPL, Southern Pine Plantations, US Fish and Wildlife Service protect 38,052 acres of timberland in Montana; conservation easement provides public access to recreation lands, allows SPP to continue sustainable timber harvesting, protecting wildlife habitat
July 14, 2022
Conservation Fund completes effort to add valuable ecological land to 70,000-acre Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge in Arkansas; transfer of 8,384 acres to US Fish and Wildlife Service for protection will support habitat, expand recreational access
July 13, 2022
British Columbia's Kelowna International Airport to use mass timber in terminal expansion; province contributes C$500,000 towards costs, plus creation of a digital construction twin, advanced fire modeling, life-cycle assessment of building materials
July 13, 2022
CEPI welcomes EU Parliament's ITRE Committee vote to increase target to 45% of Europe's energy from renewables by 2030; revised directive could help pulp, paper sector decarbonize rapidly, but may further increase costs, damage industry's competitiveness
July 13, 2022
USDA announces additional investment of more than US$14M to support agricultural workforce training in historically underserved communities that will aim to increase the resilience of the US meat and poultry processing sector
July 13, 2022
US Dept. of Commerce self-initiates country-wide anti-circumvention inquiries involving aluminum foil imports from China that are completed or finished in Thailand and South Korea; Aluminum Assn. says actions an 'important step to enforce our trade laws'
July 13, 2022
AFRC slams Climate Forests Campaign report, says old and mature trees are not 'worth more standing' if they are dead and emitting carbon; trade group notes 'anti-forestry' report was released as firefighters battled to save California’s Giant Sequoias
July 12, 2022
CEPI applauds European Parliament ENVI Committee vote to require deforestation-free products, but says new rules difficult to implement; some definitions go against international agreements, experience of European paper industry in fighting deforestation
July 12, 2022
European Parliament ENVI committee supports proposed regulation on deforestation-free products to halt EU-driven global deforestation; new law would require companies to verify that goods sold in EU have not been produced on deforested or degraded land
July 11, 2022
Sun Chemical releases Summer 2022 Regulatory Newsletter; latest includes details about Germany's new list of permissible substances for manufacture of printing inks used in food contact
July 11, 2022
Oregon Dept. of Forestry announces all districts now in fire season as of July 11, meaning restrictions may be in place to reduce risk of human-caused wildfires; heavy rains in May, June helped to slightly delay start of fire season from previous years
July 11, 2022
USDA, Depts. of Interior, Homeland Security announce members of new Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission; members to recommend ways that federal agencies can better prevent, mitigate, suppress, manage wildland fires, restore land after fires
July 11, 2022
US DOT's Federal Highway Administration announces proposed transportation GHG emission reduction framework; plan to build upon and add transparency to the work that 24 states and Washington DC are doing under state law GHG target-setting requirements
July 8, 2022
Missouri becomes 20th US state to pass advanced recycling legislation; law regulates advanced recycling technologies as manufacturing operations rather than solid waste disposal, will encourage investments, new jobs for Missouri residents
July 8, 2022
Michelin leads WhiteCycle, a European textiles recycling consortium that includes Carbios, Iris, Inditex, Synergies; group is co-financed by EU's Horizon Europe program, aims to recycle over 2 million tons of PET by 2030 for use in tires, hoses, clothes
July 8, 2022
Applications are open for C$25M in funding British Columbia has made available through Forest Enhancement Society of BC for community projects that reduce wildfires; funding is part of C$359M budget commitment for 2022 to protect people from wildfires
July 8, 2022
Walgreens reports fiscal Q3 net earning down 73.8% from a year ago to US$289.0M due to opioid settlement with Florida, drop in US pharmacy operations, with sales down 4.2% year-over-year to US$32.6B; US segment sales down 7.1% from a year ago to US$26.7B
July 7, 2022
Infrastructure Law’s reinstatement of taxes on chemical companies goes into effect July 1; reinstatement is expected to raise US$12B in revenue for Superfund site cleanup nationwide over next five years
July 7, 2022
Rhode Island governor signs new law banning PFAS in food packaging; public health, community and environmental organizations urge Massachusetts legislators to do the same by passing the pending bill to ban PFAS in food packaging in Massachusetts
July 7, 2022
Kao again included in global stock indices for environmental, social and governance investing used by the Government Pension Investment Fund, which manages reserve funds of public pension plans in Japan
July 7, 2022
Tasmania applauds launch of New Forests' ActivAcre, to be delivered by SFM; government says it will help farmers' productivity, resilience and boost environmental outcomes, including promoting use of wood products in place of carbon-intensive materials
July 7, 2022
In response to a legal petition from community and conservation groups, US government says it will evaluate ways to reduce its purchases of single-use plastic; GSA says single-use plastics are significant contributor to global plastic pollution
July 6, 2022
3M Belgium announces agreement with Flemish government to invest more than €571M to carry out previously agreed PFAS remediation; agreement includes waiving €1.3M in government subsidies
July 6, 2022
Scottish Forestry publishes new three-year Implementation Plan for country's forestry strategy; plan includes supporting farmers to plant trees, establishing technical training hub, promoting wood-based products, creating national register for woodlands
July 6, 2022
New Brunswick minister letter to Crown Licensees, Sub Licensees advised of intent to implement upward adjustment to Crown timber royalties when commodities exceed normal ranges; potential negative impacts on long-term sustainability if structured poorly
July 6, 2022
EPA orders e-commerce platform Wish to stop selling unregistered disinfectants on its marketplace; products make problematic claims of effectiveness against viruses, bacteria and germs, are unregistered with EPA and are being sold in violation of FIFRA
July 6, 2022
US EPA awards US$200,000 to San Luis Valley Local Foods Coalition for food, organic waste-to-fuel project in Mosca, Colorado; group to install high-efficiency anaerobic digestion system to process fuel from waste as part of Renewable Energy Park launch
July 5, 2022
TPL to donate 729 acres along St. Croix River north of Chisago City to Minnesota Dept. of Natural Resources to manage as part of Chengwatana State Forest; donating land to DNR protects native ecosystems, drinking water, provides public recreation access
July 5, 2022
Oregon conservation organizations plan to sue US Bureau of Land Management to protect marbled murrelets, coastal martens from agency plan to log thousands of acres of old-growth forest; reserve areas were designated to protect the two threatened species
July 1, 2022
Amazon changes Amazon Prime cancellation practices to comply with EU consumer rules; changes will enable consumers from the EU, European Economic Area to unsubscribe from Amazon Prime with just two clicks, using a prominent and clear 'cancel button'
July 1, 2022
Congressmen urge USDA to prioritize sulfuryl fluoride as an accepted alternative to methyl bromide for log fumigation; they say unworkable fumigation requirements are affecting 'billions worth' of log export opportunities annually, costing jobs
June 30, 2022
Canada releases final Clean Fuel Regulations; combined with C$1.5B Clean Fuels Fund, CFR will incentivize increased production of low-carbon-intensity fuels, creating economic opportunities for biofuel feedstock providers such as farmers and foresters
June 30, 2022
Center for Biological Diversity, Healthy Gulf sue US Fish and Wildlife for failing to designate critical habitat for eastern black rail; groups say if bird's coastal wetland habitat is not protected, the black rail will be on a path towards extinction
June 30, 2022
Conservationists sue US Forest Service to challenge its approval of Black Ram logging project in Montana's Kootenai National Forest; groups say project, which includes old-growth forest, would threaten grizzly bears and release significant GHG emissions
June 30, 2022
Canadian government ministers open Daki Menan Lands and Resources Forestry Initiative in Ontario; federally funded project aims to strengthen the Temagami First Nation’s forestry development, bolster economic growth and capacity within community
June 30, 2022
FDA advisory panel recommends updated COVID-19 booster vaccinations that target Omicron variant for next wave of boosters; Pfizer, Moderna report positive results from updated shots, with final decision from FDA to come later
June 29, 2022
Save Old Growth ends disruption of critical transportation infrastructure in British Columbia; activist group is turning to tactics such as public outreach, says it still wants province to act urgently to permanently protect remaining old growth forests
June 29, 2022
Halo, a NZ$2M forest, riparian and wetland restoration project in New Zealand's Otago region, is rapidly delivering biodiversity results; the 1BT-funded project is working with landowners to restore more than 270 hectares of waterways and wetlands habitat
June 29, 2022
Guyana to use funds received for its low deforestation rates under landmark forest partnership with Norway to finance eight large-scale solar energy projects; Guyana has kept its forest cover of 85%, with only 0.05% deforestation
June 29, 2022
Ontario Forest Industries Assn. welcomes newly formed cabinet, including Graydon Smith as Minister of Natural Resources & Forestry; trade group says province is well positioned to unleash full potential of forest industry and bioeconomy
June 29, 2022
Closed Loop Partners funds US$1M loan to city of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, for purchase of five automated side loader recycling trucks to increase diversion from landfills; loan timed with reopening of Tulsa Recycling & Transfer materials recovery facility
June 27, 2022
Some high-level EU policy makers are discussing restricting use of roundwood as feedstock for pellet fuel; in a new white paper, FutureMetrics explains why a blanker exclusion would be misguided
June 27, 2022
USTMA supports proposed legislation to offer tax credits for purchases of US retreaded commercial tires; retreading saves US and Canada 215 million gallons of oil annually, cuts CO2 emissions 24%, removes 1.4 billion pounds from waste stream annually
June 27, 2022
Environmentalists call for US Forest Service, BLM to issue a rule protecting mature and old-growth forests on federal lands from logging; they say a USDA memo clarifying climate policy fails to outline a plan to protect mature and old-growth forests
June 24, 2022
US Maritime Administration announces designation of offshore wind vessels as vessels of national interest to enable federal support for more offshore wind construction; move to advance President Biden’s goal of 30GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030
June 24, 2022
Mann & Hummel-led AeroSolfd consortium to reduce urban vehicle emissions, pollution receives €8.2M from European Commission, Switzerland; group to implement low-cost retrofit filters on tailpipes, brakes by 2025 as EU transitions to exhaust-free EVs
June 24, 2022
Agriculture Secretary directs USDA Forest Service to take actions to restore forests, address climate crisis, such as identifying forests at risk, how those areas are managed; agency will develop tool to enhance carbon stewardship, wildlife habitat, more
June 24, 2022
CEPI says EU Parliament disregarded concerns over whether redesigned carbon leakage rules would be strong enough, urges European Council to focus on ensuring European industry can remain competitive in global market while delivering emission reductions
June 23, 2022
Softwood Lumber Board and USDA Forest Service announce six winners of their US$2M Mass Timber Competition: Building to Net-Zero Carbon; projects show mass timber’s use in architectural design and role in reducing built environment's carbon footprint
June 23, 2022
California Attorney General urges congress to enact legislation to help protect popular food and candy brands from counterfeit cannabis-infused edibles; cannabis products that mimic well-known brands pose threat to children, AG says
June 23, 2022
US Forest Service Chief says prescribed fire must remain tool to combat wildfires, but climate change making burns less safe; USFS conducting 90-day review of national prescribed fire program after prescribed burn sparked Hermit's Peak Fire in New Mexico
June 23, 2022
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, US Forest Service announce US$4.2M in grants to protect, restore forests, watersheds in California, including large-scale reforestation for wildlife recovery; matching contributions of US$5.5M bring total to US$9.7M
June 23, 2022
Land Trust Alliance applauds US Senate Finance Committee for advancing legislation that would stop bad actors from abusing federal tax incentive for conservation easement donations
June 22, 2022
European Commission’s nature restoration proposal does not clarify who will bear responsibility for, and estimated €54B cost of, implementing restoration measures; Cepi calls for efficient, inclusive approach, and consultation of forestry stakeholders
June 22, 2022
European Commission adopts pioneering proposals that in part aim to increase organic carbon in cropland mineral soils and high-diversity landscape features on agricultural land
June 22, 2022
Ence's Pontevedra pulp mill in Spain passes European Regulation EMAS audit of its environmental management system, also verified to comply with ISO 14001 environmental certification; mill has improved effluent quality, reduced water use 22% in five years
June 21, 2022
New measures in the UK will require pension schemes to measure and publish how their investments support the Paris Agreement climate goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels
June 21, 2022
Bill to reduce risk of illegally logged timber entering New Zealand is positive first step but should go further, says Green Party; there must be 'robust assurance and enforcement regime' that looks beyond official documents into whole supply chain
June 21, 2022
British Columbia to invest C$513M in Climate Preparedness and Adaptation Strategy to address wildfires, flooding, extreme heat; it includes expanded role for BC Wildfire Service, investments in nature-based solutions to reduce impacts of flooding, drought
June 21, 2022
Structural Timber Assn. to join UK's Timber in Construction Working Group; it comprises key industry stakeholders tasked with helping guide government policy for safely increasing use of timber in construction, seen as crucial to UK's 2050 net zero target
June 20, 2022
Australian Forest Products Assn. adds former cabinet minister and 'passionate supporter of forest industries' Joel Fitzgibbon to its board as an independent non-executive director
June 20, 2022
Leading panel manufacturers work with Horizon Europe's EcoReFibre initiative that explores technologies to recycle post-consumer waste wood back into fiberboards and novel building products; project has €12M in funding and will run until April 2026
June 20, 2022
ACC calls for EPA to improve its New Chemicals Program, alleging lack of staff expertise, inconsistencies in evaluation methods, inadequate communication; agency 'stifling' US chemical innovation, group says
June 20, 2022
New South Wales, Australia, to invest AU$28M in farm forestry to drive innovation, promote best practice in sustainable farm forestry; some funding will go to pilot certification scheme to support landholders seeking PEFC certification for timber products
June 17, 2022
US House representative introduces two workplace bills; Accountability for Workplace Misconduct Act would rein in the abuse of NDAs, Professional Images Protection Act would protect employees from illegitimate use of their professional images by employers
June 17, 2022
FDA grants emergency use authorization for Pfizer-BioNTech’s and Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccines for children ages 6 months to 4 years-old; 2.5 million doses of Pfizer vaccine ordered, 1.3 million doses of Moderna vaccine ordered
June 17, 2022
PRINTING United Alliance cautions against American Data Privacy and Protection Act's fast-track approval; group supports biometrics, child safety provisions, but says bill could expose printing companies that collect, use, transfer data to costly lawsuits
June 17, 2022
Time-Cap Labs recalls Kroger-brand aspirin and ibuprofen due to failure to meet child-resistant packaging requirement; Consumer Product Safety Commission says product poses risk of poisoning if contents are swallowed by young children
June 17, 2022
LG Chem to partner wth Hwaseong City and Seongji, South Korea, to construct waste PVC wallpaper collection and recycling system; silk wallpaper used in homes is typically incinerated, but could be a useful circular resource, company says
June 16, 2022
GlobalData lowers 2022 US GDP growth rate forecast to 2.7% from 3.6% after Fed approves largest rate hike since 1994; central banks of major economies expected to maintain hawkish stance, and more rate hikes are likely until inflationary pressure reduces
June 16, 2022
US EPA invites states and territories to apply for US$1B-US$5B in grant funding to address PFAS, drinking water contaminants; agency issues new drinking water health advisories addressing lifetime exposure, risks of PFAS levels below detectable levels
June 16, 2022
British Columbia to provide C$25M to Forest Enhancement Society of BC to help reduce wildfire risk; investment will also support community projects that enhance wildlife habitat, forest recreation, ecological resiliency, GHG reduction
June 16, 2022
American Cleaning Institute CEO notes cleaning product supply chain will face increased state-level regulations in H2, impacting ingredients, packaging and cleaning product use; ACI will have federal-level focus on trade barriers, issues for supply chains
June 16, 2022
One Farm by WAAYB merges pet supplement line with Ziggy Marley’s Apawthecary brand; products include One Farm’s Romeo’s Agility Chews and Romeo's CBD oil and are made from USDA-certified organic ingredients sourced directly from sustainable farms
June 15, 2022
Plastic Recyclers Europe reports low sorted plastic waste volumes could compromise EU's sustainability targets; EU needs robust sorting, collecting infrastructure, as it processes only 9 million tonnes of plastic waste out of 30 million tonnes total
June 15, 2022
Virginia and Enviva Forest Conservation Fund secure permanent conservation easements within Nottoway River corridor on more than 838 acres; property includes 791 acres of working forest stands, sensitive bottomland hardwoods, river frontage, wetlands
June 14, 2022
Cepi applauds European Parliament's ambitious forest sinks target but says it misses an opportunity on carbon-storing products; traditional paper and pulp products, including through their recycling, can achieve high level of carbon storage permanence
June 14, 2022
European Parliament supports higher target for carbon sinks in land use, land-use change, forestry sector, raising EU’s 2030 GHG reduction target to 57%; it wants agricultural sector emissions treated separately, contrary to European Commission's plan
June 13, 2022
US EPA to provide US$375M for new recycling, reuse, waste prevention programs; agency requests information from industry for perspectives on recycling resources, opportunities, infrastructure, education, battery recycling, barriers for reducing, reusing
June 13, 2022
Pennsylvania launches grants to develop recycling program for agricultural plastics, which are often single-use; program to integrate existing materials management infrastructure, seek recovered agricultural plastic markets, with proposals due July 8
June 10, 2022
OneFortyOne hosts South Australia's premier, forest industries minister on tour of its operations, including Jubilee Sawmill and plantation logging site; CEO says newly elected officials showed great understanding of forest sector's opportunity, potential
June 10, 2022
German paper association Die Papierindustrie member survey finds reduction or complete halt of natural gas supply could create bottlenecks or paralyze paper production in Germany; 39% of usual amount of paper, paperboard could be made at 30% of gas supply
June 10, 2022
Volkswagen leads HVBatCycle research consortium with Fraunhofer Institute to recycle batteries multiple times, keeping cathode metals, electrolytes, graphite permanently in closed loop; project is funded by Germany's economic, climate action ministry
June 10, 2022
Magemi Mining wins Canadian Plastics Innovation Challenge on Sustainable Alternatives to Plastic Packaging; Magemi to develop prototype of its reduced graphene oxide reinforced recycled paper, which could have applications for grocery bags, more
June 9, 2022
Paper Excellence receives C$4.5M from Canada's Investments in Forest Industry Transformation program to expand Catalyst Port Alberni mill's production capacity for food packaging papers; mill transitioning from producing printing, writing grades
June 8, 2022
ACC's North American Flame Retardant Alliance critical of Washington State Dept. of Ecology evaluation of chemicals; substitution of flame retardants is not possible in many cases, leaving untreated materials highly flammable, group says
June 8, 2022
USDA permits Oregon State University to release tiny wasp that targets destructive fruit fly costing US agricultural industry US$500M/year; the spotted wing drosophila favors blueberries, Oregon’s ninth-most valuable crop at US$120M in 2020
June 8, 2022
Ontario will lift most of its remaining provincial masking requirements on June 11, including those for public transit; masks will still be required in long-term care and retirement homes, with masking recommended in higher-risk congregate living settings
June 8, 2022
US president invokes Defense Production Act to accelerate domestic manufacturing of clean energy; efforts will focus on solar; transformers and electric grid components; heat pumps; insulation; electrolyzers, fuel cells, and platinum group metals
June 8, 2022
Legend Biotech receives FDA approval for Phase 1 clinical trial in US of T-cell therapy LB190 to treat gastric, esophageal, pancreatic cancers; in US, 123,920 people have stomach cancer, 49,084 have esophageal cancer, 89,248 have pancreatic cancer
June 7, 2022
TPL and partners acquire 54,000 acres of adjoining properties that make up L Bar project in New Mexico; the culturally, ecologically, recreationally important land will be conveyanced to state to become part of Marquez Wildlife Area
June 7, 2022
Standards Australia releases flushability standard under INDA/EDANA's copyrighted testing criteria; INDA/EDANA's guidance developed with individual companies, academia, consultants, wastewater industry to reduce nonwoven wipes' infrastructure burdens
June 7, 2022
USDA invests US$43.1M in urban agriculture and innovative production; funding is first part of US$75M investment to support a fairer, more transparent food system and expand access to nutritious food
June 7, 2022
USDA to invest US$503M through Great American Outdoors Act to improve outdoor recreation and conservation on national forests; funding will address deferred maintenance, improve infrastructure, increase user access, support rural economies
June 7, 2022
USDA offering nationwide waivers to increase access to infant formula for families in need as states receive, distribute imported infant formula; USDA leveraging new authority from recently passed Access to Baby Formula Act to offer this flexibility
June 6, 2022
Colorado governor signs EPR bill into law; bill establishes a new, statewide recycling system that is operated and funded by producers of packaging and printed paper to help spur a circular economy for recyclable materials
June 6, 2022
Colorado passes law restricting sale of PFAS in consumer products and in fluids used in oil and gas product extraction, beginning as early as 2024; bipartisan bill will impact cosmetics, juvenile products, food packaging, furniture and more
June 6, 2022
Wisconsin cheese maker Masters Gallery Foods to receive US$1.5M in performance-based state tax credits to help fund US$60M, 110,000-square-foot expansion to its cheese packaging, distribution facility in Oostburg, set to create 105 new jobs
June 6, 2022
US nonresidential construction spending declines in April as contractors struggle to find workers; industry officials call for funding boost for construction-focused education and training programs, immigration reform: AGC of America
June 6, 2022
Twenty new Land for Maine’s Future conservation projects totaling US$5.1M will conserve lands, preserve public access to lakes, rivers, scenic views, mountain vistas; Maine government in 2021 reinvigorated LMF with US$40M in new state funding
June 3, 2022
New South Wales’ five-year extension to existing wood supply agreements gives timber processors on flood-affected north coast certainty to invest in their businesses; deputy premier confirms government’s support for NSW hardwood timber sector
June 3, 2022
US BLM acquires 35,670 acres of private land in Wyoming and a tract in Colorado as it kicks off Great American Outdoors Month; Conservation Fund partners in securing properties, purchased through Land and Water Conservation Fund
June 3, 2022
Louisiana's new Outdoors Forever program will help fund projects that sustain working farms and forests, protect drinking water supplies and wildlife habitat, expand recreation; TNC applauds program, which will have US$10M in seed money for its first year
June 2, 2022
Evonik to invest US$220M under partnership with US government to build new global-scale production site for pharmaceutical lipids in Lafayette, Indiana; plant is scheduled to come on stream in 2025
June 2, 2022
Collins Pine in Chester, California, awarded US$250,000 USDA Wood Innovation Grant for mill upgrades to produce higher-value lumber from fire-salvaged logs; J&C Enterprises secures US$218,500 to help small-scale sawmill with wildfire recovery, rebuilding
June 1, 2022
Tolko expects it will take several weeks to determine detailed repair plans and timing for a restart of its High Prairie OSB mill following May 20 fire; Alberta Occupational Health and Safety approves phased approach to accessing site
June 1, 2022
Southwest Airlines invests in sustainable aviation fuel pilot project supported by US Dept. of Energy; SAFFiRE will utilize technology developed by NREL to convert corn stover into renewable ethanol that would be upgraded into SAF
June 1, 2022
Organic dog wellness brand Lord Jameson debuts watermelon, banana, mango pops flavors for its Farm Stand collection; treats are USA-made, packaged in resealable pouches and use USDA-certified ingredients, such as gluten-free grains, plant-based proteins
June 1, 2022
Six people face felony recycling fraud, grand theft charges for defrauding California's Beverage Container Recycling Program; authorities say suspects smuggled 9 tons of empty bottles, cans to California from Arizona to redeem US$10M in recycling deposits
June 1, 2022
EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan participated in G7 Climate, Energy and Environment Ministers' Meeting in Berlin; ministers' commitments include tackling pollution, accelerating clean energy, investments, circular economy, sustainable agriculture, food
May 31, 2022
EPA issues emerging viral pathogen guidance in response to recent monkeypox cases; guidance allows disinfectant manufacturers to submit data demonstrating product’s efficacy against viruses such as monkeypox and other rare or novel viruses
May 31, 2022
TPL, Banning Ranch Conservancy secure up to US$15.5M grant from California's Wildlife Conservation Board to help fund purchase of Banning Ranch; project would restore coastal wetlands, address climate change, create park access for millions of people
May 31, 2022
Cepi publishes position paper on review of Industrial Emissions Directive, says IED contributed to reducing European pulp, paper industry emissions to air, water; Cepi argues enlarging IED scope to climate change, circular economy would be detrimental
May 27, 2022
BLM to hold public meetings in June for input on development of Northwest California Integrated Resource Management Plan; plan will guide management of natural and cultural resources on about 382,000 acres of BLM-managed lands in eight counties
May 27, 2022
USTMA supports California’s proposal to list 6PPD antioxidant, antiozonant used in tires as priority product to review in state’s consumer products green chemistry program; study finds 6PPD tire, road wear particles contribute to Coho salmon mortality
May 27, 2022
Just 54% of Michigan pharmacies offer overdose-reversing drug naloxone despite Michigan program allowing pharmacists to dispense drug without a prescription; areas with higher drug fatality rates have fewer pharmacies participating in program
May 27, 2022
Cardinal Health thanks pharmacists for helping it allocate over 10 million doses of COVID-10 vaccines to network of thousands of pharmacies; CDC reports more than 66% in US are fully vaccinated, with pharmacies administering 40% of vaccines
May 27, 2022
UMaine’s forest products industry liaison testifies before US Congress about university-led programs, partnerships to develop workforce and innovations needed to maintain state's leading role in global forest economy, support rural jobs
May 26, 2022
British Columbia Forest Practices Board to audit BC Timber Sales and timber-sale license holders' operations in Williams Lake TSA during week of May 30; two of province's 12 BCTS programs are randomly chosen each year for audit
May 25, 2022
Recycling Partnership launches Multifamily Recycling Guide and Community Toolkit, as only 30%-40% of US multifamily units have recycling access; free toolkit offers customizable resources for outreach, organizing to property owners, managers, residents
May 25, 2022
Sustainability firm Systemiq reports a fully circular, net-zero plastics system in Europe is possible by 2050, but will require radical innovation, ambitious policies, big investments; next 3-5 years will be most critical due to technology maturity cycles
May 25, 2022
Natural Carbon Sequestration and Resilience Act advances out of California State Assembly; aim is to set state's first statutory targets for naturally removing climate pollution from atmosphere through soil and vegetation on natural, urban, working lands
May 24, 2022
Pharmaceutical packaging company Nosco honored by congress for support of the pharmaceutical industry during the pandemic; Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick presented Nosco with an American flag that had been flown over the US Capitol as well as a certificate
May 24, 2022
US Fish & Wildlife Service to reconsider whether red tree voles on Oregon’s North Coast need Endangered Species Act protection; Center for Biological Diversity says threats to tree vole include logging and climate change-driven wildfire
May 24, 2022
Port St. Lucie, Florida, awards FCC Environmental Services with US$450M contract for seven years; city is one of fastest growing communities in Florida, and company will service 82,000 households, add more than 110 employees to its workforce
May 24, 2022
Government of New South Wales, Australia, announces its ban on lightweight plastic bags will come into force June 1; from November, government will ban single-use plastic straws, stirrers, cutlery, plates, bowls, cotton buds, EPS foodware and cups
May 24, 2022
Queensland is Australia's leading carbon farming state, finds Carbon Market Institute national assessment and report; Queensland earned a score of 80% in CMI evaluation of each state based on how they are developing land-based emissions offset markets
May 23, 2022
FlexCollect, a £2.9M recycling project for household films, flexible packaging, launches in UK with public funding from Defra, UKRI; project to pilot recycling, collection programs to help guide public policy for introducing recyclable plastic packaging
May 23, 2022
US Forest Service pauses prescribed fire operations on National Forest System lands amid extreme wildfire risk; agency to conduct 90-day review of protocols, practices ahead of planned operations this fall
May 23, 2022
Timberlink unveils new Green Mill Vision Scanning System at Bell Bay, Tasmania, wood mill, which will optimize production of treated timber for construction of decks, pergolas; federal funding of AU$3.5M is supporting mill's ongoing modernization
May 23, 2022
New Zealand Forest Owners Assn. welcomes new emissions reduction plan but says carbon sequestration expectations from planting native tree are too high; official notes there is a 'huge income opportunity for farmers from fast growing exotic trees'
May 20, 2022
US Dept. of Energy allocates US$24.9M to six research and development projects to advance clean hydrogen technologies for electricity generation; investment will help in reaching goal of having a zero-carbon US power sector by 2035
May 20, 2022
US Dept. of Energy allocates US$7M to expand the Industrial Assessment Center program, a cohort of colleges and universities that help small- and medium-sized manufacturers save energy, improve productivity and reduce waste via free technical assessments
May 20, 2022
Associated Builders and Contractors urges US Dept. of Labor to withdraw 'inflationary and flawed' proposal for revising Davis-Bacon Act rules that apply to federal and federally assisted construction projects; it says DBA is bad for industry and taxpayers
May 20, 2022
UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Missouri selected by State of Missouri as one of three managed care organizations to administer state Medicaid program; company to offer benefits to portion of nearly 1 million adults, children who qualify for program
May 19, 2022
FDA denies petitions to ban phthalates from food packaging and food production equipment; meanwhile, the agency will request new information regarding safety assessment for food-contact uses of phthalates
May 19, 2022
UK launches £8.8M fund to boost tree production; it will support efforts to build nursery capacity, grow long-term tree seed and sapling supply, and foster a robust forestry industry that is critical to country meeting expected future demand for trees
May 19, 2022
P&G's Always, IP host #EndPeriodPoverty event to support US Rep. Meng’s Menstrual Equity for All Act ensuring access to free period products at school; attendees packed 500 period product kits, Always to donate another 1 million pads to Feeding America
May 19, 2022
Assn. of Plastic Recyclers supports Colorado’s EPR legislation, encourages governor to sign bill into law, says there is not enough plastics collected for recycling in the US, recognizes EPR ‘as a crucial policy tool to increase the supply’
May 19, 2022
Champion Petfoods' ACANA brand receives FDA approval of ACANA Indoor Entree for hairball control, marking brand's and company's first FDA claim; food was created for indoor cats and contains increased fiber from oat groats, lentils and chickpeas
May 19, 2022
O-I Brockway facility in Pennsylvania receives ENERGY STAR Certificate from state senator; the facility increased energy efficiency by improving lehr curves, increasing cullet use and reducing energy during peak periods, among other actions
May 18, 2022
New Zealand bill aims to counter illegal timber trade, strengthen reputation of its forestry and wood processing exports; timber harvested in NZ and overseas, and used in products made domestically or imported, will have to be verified as legally sourced
May 18, 2022
UK-based Staeger Clear Packaging receives Queen’s Award for Enterprise for Innovation; company’s work with innovating rPET and using Prevent Ocean Plastic allowed it to support NHS during the pandemic by producing PPE
May 17, 2022
Series of EU Parliament votes on GHG emissions targets sends wrong signals on industry decarbonization; there are a few good signs for pulp and paper industry, but some legal provisions that could make it challenging for the sector to decarbonize: Cepi
May 17, 2022
Avantium receives €3M grant from EU Horizon Europe program for participation in four-year WaterProof program, which aims to demonstrate electrochemical conversion of CO2 into high-value chemicals and products
May 17, 2022
CEPI opposes Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism for all EU Emissions Trading System sectors, says thorough impact assessment needed before adding new sectors; CBAM would not effectively address carbon leakage, reduce emissions for some industries
May 16, 2022
British Columbia's forest employment program provides jobs, supports communities in Thompson Okanagan region; province has invested C$1.9M in past year in 22 BC Interior projects focused on cutting wildfire risk, improving outdoor safety, accessibility
May 16, 2022
US Dept. of Agriculture awards Xerox 10-year, US$164M contract for continued managed print services, new electronic fax services, additional innovation across its agencies; contract includes up to 16,000 Xerox ConnectKey devices across 3,500 offices
May 16, 2022
World Economic Forum launches new dashboard on impact of policy on low-carbon emitting technologies in seven jurisdictions including the US, EU; hope to provide support for industry decision making and analysis of decarbonization-promoting policies
May 16, 2022
USTMA urges Biden administration to use rubber modified asphalt, tire-derived aggregate made from scrap tires in national infrastructure projects; products offer economic, environmental, performance benefits and support markets for recycled products
May 13, 2022
US government through EPA awarded US$254.5M in Brownfields grants to 265 communities; nearly 86% of communities selected to receive funding have proposed projects in historically underserved areas
May 13, 2022
AGC of America urges administration to provide relief to construction sector by ending tariffs on key construction materials, reconsidering proposed Buy America regulations; nonresidential construction input prices in April up 21% year-over-year
May 13, 2022
US allocates US$68M from Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to conserve, strengthen ecosystems, economies; projects include advancing healthy forests to reduce wildfire risk through Good Neighbor Agreements, eradicating invasive species to restore ecosystems
May 13, 2022
Brita partners with municipalities with lead in their drinking water to provide short-term water filtration solutions for residents; brand offers access to Brita Elite pitchers, certified to ANSI/NSF 53 standard to reduce lead, contaminants from tap water
May 12, 2022
GlobalData raises forecast for 2022 US inflation rate to 7.1% from 4.9% in light of increasing inflation rates, policy tightening; federal rate hike also likely to impact emerging economies such as India, Brazil and South Korea
May 12, 2022
UNESDA, Natural Mineral Waters, European Fruit Juice Assn. request EU beverage producers receive priority access to recyclable materials collected from their products; rPET downcycled for non-food uses cannot be recycled again for food-grade packaging
May 12, 2022
Intertek to present at Sustainable Packaging Virtual Conference, discuss the circular economy for plastic packaging through assurance, testing and certification, recycled material regulations, and analytical protocol for safety of food contact materials
May 12, 2022
Pennsylvania Dept. of Agriculture awards nearly US$2.5M in federal grants to 23 projects that will aim to grow markets and increase the quality, safety and sustainability of the state's vegetable, fruit, nut and nursery specialty crops
May 12, 2022
Santander: Chile's constitutional reform potentially disruptive to pulp/paper producers due to proposed land nationalization, monoculture forestry prohibition; roughly 15% pulp capacity projected to reach global market by 2025 will come from Chile
May 12, 2022
Norske Skog's Boyer newsprint mill in Southern Tasmania, Australia, receives AU$4M grant from state, federal governments; company commits another AU$2.9M, will deploy AU$6.9M package of initiatives to reduce CO2 emissions, manage costs, improve business
May 11, 2022
Koehler Paper joins Baden-Wurttemberg Climate Alliance, a coalition between Baden-Wurttemberg Ministry of the Environment and companies in the German federal state; alliance aims to help policymakers, businesses achieve their climate protection goals
May 11, 2022
CISA, NSA, FBI, international cyber authorities issue cybersecurity advisory to protect managed service providers and customers; advisory provides several actions that organizations can take to reduce risk of becoming a victim to malicious cyber activity
May 11, 2022
SWANA, National Waste & Recycling Assn. send letter to US Senate urging PFAS liability exemption for municipal solid waste industry; groups say only manufacturers, heavy users should be held accountable for creating PFAS pollution, not waste companies
May 11, 2022
EURATEX launches EU-Ukraine Textile Initiative to facilitate cooperation between European and Ukrainian textile, apparel companies; joint efforts to include supply and demand matches, public procurement, proposed tariffs suspension for Ukraine's exports
May 11, 2022
Bioeconomy transition needs policies that push all renewable solutions to help industry mitigate climate change, says Neste Germany VP; there must be support for investment in sustainable production technologies, incentives for using sustainable materials
May 11, 2022
Georgia puts in place legislation to strengthen forestry industry, promote conservation, protect natural resources; bills signed into law treat forestry industry the same as agriculture as well as protect hunting, fishing, conservation land
May 10, 2022
US Senate Environment and Public Works Committee approves nature-focused water infrastructure bill; it would invest in restoration of ecosystems, emphasizes accounting for climate change when planning flood risk reduction and drought resilience projects
May 10, 2022
Smurfit Kappa to hold virtual event on May 25 to explore opportunities the EU Green Deal represents for the paper packaging industry; event to highlight company’s AI innovations, new products and Better Planet Packaging initiative, more
May 10, 2022
Tandem Diabetes Care Q1 net loss widens to US$14.7M from US$5.0M a year ago, with sales up 25% year-over-year to US$175.9M; FDA clears t:slim X2 insulin pump to bolus with t:connect mobile app, with global pump shipments growing 11% to 28,095 pumps
May 10, 2022
New York State Assembly introduces Bigger Better Bottle Bill; bill would raise deposit rate to US$0.10 from US$0.05, and expand state's container deposit program to include bottles for non-carbonated beverages, wine, liquor
May 10, 2022
ISRI's Chief Economist, Director of Commodities Joe Pickard is appointed to Industry Trade Advisory Committee on Critical Minerals and Nonferrous Metals; he will represent recycling industry at ITAC-5 through 2022-2026 charter term
May 9, 2022
US Dept. of Commerce awards US$11M to groups including MIT, Siemens, Advanced Functional Fabrics of America to address PPE manufacturing automation, supply chain diversification, environmental impact; funding part of RACER coronavirus response program
May 6, 2022
The Week in Chemistry: US spot PE, PP gained US$0.02/lb through April, Enterprise plans to double ethylene export capacity by 2025 amid robust demand for US-made, price-advantaged ethylene; EU ban on 'toxic' chemicals could affect up to 12,000 substances
May 6, 2022
Hexion receives ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year award under EPA's ENERGY STAR program; in 2021, Hexion reduced global energy intensity by 10% compared to 2020
May 6, 2022
FDA recalls more than 100 Elite brand candy, chocolate products made by Strauss Israel and sold in US after salmonella was found in both production line and in liquid chocolate at Israeli factory that made affected items
May 6, 2022
New Zealand to invest NZ$10.2M in Precision Silviculture, a NZ$25.5M, seven-year program led by Forest Growers Research; program will focus on developing mechanization, automation, digital technology, robotics in silviculture value chain
May 5, 2022
Emissions Reduction Fund must play supporting role to industrial decarbonisation policy, not as primary driver of emissions reduction; Australian Carbon Credit Units issued under the scheme represent 2% of emissions to date: CMI Institute
May 4, 2022
New South Wales, Australia, introduces new Farm Forestry Codes of Practice to ensure industry's long-term sustainability, provide environmental protections across NSW's private forestry estate; farm forestry generates AU$482M/year for state economy
May 4, 2022
Recycling Partnership, American Beverage invest US$112,465 into Laurel, Maryland, to provide 7,150 free curbside recycling carts, education, outreach; grant to yield 7.32 million lbs. of recyclables, including 109,800 lbs. of aluminum, 285,480 lbs. of PET
May 4, 2022
New Zealand government partners with Air New Zealand to test new Lucira Check-It’ COVID-19 test kits using loop-mediated isothermal amplification technology; LAMP tests cheaper, more convenient than PCR tests, provide results within 30 minutes
May 4, 2022
American Chemistry Council says EPA regulation of advanced recycling as waste incineration would be inconsistent with Clean Air Act, undermine US recycling goals; advanced recycling reduces emissions by 43% compared to incineration of virgin plastic films
May 2, 2022
AF&PA opposes Colorado bill to create extended producer responsibility program that includes paper; AF&PA says high recycling rates, industry investments, ongoing efforts to promote voluntary recycling show EPR not right policy approach for paper products
May 2, 2022
Abbott releasing 12 metabolic nutrition formulas previously on hold free of charge to patients; products were on hold following recall of some powdered infant formulas, with product manufacturing to resume at Sturgis, Michigan, plant pending FDA approval
May 2, 2022
New Brunswick government to issue new, five-year Class 1 air quality approval for Irving Pulp and Paper Reversing Falls Mill in Saint John; pulp mill produces 1,000 tonnes/day of bleached kraft pulp, while tissue mill produces 200 tonnes/day of tissue
April 29, 2022
American Forests recognizes Idaho US congressman Mike Simpson for championing REPLANT Act, which safeguards role of healthy forests in providing clean air and water, recreation opportunities, reinvigorating ecosystems, protecting wildlife habitat
April 29, 2022
Open Space Institute applauds New York State Assembly's passage of measure that calls for goal to conserve 30% of land by 2030; agencies would identify land available for conservation, prioritize biodiversity, preserve open space and green urban space
April 29, 2022
New York State Assembly marks Earth Day by passing legislative package that includes a goal to conserve 30% of state's land and inland waters by 2030; other targets are to reduce emissions in transport and construction, advance renewable energy production
April 29, 2022
UK general government gross debt was £2.38T at the end of 2021, equal to 102.8% of GDP; net borrowing was £187.4B in 2021, or 8.1% of GDP, 0.3% lower than the average deficit of G7 member states: ONS
April 29, 2022
Manitoba invests C$1.6M in upgrades to water bomber fleet as part of climate resiliency strategy; minister says strategic investments in wildfire prevention and suppression help province protect Manitobans, forestry and natural resources
April 28, 2022
CEPI publishes 'Security of supply and affordable energy prices' paper on energy security options for European pulp, paper industry; CEPI calls on policymakers to secure natural gas supply for industrial production, be flexible on environmental compliance
April 28, 2022
Cleveland selects Rumpke as its curbside recycling processor; city will collect, transport recyclables to Rumpke's Medina County facility for pre-sort, commodities removal, then company will ship paperboard to end users, glass to its Dayton facility
April 28, 2022
Business Finland, VTT, Finnish universities launch Telavalue, a sustainable textile research project; objectives include improving textile recyclability with biobased fibers, ensuring circular design, novel business models, efficient material circulation
April 28, 2022
Pfizer, BioNTech request FDA emergency use authorization for 10-µg booster dose of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children 5 to 11 years of age after study showed strong immune response; companies to seek worldwide approval in coming weeks
April 27, 2022
British Columbia to more than double forestry revenues that will be shared with First Nations as part of work to co-develop new forestry revenue-sharing model; move will lead to an immediate increase of C$63M for First Nations this year
April 27, 2022
New York residents overwhelmingly support advanced recycling for plastics, survey says; 85% of respondents say they are more likely to vote for a candidate that supports advanced recycling bills, want policies that encourage economic growth, more jobs
April 27, 2022
FDA extends review of BLA for REGEN-COV casirivimab, imdevimab COVID-19 treatment to review trial data studying drug’s use as pre-exposure prophylactic; REGEN-COV has treated millions of COVID-19 patients in US, worldwide
April 26, 2022
Iowa lawmakers request action from the Surface Transportation Board regarding rail shipment delays impacting agricultural goods, including fertilizer, dairy farm feed, grain, ethanol; one farmer reported a turnaround time of over double the typical amount
April 26, 2022
UK public sector net borrowing was £151.8B in the full financial year ended March, the third-highest financial year borrowing since March 1947, around 6.4% of GDP; public sector net debt was £2.3T at the end of March, or 96.2% of GDP: ONS
April 25, 2022
United Therapeutics BREEZE clinical study shows inhaled, dry-powdered Tyvaso DPI treprostinil may be used earlier in clinical course for pulmonary hypertension patients; FDA approval expected by May for convenient drug-device combination
April 25, 2022
US DOT reports key environmental initiatives within the last year; highlights include investing US$5B for a national electric vehicle charging network and reducing pipeline emissions by ensuring nearly 400,000 mi. of natural gas pipelines are maintained
April 25, 2022
US DOT's Federal Highway Administration launches Carbon Reduction Program that unlocks US$6.4B in funding for states and localities over five years; projects can include zero-emission vehicles and facilities, truck stop and port electrification systems
April 25, 2022
Scion says proposed changes to New Zealand Emissions Trading scheme could help address challenges related to amount of afforestation needed to meet emissions-reduction targets; in its submission in response, research entity suggests other options
April 22, 2022
Alupro announces appointment of Martin Hyde as sustainability and public affairs manager; Hyde joins from producer compliance scheme Comply Direct
April 22, 2022
TNC says US president's Earth Day executive order recognizes critical role forests play in climate and communities; it calls for this 'smart' science-based, cooperative approach to forest conservation and restoration to be accelerated and amplified
April 22, 2022
Mitsubishi Chemical announces European Patent Office decision declaring validity of patent for Mitsubishi's biomass-based polyester pellets
April 22, 2022
Shiseido researcher receives Award for Science and Technology, recognizing original research and development aiding Japan's science and technology advancement; study is on skin component distribution analysis using near infrared and Raman spectroscopy
April 22, 2022
Euro area government deficit-to-GDP ratio fell slightly to 3.6% in Q4 from 3.8% in Q3; decrease due to stronger growth in total revenue compared to total expenditures, higher GDP: Eurostat
April 21, 2022
Health Canada grants marketing authorization for Vertex’s oral Trikafta elexacaftor 50 mg/tezacaftor 25 mg/ivacaftor 37.5 mg and ivacaftor 75 mg to treat cystic fibrosis in kids 6-11 years old; CF affects about 500 kids in Canada, 83,000 people globally
April 21, 2022
Oregon Mass Timber Coalition has submitted proposal for Phase 2 of US EDA's Build Back Better Regional Challenge; if successful, BBBRC grant would bring tens of millions of dollars in federal funds to region to develop emerging mass timber industry
April 20, 2022
Expanded EU sanctions against Russia affect imports, exports of pulp, paper, board, depending on paper grade; EU producers can no longer export kraft paper, testliner, printing, speciality papers, while imports of kraft paper, paperboard, pulp are banned
April 20, 2022
NASA, TNC's Point Conception Institute, University of California launch innovative data-gathering campaign to help protect a region of Santa Barbara County that is one of the world's most biodiverse land and marine environments
April 20, 2022
European forest industries welcome improvements to draft ENVI report on proposed regulation to minimize risk of deforestation associated with wood products placed on EU market; they highlight some areas that deserve closer attention
April 20, 2022
CMS proposes integrating equity, maternal health quality measures into proposed rule that drives hospital payments; proposed increase in operating payment to participating acute care hospitals paid under IPPS projected at 3.2%
April 20, 2022
FSC urges Quebec to collaborate with Canadian government on habitat conservation for at-risk woodland caribou; FSC Canada president says healthy populations of caribou provide 'clear indication' forests can support biodiversity
April 19, 2022
British Columbia awards more than C$2.1M in community resilience grants to 13 local governments in Southeast Fire Centre to support wildfire-risk-reduction initiatives, help keep communities safe
April 19, 2022
US to invest US$31.1M in 15 projects funded through Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program to reduce risk of severe wildfires, support local economies, create jobs, enhance forest and watershed health in eight states
April 19, 2022
Germany's education and research ministry BMBF provides €12M for H2Wood–BlackForest: Biohydrogen made of wood projects; Fraunhofer IGB is developing biotechnological process to produce climate-neutral bio-hydrogen, bio-based products from wood waste
April 19, 2022
Final National Environmental Policy Act rule reverses previous administration's efforts to streamline federal environmental review and permitting process; Associated Builders and Contractors says construction industry needs process to be modernized
April 19, 2022
Oregon to recognize private forest landowners for fish and wildlife stewardship in April 22 online ceremony; Manulife Investment Management, Port Blakely, and Lewis and Clark Timberlands, managed by Nuveen, are among awardees
April 18, 2022
Denver proposes expansion of its residential waste services to increase diversion rate by 50% or more, reduce methane emissions, provide weekly recycling, composting for all customers; city would pay for expansion with new fee based on trash cart size
April 18, 2022
European Commission releases proposed industrial emissions rules for EU's 2050 zero-pollution plan; new rules to cover more livestock farms, mining sites, battery facilities, and will include more effective installation permits, support for innovation
April 18, 2022
CDC COVID-19 vaccination program with DaVita, Fresenius, others shows Hispanic, Black, Asian patients with end-stage kidney disease more likely to get vaccination at dialysis center; over 500,000 ESKD patients in US receive dialysis care
April 18, 2022
Recycling Partnership’s new Pathway to Circularity for Residential Recycling Framework offers guidelines of what is required for packaging to recyclable in the US; the free tool is for brands, retailers, packaging makers, MRFs, communities, policymakers
April 18, 2022
USDA to invest US$238M in Secure Rural Schools Program, which supports rural communities and provides consistent funding source in areas near national forests; Forest Service retains portion of SRS funds to support projects that improve forest conditions
April 15, 2022
UK law requiring large companies and financial institutions to disclose climate-related financial information on a mandatory basis, using guidelines from the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures, comes into force on April 6
April 15, 2022
BorgWarner awarded US$4.09M contract by DOE to lead 36-month project to design, develop cost-effective, advanced DC current fast charger with 20%-30% cost reduction; 350kW charger to have 10 charge points, support current EVs, have flexibility to upgrade
April 15, 2022
PPWC, conservation and public policy organizations call on British Columbia government to disclose how many logs from public forests go to Drax's wood pellet mills; they also want disclosure of subsidies given to logging operations supplying Drax mills
April 14, 2022
ACC objects to EPA's release of draft Integrated Risk Information System assessment on formaldehyde for public comment; draft does not address potential issues of bias, group says
April 14, 2022
FDA approves Amneal’s BLA for injectable Alymsys bevacizumab-maly Avastin biosimilar to treat cancer; oncology is second largest biosimilar category in US, with IQVIA reporting 2021 bevacizumab sales at US$2.6B, of which US$1.6B were biosimilars
April 14, 2022
Sistema-owned pulp, paper company Segezha Group says it is not affected by current UK sanctions imposed on Sistema founder, major shareholder Vladimir Evtushenkov, whose indirect control in Segezha is under 31%; company continues business as usual
April 14, 2022
Carbon Market Institute launches inaugural Carbon Farming Scorecard report, a comprehensive analysis of Australia’s carbon farming policy frameworks; Queensland leads on carbon farming, with other governments at crucial stages of evolution
April 14, 2022
Ontario's new housing legislation set to boost mass timber construction, says R-Hauz Solutions; proposed building code changes would allow for 12-story mass timber buildings, streamline modular multi-unit residential building approvals
April 13, 2022
New York invests US$20B in health care programs, including US$2.4B for infrastructure improvements at hospitals, nursing homes, ambulatory care centers, community centers, health care facilities; US$3.9B intended for COVID-19 financial aid to hospitals
April 13, 2022
FDA extends shelf life for J&J COVID-19 vaccine stored at 2-8 degrees Celsius from nine months to 11 months; FDA also authorizes emergency use for OTC Rapid SARS-CoV-2 antigen test card, OHC COVID-19 antigen self-test COVID-19 tests
April 13, 2022
US BLM acquires 4,600 acres in Montana's Ninemile/Woodchuck area from TNC to add to Blackfoot Watershed, using US$6.8M from Land and Water Conservation Fund; purchase is part of years-long effort to secure public access on former industrial timberland
April 13, 2022
British Columbia increases AAC for TFL 53 in central Interior by 9.6% to 240,000m3; held by Dunkley Lumber, TFL 53 covers 87,839 hectares that overlaps with First Nations territorial boundaries, and new AAC reflects input from Lheidli T’enneh Nation
April 13, 2022
Bank of Canada increased its target for the overnight rate to 1.0%, with the Bank Rate at 1.25% and the deposit rate at 1.0%; the Bank is ending reinvestment, will begin quantitative tightening, effective Apr. 25
April 12, 2022
NextChem completes Italy’s first demonstration plant in Chieti for chemical recycling of PET, polyester, as part of EU's DEMETO project; plant obtains pure monomers from textile waste to produce new polymers using microwaves, alkaline hydrolysis
April 12, 2022
EU bans imports of wood pulp, including CTMP, from Russia as it expands sanctions; bans are effective April 9, and include imports of some grades of kraft paper, including uncoated kraft paper, paperboard
April 12, 2022
Open Space Institute applauds 'monumental investment' in New York State’s environment, open space protection and parks included in budget agreement; it includes approval of US$4.2B environmental bond act, record US$400M for Environmental Protection Fund
April 12, 2022
EU Commission starts developing end-of-waste criteria for plastics, prioritizing waste streams of recycled or recovered PET, PE, PS, PP, mixes; prioritized textile streams are recycled or recovered cellulosic fibers, mixed fibers, and clothes for reuse
April 12, 2022
US to invest US$131M to begin work on Forest Service’s 10-year wildfire strategy; initial investments in Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho, Montana, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona will cover fuel reduction treatments on some 208,000 acres
April 11, 2022
SEC rules Amazon must allow shareholder vote on resolution by nonprofit As You Sow inquiring about its retirement plan; As You Sow claims plan directs investments into companies flagged as major greenhouse gas emitters, involved in rainforest destruction
April 11, 2022
New Washington state law will provide low-income families with monthly subsidy to buy diapers; act is effective Nov. 1, 2023, and will apply only to families with a child under age three that receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
April 11, 2022
Balcones Resources receives 15-year municipal recycling contract from City of San Antonio, Texas, beginning Aug. 1, 2024; company will build, operate 200,000-sq.-ft., US$47M processing facility with energy conservation design, employ 70 full-time workers
April 11, 2022
Canon publishes cybersecurity guidelines to help customers protect important information on their printers, multifunction devices; guide is important for companies doing business with government agencies, defines Advanced Persistent Threat countermeasures
April 11, 2022
Conservation Fund, New Hampshire protect 6,395 acres of forestland, aquatic resources within Beebe River watershed with conservation easement; deal opens new recreational lands, improves water quality, offers climate benefits, supports local timber jobs
April 8, 2022
Biogen urges CMS to reconsider decision to limit payment for FDA-approved injectable Aduhelm aducanumab-avwa 100 mg/mL to treat Alzheimer’s patients; Biogen states decision may limit coverage for future approved amyloid-beta targeting therapies
April 8, 2022
US Fish and Wildlife urged to reform process for Endangered Species Act listing of animals, plants; 140 groups petition agency they say has has been 'crippled by decades of bureaucratic boondoggles' and interference, leaving 300 species awaiting decisions
April 8, 2022
US lawmakers introduce bill to boost renewable energy production using Defense Production Act to achieve energy independence; NGOs want bill to 'supercharge' climate transition, say fossil fuel industry is exploiting Ukraine war to expand production
April 8, 2022
British Columbia launches Mass Timber Action Plan, allocates C$1.2M for four housing, infrastructure projects; positioning province as a global leader in mass-timber research, engineering innovation, production is a key action in StrongerBC Economic Plan
April 7, 2022
Washington state's new carbon project undercuts climate goals, says American Forest Resource Council; it calls for Board of Natural Resources to have DNR analyze, disclose a detailed analysis of strategy's environmental, social, economic costs/benefits
April 7, 2022
Washington State DNR launches first-in-nation carbon project on state trust lands; project will generate almost a million carbon credits in 10 years by preserving 10,000 acres of ecologically valuable forests, delivering millions of dollars in revenue
April 7, 2022
CMS announces free second booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines; certain immunocompromised people, those ages 50 years and older who received initial booster dose at least four months ago eligible for second booster
April 7, 2022
Government of Canada to invest up to C$376,200 for the Canadian Produce Marketing Assn. to explore, via a national pilot, effective ways for industry to migrate to sustainable packaging design, material options that enhance recyclability, compostability
April 7, 2022
AmerisourceBergen’s Good Neighbor Pharmacy group allocates more than 5 million COVID-19 vaccine doses as part of Federal Retail Pharmacy Program; nearly 52% of the more than 1,600 pharmacies in the Good Neighbor group in socially vulnerable communities
April 6, 2022
European Commission to investigate Kronospan's proposed acquisition of Pfleiderer Polska; both are leading suppliers of wood-based panels in Europe and EC is concerned merger may reduce competition for supply of some panels in Poland, neighboring regions
April 6, 2022
ACC alleges EPA Integrated Risk Information System draft formaldehyde assessment does not meet transparency standards; ACC alleges review violated standards regarding independence, bias and balance during peer review
April 6, 2022
ACC expresses industry disapproval of EPA proposal to eliminate all use of chrysotile asbestos in chlor-alkali manufacturing; rule would ban manufacture of almost one-third of chlorine, sodium hydroxide chemicals needed for drinking water supply, ACC says
April 6, 2022
FDA accepts priority review of Regeneron, Sanofi’s sBLA for injectable Dupixent dupilumab 300 mg weekly to treat eosinophilic esophagitis in adult, pediatric patients aged 12 years and older; 160,000 patients in US are currently treated for EoE
April 6, 2022
Australia's agriculture minister, from April 8, will have veto power to block native forest regeneration projects that would harm agriculture; government is investing AU$2.2B in carbon farming projects, but says they must be net positive for agriculture
April 5, 2022
ISRI applauds bipartisan Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act's introduction in US Senate; bill's passage would provide valuable, current information about rural recycling systems that will help create customized solutions for all states
April 5, 2022
Crown receives Zero Waste Certificate Initiative award by the Turkish government for its beverage can operations in Izmit and Osmaniye; the two plants reuse wastewater through reverse osmosis, have reduced hazardous waste by 80%, more
April 5, 2022
Circular Plastics Taskforce receives more than C$500,000 from Canada’s Ministry of Economy and Innovation; the grant will support Phase II of project that aims to optimize the management of plastics across MRFs, recyclers and end markets for PCR plastic
April 5, 2022
Nova Scotia funds new projects that will help with adoption of ecological forestry; it says success of new forestry management model that protects ecosystems, supports economic growth depends on partnerships with industry, science community, stakeholders
April 4, 2022
UK awards Saica's President Ramon Alejandro with Honorary Officer of the Order of the British Empire; in 2021, Saica opened £9M facility at its Partington paper mill to clean, sort Greater Manchester's more than 80,000 tonnes/year of paper, paperboard
April 4, 2022
British Columbia and First Nations implement logging deferrals on nearly 1.7 million hectares of old-growth forest, including some 1.05 million hectares deemed most at risk; new budget provides additional C$185M to support affected industry, communities
April 4, 2022
Analysis shows cardiac complications higher after SARS-CoV-2 infection than after vaccination; data comes from 40 health care systems, supports continued use of Pfizer, Moderna COVID-19 vaccinations: study
April 4, 2022
GreenFirst Forest Products to restart second paper machine at Kapuskasing, Ontario, mill in May, with full 24/7 production by October; company received over C$1.2M from province to support hiring, training more than 45 new employees
April 4, 2022
US Senate unanimously approves Ocean Shipping Reform Act, sends bill to Biden Administration to sign into law; bill will help prevent ocean carriers from penalizing American producers and refusing to ship US exports, says American Chemistry Council
April 1, 2022
West Virginia passes advanced recycling bill for plastic waste, becoming 17th US state to do so; law regulates advanced recycling technologies as manufacturing and not as solid waste disposal
April 1, 2022
Kentucky passes advanced recycling law for plastic waste, becoming 18th US state to do so; bill regulates advanced recycling operations as manufacturers instead of as solid waste disposal
April 1, 2022
LG Chem, Siheung, South Korea, Siheung Urban sign MoU to build virtuous resource cycle system for biodegradable plastics, waste plastics incineration, improve waste sorting; Siheung mayor says city aspires to become Korea's first sustainable 'eco-city'
April 1, 2022
Veolia reports 77% of UK businesses were still unaware of the Plastic Packaging Tax two days before it came into force on April 1; majority support an escalator in percentage of recycled content threshold and cost charge as incentive for recycled content
April 1, 2022
CEPI suggests EU regulators amend product ecodesign proposal to include renewability, expand recyclability requirements; pulp/paper products can replace non-naturally replenished materials, and recyclers must address their own waste generation, pollutants
April 1, 2022
EU should look to pulp/paper industry for developing infrastructure, fiber solutions to recycle textiles; less than 1% textiles globally are recycled, and textile consumption is fourth highest pressure category in EU in use of raw materials, water: CEPI
March 31, 2022
Bridgestone receives DOE grant to explore drought-resistant guayule as sustainable, domestic source of natural rubber, with field tests at farms in Arizona, California, New Mexico, Italy; Bridgestone has invested over US$100M to commercialize guayule
March 31, 2022
New York State Dept. of Environmental Conservation announces adoption of regulations for the Expanded Polystyrene Foam Container and Loose Fill Packaging Ban, which began Jan. 1; new regulations provide clarity on the ban
March 31, 2022
INDA, California Assn. of Sanitation Agencies welcome introduction of the WIPPES Act in the US Senate; bill would create 'Do Not Flush’ labeling mandates on packaging of disposable wipes like baby, household cleaning and cosmetic wipes to prevent clogs
March 30, 2022
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