ASSE has commented on the two key mine safety bills now
under consideration in the US House of Representatives. Mark up of the
bill by the House Committee on Labor and Education is expected in early October. The
bills seek to build on safety provisions of the MINER Act passed by Congress
last year. The comments were developed by the Government Affairs
Committee based on the insight of leaders in ASSE's Mine Practice
Specialty. While ASSE takes positions on a variety of specific
issues aimed to improve mine safety, rescue and emergency response, it also
suggests that, based on the risks that have come to light in recent mine
tragedies, the time has come for an overall safety analysis of the mine industry to identify
the most dangers risks so the focus of mine owners, the resources of MSHA and
NIOSH and Congressional efforts can be targeted to the most dangerous risks
first.
ASSE’s statement as well as a side-by-side of the
bills with ASSE’s comments on specific provisions can be accessed on the front
page of the ASSE website at http://www.asse.org/.
Also of interest is the appropriate investigation of the
most recent highly visible mine disaster at
Crandall
Canyon
in
Utah
.Jonathan Snare, DoL’s Solicitor
General, and Senator Michael Enzi (R-WY) – joined by Senator Ted Kennedy
(D-MA) – weighed in on the view that MSHA should be allowed to conduct its
investigation.The Enzi news release
stating that can be found at http://help.senate.gov/Min_press/2007_09_18_a.pdf
ASSE Support Bresland to Chair CSB
AMERICAN SOCIETY
OF SAFETY ENGINEERS
1800 East Oakton Street
Des Plaines
,
Illinois
60018-2187 847.699.2929 FAX
847.296.3769 www.asse.org
September 28, 2007
The
Honorable Barbara Boxer
Chairman
Committee on Environment and Public Works
United StatesSenate
SD-456
Dirksen
Senate
Office
Building
Washington,
DC
20510-2602
RE:Support for Nomination
of John Bresland to Chair CSB Board
Dear Chairman Boxer:
The
American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) is a global professional membership
society of safety, health and environmental (SH&E) professionals dedicated
to helping make sure workplaces are safe and healthy.Our 32,000 members include safety professionals, industrial hygienists,
hazard material managers, engineers, educators, ergonomists, occupational health
nurses and others who work for and with employers to prevent workplace injuries,
illnesses and deaths.
On
behalf of our members, we want to express ASSE’s support for the President’s
nomination of John Bresland to the position of Chairman of the Board for the
U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB), which the Committee
on Environment and Public Works will consider.
CSB plays an integral role in helping ensure that industry,
the safety and health community, and our members can learn about the causes of
workplace accidents involving chemicals to help ensure that the accidents are
not repeated.Our members use the
CSB’s recommendations developed from its investigations as well as the quality
written and video technical reports.These
resources help our members fulfill their responsibility in assisting their
employers protecting workers and workplaces from chemical hazards.
It is imperative that CSB is lead by a
qualified safety and health professional who has the appropriate education,
training and experience in managing the complexities of chemical safety issues.In our members’ opinion, John Bresland is well qualified to lead CSB.Over the last five years as a member of CSB’s Board, he has played a
key role in advancing CSB’s capabilities.He has also personally reached out to the safety and health professional
community to see that the work of CSB reaches the audiences for which it is
intended.With his advanced training
in chemistry and his professional experience managing safety, health and
environmental issues in private industry, ASSE believes John Bresland is in an
excellent position to carry on the work of expanding the effectiveness of CSB
that the outgoing Chairman, Carolyn Merritt, so capably led.
We respectfully urge the Committee to approve
John Bresland’s appointment so he can begin to provide that leadership as soon
as possible.If ASSE’s members can
be of any help to the Committee in its deliberations, we encourage you to
contact Dave Heidorn, JD, Manager of Government Affairs and Policy at
847/768-3406 or dheidorn@asse.org.
Thank you for your time and attention to our views.
Sincerely,
Michael W. Thompson, CSP
President
cc:Representative James M. Inhofe Ranking Minority Member
ASSE Urges OSHA Involvement in Z15 Committee
AMERICAN SOCIETY
OF SAFETY ENGINEERS
1800 East Oakton Street
Des Plaines
,
Illinois
60018-2187 847.699.2929 FAX 847.296.3769 www.asse.org
September 21, 2007
The Honorable Edwin G. Foulke, Jr.
Assistant Secretary of Labor
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
U.S.
Department of Labor 200 Constitution
Avenue, NW Washington,
DC
20210
RE:Urging OSHA Membership on
Z15 ASC on Safe Practices for Motor Vehicle Fleet Operations
Dear Assistant Secretary Foulke:
As you know, the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) greatly values the
participation of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) staff in
the safety and health professional community.Increased opportunities for OSHA staff to share their expertise and
experience in professional safety activities is one of the leading successes of
our
Alliance
.
Participation in safety standards development activities is also an area we
believe OSHA staff can be particularly valuable.Specifically, ASSE is the Secretariat for the standard "Safe
Practices for Motor Vehicle Operations" (ANSI/ASSE Z15.1-2006) addressing
management of motor vehicle fleet operations hazards and exposures.Currently, the Z15 Accredited Standards Committee (ASC) is investigating
several new areas for future standards development and believes its goal would
best be served if OSHA would join the Committee.ASSE agrees with the Committee and urges you to help make sure that an
OSHA staff member can represent the agency’s interests on the Committee.
To be clear, there is an ANSI-required process that needs to be met before OSHA
can become a member.All
organizations must apply.Before the
Z15 ASC votes on an application, the interested organization is required to
attend two meetings.The applying
organization attends the first meeting as an observer, and the committee votes
on the application during the second meeting. An organization approved for
committee membership is added to the roster and receives ballots, draft
standards and other information.If
OSHA can participate on the Z15 ASC, the appropriate staff member should e-mail
a notice of interest to Tim Fisher, Secretariat staff, at tfisher@asse.org.An
application and instructions will be sent on reply.
ASSE sincerely believes that OSHA’s participation in the voluntary consensus
process is vitally important to the advancement of safety.We urge you to consider this opportunity for OSHA to join the Z15 ASC.
Sincerely,
Michael W. Thompson, CSP
President
cc:Paula White
ASSE Provides Comments on OSHA Motor Vehicle Safety Topics Page
On September 25, ASSE submitted the following
comments for OSHA’s annual review of its Safety and Health Topics page for
Motor Vehicle Safety, which can be found at http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/motorvehiclesafety/index.html.The comments were developed through the
Council on Professional Standards.
Current
Page
According
to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), more than 2,000 deaths a year result
from occupational motor vehicle incidents. That number is more than 30 percent
of the annual number of fatalities from occupational injuries. These deaths
include driver and passenger deaths in highway crashes, farm equipment
accidents, and industrial vehicle incidents, as well as pedestrian fatalities.
The following questions link to information relevant to
motor vehicle safety.
Under
“other resources,” ASSE suggest that there be a link to the ANSI/ASSE A10
Standards for Construction and Demolition Operations.A10.34 addresses public exposures and motor vehicles are part of this
even though OSHA does not address public hazards and exposures.Almost all of the A10 Standards address motor vehicle safety to some
extent on construction and demolition sites, but the standards that more
directly impact transportation are
ANSI/ASSE A10.6-1990 (R1998)
Safety Requirements for Demolition Operations - American National Standard
for Construction and Demolition Operations
ANSI/ASSE A10.7-1998 (R2005)
Safety
Requirements for Transportation, Storage, Handling, and Use of Commercial
Explosives and Blasting Agents
ANSI/ASSE A10.9-1997 (R2004)
Safety
Requirements for Concrete and Masonry Work - American National Standard for
Construction and Demolition Operations
ANSI/ASSE A10.12-1998 (R2005)
Safety
Requirements for Excavation - American National Standard for Construction and
Demolition Operations
ANSI/ASSE A10.17-2006
Safe
Operating Practices for Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) Construction
ANSI/ASSE A10.24-2006
Roofing
Safety Requirements for Low-Sloped Roofs
ANSI/ASSE A10.27-1998 (R2005)
Safety
Requirements for Hot Mix Asphalt Facilities - American National Standard for
Construction and Demolition Operations
ANSI/ASSE A10.33-1998 (R2004)
Safety
and Health Program Requirements for Multi-Employer Projects - American National
Standard for Construction and Demolition Operations
ANSI/ASSE A10.34-2001 (R2005)
Protection
of the Public on or Adjacent to Construction Sites - American National Standard
for Construction and Demolition Operations
ANSI/ASSE A10.38-2000
Basic
Elements of an Employer's Program to Provide a Safe and Healthful Work
Environment - American National Standard for Construction and Demolition
Operations
ASSE
suggest that a link to the ANSI/ASSE Z15 Standard for Motor Vehicle Operations
should be added here.The standard
sets forth safety requirements for the operation of motor vehicles, including,
but not limited to, nomenclature, definition, data gathering, statistical
analysis, inspection, maintenance, training, and other related equipment and
functions of motor vehicle operations.The
standard should be included under both the Hazard Recognition and the Possible
Solutions sections.The appropriate
link is
We
also suggest the following links below be listed under “Other Resources” as
important transportation safety resources –
From the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration,
its Share the
Road Safely web site.The Share the
Road Safely program works to improve the knowledge of all highway users to
minimize the likelihood of a crash with a large truck, and reduce the
consequences of those that do occur.http://www.sharetheroadsafely.org/
We
also suggest listing the web site of ASSE Transportation Practice Specialty,
which provides a variety of resources and links those interested in
transportation safety to leading transportation safety experts.http://www.asse.org/practicespecialties/transportation/
Legislation to Protect Food Flavoring Workers from Severe Lung Disease Passes
House
WASHINGTON,
D.C.–
By a vote of 260 to 154, the U.S. House of Representatives today approved
legislation intended to prevent workers in food processing plants from getting a
debilitating, irreversible lung disease that has already sickened and killed a
number of workers nationwide.
The legislation would force the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health
Administration to issue rules limiting workers’ exposure to diacetyl, a
chemical used in artificial food flavoring for microwave popcorn and other
foods. Scientists have linked diacetyl exposure to bronchiolitis obliterans, a
severe lung disease often known as “popcorn lung.” Despite mounting evidence
over several years of the dangers of popcorn lung, OSHA has failed to take
action to limit diacetyl exposure, prompting the need for the legislation
approved by the House today.
“Seven years after the first cases of popcorn lung were identified, it is
stunning that OSHA has failed to protect American workers from this horrible
disease,” said Rep. George Miller (D-CA), chairman of the committee. “The
cost of the Bush administration’s failure to act can be measured in the number
of workers who have avoidably grown ill or died. This legislation is critical to
stop the delays in protecting workers from this serious workplace hazard.”
“It’s a travesty that OSHA has done nothing to regulate this chemical,
while workers have fallen seriously ill and some have actually died,” said
Rep. Lynn Woolsey (D-CA), chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Workforce
Protections and chief sponsor of the legislation. “That’s why it’s time
for Congress to act to keep workers healthy and safe. Passing this important
legislation is a step in the right direction.”
Thousands of workers are still being exposed to diacetyl at factories that make
or use food flavorings.
The legislation, the Popcorn Workers Lung Disease Prevention Act (H.R. 2693),
would:
Mandate that OSHA issue a standard within 90 days to minimize workers’
exposure to diacetyl in popcorn and flavorings manufacturing plants. Employers
would be required to develop a written exposure control plan that would use
engineering controls and respirators to protect workers, and to conduct medical
monitoring to determine whether workers’ health continued to be harmed.
Mandate
that OSHA issue a more comprehensive standard within two years, covering all
workplaces where workers may be exposed to diacetyl.
House
Democrats urged the Labor Department to address this serious health hazard in
August 2006. For more information and for a copy of the August 2006 letter from
House Democrats to the Department of Labor, click here.
The Education and Labor Committee held a hearing on OSHA’s failure to issue
standards, including one for diacetyl, in April 2007. For more information,
click here.
September 26, 2007
OSHA Holding October 17 Stakeholder Meeting on Diacetyl
OSHA has invited interested parties to participate in or
observe an informal stakeholder meeting on occupational exposure to diacetyl and
food flavorings containing diacetyl. The meeting is October 17, 2007, from 8:30
a.m.-4:30 p.m., at the
Crown Plaza Hotel Washington National Airport 1480 Crystal Drive, Arlington
Virginia 22202 OSHA states that iIf more than 50 stakeholders register for the
stakeholder meeting on October 17, 2007, a second meeting will be scheduled for
October 18, 2007, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.A notice of intention to attend must be submitted by October 10, 2007. http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2007/E7-19087.htm
OSHA Announces Three Actions on Diacetyl
OSHA news release --
Sept. 24, 2007
OSHA
announces three actions to protect workers exposed to butter flavorings
WASHINGTON-- The U.S. Department of
Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced today
that it is taking the following three actions that will address concerns
regarding diacetyl exposure in the workplace:
1.Initiating
a rulemaking under section 6(b) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act.
2.Issuing
a Safety and Health Information Bulletin (SHIB).
3.Providing
Hazard Communication Guidance.
These actions build upon the National Emphasis Program that OSHA announced in April 2007
to focus on the health hazards of microwave popcorn butter flavoring containing diacetyl.
"OSHA's goal is to protect workers from exposure to chemical hazards associated with microwave
popcorn manufacturing," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Edwin G. Foulke Jr. "Our open,
transparent regulatory process will seek information and guidance from all
stakeholders to gather the best information on the health effects of exposure to diacetyl. That
information will allow us to institute effective protections for workers."
The SHIB provides information on health effects for workers exposed to butter flavorings in microwave
popcorn processing plants; information on exposure controls that may be used to reduce exposures to
butter flavorings; and information on applicable OSHA standards.
The Hazard Communication Guidance alerts employers, workers, manufacturers and importers about
new information related to the health hazards associated with diacetyl and food flavorings containing
diacetyl; and provides guidance on how to develop material safety
data sheets and hazard warning labels to be in compliance with OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard.
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and
healthful workplaces for their workers. OSHA's role is to assure the safety and health of
America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach and
education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual process improvement in workplace safety
and health. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.
These Government Accounting Office reports are usually at the end of GA Updates.This one may be of particular interest to ASSE members.The GAO provides a wealth of information on a variety of issues.
Chemical
Regulation: Comparison of
U.S.
and Recently Enacted European Union Approaches to Protect against the Risks of
Toxic Chemicals. GAO-07-825, August 17
OSHA has announced that the Federal Advisory Council on Occupational Safety and Health
(FACOSH)
will meet October 11, 2007, in
Washington
,
DC, at the Department of Labor, from 1
to 4:30 p.m.The
tentative agenda includes updates on theFY
2007 performance results of executive
branch agencies
in meeting the four goals of the Presidential Safety, Health, and
Return-to-Employment (SHARE) Initiative;FY
2006 Secretary of Labor's Report to the President on the overall status of
occupational safety and health in the executive
branch;Federal Agency
RecordkeepingSubcommittee;
federal agency
training week being hosted by the OSHATraining
Institute on November 6-8, 2007 and results of OSHA's survey of federal
agencies' training resources; and Field
Federal Safety and Health Councils.http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2007/E7-18406.htm
DHS Holding Exercises in DC,
Phoenix
and
Portland
,
OR
From DHS –
U.S.Department of Homeland
Security Conducts Largest Counterterrorism Exercise To Date
Release Date: September 24, 2007
For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security will conduct the largest and
most comprehensive counterterrorism exercise to date from Oct. 15-19 in
Arizona
and
Oregon
, and the
U.S.
territory
of
Guam
. Top Officials 4 (TOPOFF 4) is the fourth in a series of
congressionally-mandated exercises and involves various federal agencies as well
as the governments of
Australia
,
Canada
and the
United Kingdom
.
“The National Intelligence Estimate and recent activity overseas
reinforce that we are in a period of increased risk,” said Homeland Security
Secretary Michael Chertoff. “Exercises like TOPOFF help test response
capabilities at all levels, strengthen national preparedness and deepen
international coordination. By responding realistically to these simulated
attacks, we’re able to identify our strengths and weaknesses, build better
partnerships, and gain valuable knowledge for securing the nation against
terrorist attacks and other natural disasters.”
TOPOFF 4 will involve more than 15,000 participants from all levels of
government, international partners and the private sector in a full-scale,
simulated response to radiological dispersal device attacks.
“TOPOFF stresses our preparedness and response systems with situations
that no single agency or jurisdiction could handle on its own,” said David
Paulison, Administrator of DHS’ Federal Emergency Management Agency. “The
right response actually takes thousands of individuals working together. This
exercise is about strengthening working relationships within our partners in
federal, state and local agencies, emergency management communities and private
industry groups. It’s about increasing preparedness by sharing information and
processes.”
To reach the overarching goal and objectives to enhance interagency
coordination, planning and preparedness, TOPOFF 4 will focus on five key areas:
·Prevention:
To test the handling and flow of operational and time-critical intelligence
between agencies to prevent a terrorist attack.
·Intelligence/investigation:
To test the handling and flow of operational and time-critical intelligence
between agencies prior to, and in response to, a linked terrorist incident.
·Incident
management: To test the full range of existing procedures for domestic incident
management of a terrorist weapon of mass destruction event and to improve the
top officials’ capabilities to respond consistent with the National Response
Plan and the National Incident Management System.
·Public
Information: To practice the strategic coordination of media relations and public
information in the context of a terrorist weapon of mass destruction event or
incident of national significance.
·Evaluation:
To identify lessons learned and promote best practices.
TOPOFF 4 builds on experiences from previous exercises as well real
world emergencies, and will also prioritize increased coordination with U.S.
Department of Defense and the private sector, an expanded emphasis on
prevention, a deeper focus on mass decontamination, long-term recovery and
remediation issues, and strengthened partnerships and communications with
international allies.
In addition to TOPOFF 4 objectives, each supporting and partnering
agency, state, territory and local entity has developed a set of specific
objectives to further assist them in preparing for emergency situations.
For
more information on TOPOFF 4, visit the Department of Homeland Security Web site
at www.dhs.gov/topoff4.
OSHA Issues Guidance on Slings for Handling Materials
OSHA
news release –
Sept. 27, 2007
WASHINGTON-- New guidance from the
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) will help employers select
and use the appropriate slings when handling and moving materials. The document,
Guidance
on Safe Sling Use, was released today by the agency.
"OSHA's current general industry standard is more
than 30 years old," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA, Edwin G.
Foulke, Jr. "This guidance document will aid users in the safe selection
and use of slings, including synthetic round slings, which are not covered in
OSHA's standard, as well as the newer grades of materials being used in alloy
steel chain and wire rope slings."
OSHA adopted its general industry sling standard on June
27, 1975, based on ANSI B30.9-1971 Slings standard. OSHA has since made only
minor corrections. OSHA issued its construction industry sling standard on
February 9, 1979, and its sling standard for shipyards on April 20, 1982.
Improper selection or use of slings can result in sling
failure or load slippage, which in turn can lead to injuries or death. OSHA
accident data for the years 1994 through 1996 show that there were four
fatalities in general industry involving the misuse or failure of slings.
OSHA intends to format the final product for use on the
Web. With the document in web format, a user can quickly get information on the
type of sling he or she is using without having to look through material that is
not relevant to the workplace.
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970,
employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthful workplace for their
employees. OSHA's role is to assure the safety and health of America's working
men and women by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach,
and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual process
improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.
September 18, 2007
OSHA Asks Comments on Handling Fed Employee Discrimination Complaints
OSHA has asked for comments on its proposal to extend OMB approval of the information collection (paperwork) requirements for
handling discrimination complaints under federal employee protection statutes.These regulations set forth procedures employees
must use to file a complaint with OSHA alleging that their employer violated a federal statute that prohibits retaliation against employees
who engage in activities protected by the various employee protection statutes.Comments are due November 19, 2007.
Transport of Compressed Oxygen/Other Gases/Chemical Oxygen Generators onAircraft
In Junuary 2007, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) published a final rule that amended requirements
in the Hazardous Materials Regulations applicable to the air transportation of compressed oxygen cylinders and oxygen generators.
In response to appeals to the final rule, this final rule amends those requirements and delays the effective date of the requirements from
October 1, 2007 to October 1, 2008
PHMSA on Fuel Cell Cartridges/Systems on Aircraft in Carry-on Baggage
PHMSA is proposing to amend the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) to permit certain fuel cell cartridges and fuel cell systems
designed for portable electronic devices to be transported by passengers and crew in carry-on baggage on board passenger-carrying
aircraft. The proposed rule would cover fuel cells containing certain hazmat (flammable liquids, including methanol; formic acid; certain
borohydride materials; or butane) and meeting certain performance and consumer use standards, which PHMSA proposes to incorporate
by reference into the HMR.PHMSA states that it has evaluated the possible transportation safety risks determined they may safely be
transported in the cabin of a passenger-carrying aircraft.Comments are due November 19, 2007.
EPA Seeks Comment on Waste Combustor NESHAP Legal Analysis
In October 2005, EPA issued national emission standards for hazardous air pollutants (NESHAP) emitted by hazardous waste combusters.
EPA then granted reconsideration petitions on certain issues but has not yet issued a final determination on reconsideration. Following the
close of the comment period on the proposed reconsideration rule, the
United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit issued several opinions construing section 112 (d) of the Clean Air Act.
One of those opinions has called into question the legality of some of the standards for hazardous waste combusters.This notice discusses
the standards that EPA promulgated in October 2005 and identifies which standards EPA believes are consistent with the Act and case law
those that are not and need to be reexamined through rulemaking.EPA wants comments on this analysis.Comments are due October 18, 2007.
EPA Direct Final Rule on Nonroad Diesel Corrections
In this rulemaking, EPA has made technical corrections to the rules establishing emission standards for nonroad diesel engines.It is
also amending the rules to provide nonroad diesel equipment manufacturers with a production technical relief provision for Tier 3
equipment similar to the technical relief provision already available for Tier 4 equipment. The direct final rule is effective on
November 19, 2007, unless EPA receives adverse comments by October 18 or request for public hearing by October 3, 2007.
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2007/E7-18161.htm
EPA Says Skies Improve in
Eastern US
EPA news release –
Thursday,
Sept. 27, 2007
EPA Report: Smog Thinner, Skies Healthier
over
Eastern U.S.
(
Washington
,
D.C.
- Sept. 27, 2007) Smog-forming emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) from power
plants and industry have declined significantly in 19 eastern states and the
District of Columbia
. The NOx Budget Trading Program (NBP) annual report, released today, indicates
that summertime NOx emissions were seven percent lower than in 2005, 60 percent
lower than in 2000 and 74 percent lower than in 1990.
"The
proof is in the numbers. By cutting smog-forming emissions, 55 million Americans
in the eastern
United States
are breathing easier thanks to President Bush's clean air policies," said
EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson. "NOx reductions are not just good
news for the health of our environment and the health of our residents, they are
good news for the health of our economy."
The
reduction of NOx – a precursor to ground-level ozone, or "smog" –
has helped reduce ground-level ozone concentrations an average of 5-8 percent in
the eastern
United States
in the last three years. Four out of five eastern ozone non-attainment areas now
meet the current standard.
The
EPA report tracks summertime emission reductions from 1990 to 2006 and assesses
the impact of these reductions on ozone air quality in the eastern region. The
largest NOx reductions occurred in the mid-central area of the eastern
United States
including
Illinois
,
Indiana
,
Kentucky
,
Ohio
, and
West Virginia
.
The
NOx Budget Trading Program is flexible and lets electric generating units choose
the best options to reduce NOx emissions during ozone season for their
facilities. Options include adding NOx emission-control technologies, replacing
existing controls with more advanced technologies or optimizing existing
controls. This flexibility, and an active NOx allowance market, has helped lead
to an over 99 percent compliance rate with the program's requirements.
The
Seattle Times reports that a fired Boeing employee has claimed that thecompany’s new 787 is unsafe.The
man’s whistleblower claim was dismissed by OSHA, according to the paper, “on
the grounds that Boeing's 787 design does not violate any FAA regulations or
standards."The article can be
found athttp://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/boeingaerospace/2003889663_boeing180.html
GAO Stuff
Combating
Nuclear Smuggling: Additional Actions Needed to Ensure Adequate Testing of Next
Generation Radiation Detection Equipment. GAO-07-1247T, September 18 http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-1247T
September 11:Problems Remain in
Planning for and Providing Health Screening and Monitoring Services for
Responders, by Cynthia A. Bascetta, director, health care, before the House
Committee on Homeland Security.GAO-07-1253T,
September 20.
Natural Hazard Mitigation:Various
Mitigation Efforts Exist, but Federal Efforts Do Not Provide a Comprehensive
Strategic Framework.GAO-07-403,
August 22.
Influenza Pandemic:Federal
Executive Boards' Ability to Contribute to Pandemic Preparedness, by Bernice
Steinhardt, director, strategic issues, before the Subcommittee on Oversight of
Government Management, the Federal Workforce, and the District of Columbia,
Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.GAO-07-1259T, September 28.
