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The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is doing away with a policy that allows pollution enforcement officials to drop in unannounced for inspections at power and chemical plants.In a July 11 memo shared with EPA, regional administrators outlined a new enforcement policy that would do away with surprise inspections tactics.The new policy would stop agency officials from conducting inspections at facilities without giving prior notice to the states involved, as a way to increase communication between agencies, states, and regulatory bodies.“A ‘no surprises' principle is the foundation of joint work planning and will minimize the misunderstandings that can be caused by the lack of regular, bilateral communication,” wrote Susan Bodine, Assistant Administrator for Enforcement and Compliance Assistance in the memo.

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a major greenhouse gas produced from burning fossil fuels that contributes to climate change. One way to cut down on CO2 emissions is through a carbon capture, which is a chemical technique that removes CO2 out of emissions, preventing it from entering the atmosphere.

The recent heatwaves in Europe this past few weeks are a blunt reminder of the world's race against the impacts of climate change.

Emission Monitoring Service Inc. (EMSI) announced their second quarter results for hazardous emissions reduction. The company has surpassed their original goal of 400 tons for the year, in the first half of 2019, reaching 429 tons at the end of the second quarter.

The EIA recently released the July Short-Term Energy Outlook (STEO), which forecasts a 2.2% decrease in CO2 emissions in 2019.

Dow, a Worldwide Olympic Partner and the Official Chemistry Company of the Olympic Games, is offering industry-leading solutions to help insulate, seal, connect, coat and protect key Olympic venues, such as the Olympic Stadium, Ariake Arena, and many more.

South Korea’s Ministry of Environmental (MoE) recently revised the country's enforcement rules on volatile organic compounds (VOCs), under the Clean Air Conservation Act.The revisions include:- Expand existing requirements that mandate companies to monitor VOC emissions and record them;- Adding 11 substances to the list of VOCs that must be monitored and collected under the Act;- Imposing a maximum limit of 67% VOC content in paints; and- Impose stricter requirements on crude oil refining facilities, which emit arsenic acids.The ministry believes this implementation will reduce VOC emissions from the oil refining and paint industries by 15%.

Oil and energy Chevron has awarded Schlumberger a twenty-year contract for offshore projects in Gulf of Mexico. Schlumberger will provide the underwater equipment and services for Chevron's offshore projects in the area.

Yara has signed a 1,100 million USD, five-year revolving credit facility (RCF) with two one-year extension options. The facility has been signed by a group of 13 international relationship banks, reflecting Yara’s global footprint.The margin under the Facility will be adjusted based on Yara’s progress to meet its carbon intensity target by 2025:By introducing a sustainability link in its RCF, Yara highlights its commitment to reduce the carbon footprint of its fertilizer production activities.The production of mineral fertilizer contributes to GHG emissions.

Bosch Rexroth’s subsea valve actuator (SVA), a new concept for underwater actuators which offers SIL3 safety levels and up to 75% lower energy consumption, has been granted a Mechanical Engineering Design Award.