U.S. Legislative Updates
EPA Grants E15 Fuel Waiver for Model Years 2001 - 2006
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has waived a limitation on selling gasoline that contains more than 10 percent ethanol for model year (MY) 2001 through 2006 passenger vehicles, including cars, SUVs, and light pickup trucks. The waiver applies to fuel that contains up to 15 percent ethanol. EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson made the decision after a review of the Department of Energy’s thorough testing and other available data on E15’s effect on emissions from MY 2001 through 2006 cars and light trucks.
OSHA Withdraws Noise Proposal
The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has announced that it is withdrawing its proposed interpretation titled "Interpretation of OSHA's Provisions for Feasible Administrative or Engineering Controls of Occupational Noise." The interpretation would have clarified the term "feasible administrative or engineering controls" as used in OSHA's noise standard. The proposed interpretation, published in the Federal Register on Oct. 19, 2010, would have resulted in stricter requirements for occupational noise protection for workers.
Legislation Requires Damage Disclosure
Legislation has been introduced in the House of Representatives directing the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to require greater disclosure of information relating to the market value and safety of damaged motor vehicles. H.R. 164, the Damaged Vehicle Information Act, was introduced by U.S. Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-FL), Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations.