Federal Agencies

Washington — Attorneys general of 14 states and the District of Columbia are suing the Environmental Protection Agency and its administrator, Andrew Wheeler, in the latest round of litigation challenging the agency’s recent changes to the Obama-era Chemical Disaster Rule.

Washington — A bipartisan bill that would allow drivers younger than 21 to operate commercial motor vehicles interstate is “a step toward safety,” American Trucking Associations President and CEO Chris Spear said during a Feb. 4 hearing convened by the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee’s Transportation and Safety Subcommittee.

Washington — Effective Feb. 4, OSHA has revived its National Emphasis Program on respirable crystalline silica for general industry, maritime and construction to “identify and reduce or eliminate” silica-related hazards.

Washington — The Chemical Safety Board has issued a long-anticipated final rule that requires owners or operators of chemical facilities to report to the agency within eight hours certain information regarding incidental releases of hazardous chemicals resulting in death, serious injury or substantial property damage.

Washington — The Department of Labor’s discretionary funding would be cut 10.5%, while the Chemical Safety Board and OSHA’s Susan Harwood Training Grant Program are facing elimination once again, under President Donald Trump’s fiscal year 2021 budget proposal.

Washington — The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is requesting stakeholder input as it develops an updated study of contributing factors to crashes involving large commercial trucks.

Washington — OSHA has published an online resource on a new coronavirus outbreak that includes a link to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention interim guidance, quick facts about the outbreak, and information on preventing exposure.

Washington — NIOSH is seeking scientific information regarding the dangers or safety of engineered nanomaterials as the agency explores the development of occupational exposure limits.

Washington — OSHA is reminding employers covered under the Improve Tracking of Workplace Injuries and Illnesses final rule that they must post their 2019 300A forms in their workplaces from Feb. 1 to April 30.