env. laws/regulations

by

What is behind the fees of California?

E-Waste More Information . Dtsc.ca.gov. (2022, August 29). Retrieved January 29, 2023, from https://dtsc.ca.gov/e-waste-more-information/ 

Ever since January 1, 2005,  people have been paying an extra fee when purchasing “video display devices”. Based on the size of these devices, consumers pay within 4 to 6 dollars for the fee. After the money from the fees is deposited into an account, they use that money to pay e-waste collectors. Some devices are considered “universal waste”, which is hazardous waste but contains common materials that other waste have. Since most of these devices are universal waste they implement more regulations. This is why consumers in California pay these fees to limit toxic substances sold, reducing the production of these substances, and establishing a funding system. 

This article focuses on the goals of California to meet the expectations for obtaining more sustainability. Once again, I notice that the more regulations they add creates a stronger structure. Simple fees the people pay in the end are helping e-waste collectors. This also goes over the category in which these devices are in such as “universal waste”. As the concern for e-waste rises, they carry out detailed regulations that help reduce this waste. After reading the regulations and how they play a part in California, it’s surprising what part we play in that helps us reach these goals.

by

What will be the future for Electronic-Waste?

UCI study finds 53 percent jump in e-waste greenhouse gas emissions between 2014, 2020. UCI News. (2022, November 1). Retrieved January 25, 2023, from https://news.uci.edu/2022/10/26/uci-study-finds-53-percent-jump-in-e-waste-greenhouse-gas-emissions-between-2014-2020/  

As we continue to use electronics more each time, the greenhouse gas emissions that come from electronic waste have also increased. According to researchers from the University of California, ever since 2014 to 2020, emissions have increased by fifty three percent. It was said that approximately by the year of 2030 that 852 million metric tons of carbon dioxide will be emitted annually from just electronic waste. Theoretically this would occur without any regulations, showing what will happen if nothing is done about electronic waste. Reducing the electronic waste will not only help reduce climate change but also reduce child labor that operates in mines and avoid risking employees in waste management.  

Based on the research that the University of California conducted, electronic waste causes many issues apart from pollution. E-waste has contributed to the huge amounts of carbon dioxide that continues to be emitted in the atmosphere. This issue could be prevented by finding better ways to dispose of these waste. Minor factors that contribute to climate change which is a global issue that would be avoided. But E-waste does not only affect the environment but also many people. Due to all the E-waste that releases extremely dangerous toxins it puts people at risk who manage that waste. I think it’s important to consider this issue because often, many problems like this always lead to more. Implementing more regulations will help keep accountability for finding sustainable solutions to manage this waste.

by

Newsom signs more regulations for California

Russ LaMotte, J. C. (2022, October 6). California passes two new laws to overhaul state’s Battery Extended Producer Responsibility program and broadly expand state’s E-waste program. Beveridge & Diamond PC. Retrieved January 25, 2023, from https://www.bdlaw.com/publications/california-passes-two-new-laws-to-overhaul-states-battery-extended-producer-responsibility-program-and-broadly-expand-states-e-waste-program/ 

 

Out of all the states, California has been the first one to introduce the EPR schemes for batteries. Since most of the rechargeable batteries were covered there has been immense growth of concerns for improper disposal of electronic waste. This state’s use of batteries has increased over the years and with The Responsible Act of 2022 (RBA) it should help with these raising concerns. This act ensures that all battery producers will have to collect and recycle covered batteries. With more reinforcement, it requires the producers to be held accountable for where the waste leads. 

As Governor, Newsom has been enforcing regulations to help eliminate the issue of improper disposal of e-waste. However, it’s shocking to see that only now there’s regulations to make sure battery producers are held accountable. But as a state, it’s nice to see the progress we are making as more concern is acknowledged through issues like this that are often overlooked. It’s important to think about where all this waste is going after it’s disposed of, especially when almost all of it is disposed of the wrong way. 

by

Environmental Laws and Regulations #10

Weisbrod, K. (2022, October 12). California passed a landmark law about plastic pollution. Why are some environmentalists still concerned? Inside Climate News. Retrieved January 29, 2023, from https://insideclimatenews.org/news/12102022/california-plastics-pollution-bill/  

 

Governor Newsome signed into law the Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act, which has divided Californian environmentalists. The law itself entails that companies must change their packaging to be either, “recyclable or compostable by 2032.” On one hand, some believe that this is a great step in limiting California’s plastic waste. On the other hand, many believe that this law gives too much power to the companies by making them able to not entirely shift to recyclable and compostable packaging, as long as they advertise that it is.

 

I believe that Newsom has the right intent in establishing this bill, but I agree with the majority of environmentalists who believe that this type of regulation isn’t effective enough. In this day and age, words matter. If companies have complete control over their packaging process, they can easily lie to the public and claim that their packaging is sustainable when in reality only 10% of it is. In order to become strict with sustainable packaging, more surveillance and assurance must b e made so not only the public trusts the companies, but also that the companies actually make a difference.

by

Environmental Laws and Regulation #9

The Regulatory Review. (2022, November 28). Big oil fights new environmental law in California. The Regulatory Review. Retrieved January 29, 2023, from https://www.theregreview.org/2022/11/30/khodor-big-oil-fights-new-environmental-law-in-california/ 

Governor Gavin Newsom has declared that oil and gas companies are not allowed to build new gas wells within 3,2000 feet of residential areas. This decision has come out due to the amount of air pollutants studied that have been, “linked [to] cancer, asthma, and other long-term health defects to living near wells.” In order to maintain operations, the oil and gas industry has proposed a referendum to the new law to allow wells to be built in order to protect local sourcing of fossil fuels. Funds have already been raised by these companies that exceed the millions, yet multiple campaigns have indicated that the people prefer Newsom’s pro-health anti-well stance.

 

The cost of creating gas wells and extracting natural gas causes more harm than good. Even if we are extracting local fossil fuels instead of depending on foreign imports, the health risks associated with it will mean that less people can even enjoy the resources obtained. Regulation like Newsom’s can only go so far when referendums are proposed and loopholes are found. Instead, I believe that more energy should be placed to find and capture renewable energy sources that are clean for both the environment and human health. 


by

Environmental Laws and Regulation #8

Lewis, R. (2023, January 25). California Toxics: Out of state, out of mind. CalMatters. Retrieved January 29, 2023, from https://calmatters.org/environment/2023/01/california-toxic-waste-dumped-arizona-utah/  

California has been dumping toxic waste into other states, refusing to reform their clean up regulations. The particles that have been shipped over border lines include “asbestos, treated wood and auto shredder detritus,” as well as, “contaminated soil with […] DDT.” The California Department of Toxic Substances Control is ironically the state’s biggest dumper and is responsible for the tons and tons of toxic waste being dumped. The decision to do so is approved by Governor Newsom and is primarily driven by the cost-effectiveness of not having to sort out or efficiently recycle the materials.

 

Even Though California is one of the most environmentally conscious states, it ironically is also one of the biggest producers of toxic waste. Without adequate regulations and laws regarding waste management, it continues to produce and produce materials and goods with disregard of hazardous byproducts that negatively impact the environment. All because cost effectiveness is valued at a greater cost than environmental sustainability, care for California’s ecosystem goes out the window. I believe that Newsom needs to utilize his same passion for cost-effective energy sourcing into cost-effective and environmentally sustainable waste management.


by

Environmental Laws and Regulation #7

Associated Press. (2022, August 12). California governor proposes extending Nuclear Plant’s Life. Associated Press. Retrieved January 30, 2023, from https://www.usnews.com/news/us/articles/2022-08-12/nuke-or-no-nuke-california-officials-ponder-nuclear-future  

 

Governor Gavin Newsom has declared that the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant will remain open for an extended 5-10 years past its 2025 expiration date. Governor Newsom claims that it is in the best interest of both southern and northern Californian’s as the plant produces, “9% of the state’s electricity.” Environmentalists such as Ralph Cavanagh claim that the move goes against the California Environmental Quality Act and other 2016 environmental decisions made in the wake of imminent climate change effects. 

 

Nuclear energy is one of the great options of clean energy sourcing. Its reaction of splitting atoms via fission to produce energy aids many in receiving efficient energy. To completely deprive a state of what makes up almost 10% of its energy sourcing would mean both an economic and also political disaster. I think that it is excellent that Newsom is extending Diablo Canyon’s lifespan, but I also think that he should invest more time and money creating more renewable energy sources instead.



by

Environmental Laws and Regulation #6

University of California – Davis. (2022, August 5). Air pollution, including during wildfires, shows ill effects in children: Markers for inflammation, cardiac regulation. ScienceDaily. Retrieved January 29, 2023 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/08/220805091228.htm 

 

Children in Sacramento have been studied for inflammation regarding air pollutants. This inflammation has been linked to exposure of excessive wildfires in California due to climate change. In accordance to UC Davis researchers, “As climate change continues to impact children and families, it is paramount to understand the impact of environmental contaminants such as air pollution on children’s physiology.” These researchers claim that in the upcoming decades, if children are still exposed to this type of prevalence of wildfires, they could develop detrimental and lifelong diseases along the lines of cardiac anomalies or neurodevelopmental disorders. Long-term research has not been conducted yet, but it is expected that more and more kids will suffer the effects of rapid climate change, due to the lack of control and regulation put in place to limit its spread and effect on wildfires.

 

I think that it is absolutely necessary to create environmental regulation when it comes to protecting children. The negative effects of climate change doesn’t just affect our environment, but also our people. This is evident in the fact that children are suffering respiratory, cardiac, and neurological damage to something that can be minimized via human intervention. With the data provided in this study, I believe that more change will be made in terms of regulating notorious California wildfires. These wildfires are extended and more prevalent due to climate change, as it perpetuates hot weather and dry brush–a perfect mix for fires to thrive in. If more regulation was made to both prevent climate change from occurring and wildfires from spreading, children would not be affected as much.


by

California Passes Tax on Electric Vehicle Battery Metal Lithium

Scheyder, E. (2022, July 1). California approves lithium tax despite industry’s warnings. Reuters. Retrieved August 28, 2022, from https://www.reuters.com/business/sustainable-business/california-approves-lithium-tax-despite-industrys-warnings-2022-07-01/ 

In June of 2022, California passed a tax on the electric vehicle battery metal lithium for various environmental restoration projects, including the clean-up of the Salton Sea region, which has been damaged by pesticide use for farming and has a start-up lithium industry. The tax will go into effect in January. However, there are many industry concerns that the tax may harm the state’s lithium sector by scaring off investors and customers, who may switch to lithium from Utah or Arkansas. 

This article relates to environmental science because it discusses a policy aimed at improving the environment and reversing industrial damage. I don’t have an overwhelmingly positive or negative reaction to this lithium tax because there seems to be arguments both for and against it that I would have to research more in-depth. However, it is sad what harm this tax may bring to the lithium industry. I think lithium is a big part of a more clean future, given its use in electric cars. This is in addition to the new methods being developed for cleaner mining. 

by

What changes can the business unit do to avoid improper disposal of Electronic-Waste.

Burgoyne, G. (2022, May 19). How to manage E-waste disposal effectively. How to Manage E-Waste Disposal Effectively. Retrieved September 1, 2022, from https://www.covanta.com/blog/how-to-manage-e-waste-disposal-effectively 

 

    Nowadays, the world heavily relies on the technology industries and there is a high demand of production for electronics. However, once the devices need to be disposed of, almost all the time it’s done incorrectly or ends up in landfills. For the safety of the environment and our health, it’s critical that people know how to properly recycle their devices.  

 

    Gordon Burgoyne the author of this article describes the importance of recycling e-waste and specifically what can the business unit do. When the devices are not recycled correctly the toxic materials such as lead or mercury contaminate the soil or groundwater, which is harmful to the environment and our health. Burgoyne discussed that businesses have a unique way of disposing of their E-Waste. The businesses that recycle incorrectly typically are trying to protect their data. He talks about the possible solutions to eliminate one factor that is contributing to improper recycling of E-Waste, such as the electronics ending up in landfills. Other than harsh chemicals accumulating, it also gets illegally sold to developing countries who aren’t able to properly recycle E-Waste. I was surprised to see the trouble business units go through to dispose of their devices but still protect their data.