On June 25th, 2010, Triumvirate Environmental hosted a forum detailing regulatory updates on greenhouse gas and air emissions initiatives as well as chemical management systems. The event briefly discussed regional and federal initiatives to reduce emissions and then on to local state response. Experts discussed new Massachusetts regulation in great detail and questions were addressed.

The MassDEP responded to the Federal Global Warming Response Act by issuing regulation (310 CMR 7.71) that identifies the types of facilities that are required to report and register with the agency. This new code establishes protocol to calculate emissions as wells as a system for verification. This new action also defines specific requirements for retail sellers of electricity as well as establishes voluntary reporting for facilities not required to report emissions. The facilities that are regulated under this new law were obligated to report Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by April 15, 2010. These same facilities will be required to begin reporting emissions of Methane (CH4), Nitrous Oxide (N2O), Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), Hydroflouocarbons (HFC's), as well as Perfluorcarbons (PFC's) due the same day in 2011. The objective of this new regulation is to hold facilities accountable for their emissions and in the long run reduce human impact of global climate change.

The discussion switched gears to review recent regulatory changes to EPA requirements for Oil Spill Prevention and Counter Control (Oil SPCC) Measures plan. These amendments made in 2008 help to clarify terms and the parties that must comply with SPCC requirements.

The event wrapped up with a brief explanation and discussion on OSHA's proposal to modify the current Hazard Communications Stand (HCS) in order to align with the Global Harmonized System (GHS.) The proposal requires chemical manufacturers and importers to evaluate chemicals they deal with and provide quality and consistent information to downstream employers and workers. Although the proposal only addresses the issue of clarity in classification, the HCS will continue with stringent training requirements. The main objective of the proposal looks to streamline classification and regulation in order to reduce the risk of hazardous waste.