"Terrifying ordeal": Philadelphia charity takes legal action against EPA over hazardous chemical used in refineries' operations

"Terrifying ordeal": Philadelphia charity takes legal action against EPA over hazardous chemical used in refineries' operations

In a bid to protect public health and the environment, three major environmental nonprofits - the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), Clean Air Council (CAC), and Communities for a Better Environment (CBE) - have taken legal action against the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The groups are demanding stricter regulations on the use of hydrogen fluoride (HF) in petroleum refining, citing its potential hazards and the availability of safer alternatives.

Currently, HF, a highly toxic and corrosive chemical, is used as a catalyst in the alkylation process at over forty oil refineries across the United States. Despite its potential to form lethal, ground-hugging acid clouds if released, there is no federal ban or strict national regulation on its use. The only existing federal oversight is through general chemical safety rules under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) and the Risk Management Plan (RMP) program.

The EPA initiated an enforcement initiative in 2023, aiming to inspect and address noncompliance at facilities using HF, following recent incidents involving potential or actual releases. The agency has also asked for more information from chemical manufacturers regarding HF’s health risks, which could be a precursor to further regulatory action.

However, these measures have not satisfied the environmental groups. In May 2023, the EPA rejected a petition from the same nonprofits urging the agency to ban HF in petroleum refining, claiming the evidence did not establish an "unreasonable risk." In response, the groups filed a lawsuit to compel the EPA to initiate a formal rulemaking under TSCA Section 6(a) to regulate or ban the chemical.

The lawsuit argues that the risk of HF leaks from refineries is "substantial, foreseeable, and growing," given the aging infrastructure, increased exposure to extreme weather events due to climate change, and the availability of safer alternatives for the alkylation process. The groups are seeking a court order requiring the EPA to publish a proposed rule within a year and finalize it the following year, aiming to use legal pressure to accelerate regulatory action.

In a summary, the current status shows no federal ban on HF use, major oversight through EPA inspections, RMP, and TSCA, a lawsuit filed by the NRDC, CAC, and CBE, and key arguments focusing on public safety, avoidable risk, and the existence of safer alternatives. The groups' demands include forcing the EPA to regulate or ban HF use through formal rulemaking under TSCA Section 6(a).

This legal action underscores the environmental groups' concern about the potential dangers of HF and their determination to push for stricter regulations to protect public health and the environment. The lawsuit serves as a call to action for the EPA to reconsider its stance on HF and take decisive action to protect the public from potential harm.

1. The environmental science community is closely monitoring the legal battle between three major nonprofits and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) over hydrogen fluoride (HF) in petroleum refining.
2. In the realm of personal-finance and investment, some forward-thinking individuals are exploring opportunities in companies that focus on sustainable-living and clean-energy, driven by the potential changes in the industry.
3. The potential impact of climate-change on hydrogen fluoride leaks from refineries is a topic of concern within the environmental-science and education-and-self-development communities.
4. The growing demand for sustainable-living and energy-efficient solutions in the home-and-garden sector may lead to a decrease in the use of HF, as safer alternatives become more popular.
5. Data-and-cloud-computing plays a crucial role in tracking HF usage and monitoring its potential dangers, providing valuable insights to both the industry and regulatory bodies.
6. Sports enthusiasts, following the MLB, and other professional leagues, may find themselves discussing the environmental implications of the industries they support, as concerns about climate-change and public health become more prevalent.
7. To facilitate lifelong-learning, educational institutions are incorporating discussions about the HF controversy and the importance of environmental regulations in various curricula, ranging from science to business.
8. As the legal battle progresses, the finance sector may see increased investment in technologies designed to mitigate the effects of HF leaks and improve the overall safety of petroleum refineries.
9. Real-estate agents and developers are keeping a close eye on the potential implications of HF regulations for the residential and commercial property market, as stricter regulations could impact landscape design, material use, and potential property values.
10. Technology advancements in the industry could lead to the creation of more efficient and safer catalysts, ultimately replacing the use of hydrogen fluoride in petroleum refining, benefiting both the environment and public health.

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