Icosapent

Locals worry fast-track regime revives rejected Kings Quarry project; Alan Cato seeks proper process and conditions for consent. Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop explains projects are recommended by an independent group and will be assessed by expert panels. Bishop promotes the bill as crucial for economic growth.

The Friends of Cross Lake, in partnership with the County of Aroostook and others, received a $120,400 Phase II grant from the Maine DEP for agricultural conservation practices, totaling $350,000 in grants over 5 years to improve Cross Lake’s water quality. The grant complements a 10-year USDA NRCS project and aims to restore water quality to meet state standards. Cross Lake, one of 22 Maine lakes on the DEP’s Impaired Lakes Priority List, suffers from water clarity issues and algal blooms due to high phosphorus levels. FOCL’s efforts have shown improvements in water clarity and phosphorus levels, with ongoing work and partnerships crucial for continued success.

22 renewable energy projects, including 10 solar farms, totaling 3 GW, are selected for New Zealand’s fast-track approvals process to accelerate development and meet net-zero goals by 2050.

MSU's School of Packaging received EPA funding to develop low-impact packaging alternatives to non-biodegradable and single-use options, aiming to reduce microplastics and PFAS pollution, improve public health, and stimulate economic growth.

EPA launched the Climate Resilience and Adaptation Funding Toolbox (CRAFT) to assist technical assistance providers in developing climate-resilient investments. CRAFT offers resources like program overviews, climate risk assessment tools, communications materials, engagement resources, and definitions of common terms to support climate adaptation and resilience in EPA funding applications.

EPA awards $100K grant to University of Missouri team to develop a low-cost PFAS removal system for drinking water, part of the P3 program.

FDA, EPA, and USDA release a web-based tool for companies developing microbial biotechnology products to navigate GMO regulatory requirements. Accessible via the Unified Website for Biotechnology Regulation, the tool aids researchers and developers in understanding regulatory pathways. Developed in response to stakeholder feedback, it is part of broader efforts to modernize the Coordinated Framework for Biotechnology Regulation.

APHIS BRS announced updated resources on Sept 12, 2024, to aid developers in preparing permit applications, including a Permit User Guide. These updates align with the May 2024 Plan for Regulatory Reform, supporting Executive Order 14081 on biotechnology innovation.

In February 2024, FDA issued final guidance on the regulatory pathway for foods from genome-edited plants, introducing a streamlined premarket meeting option for lower-risk plants. This aligns with the 2017 update to the Coordinated Framework and the Biden Administration's 2022 Executive Order on biotechnology. The guidance confirms FDA's New Plant Variety policy applies to such foods but introduces a less information-intensive premarket meeting pathway. Developers can choose between this new pathway or the traditional premarket consultation, both voluntary. FDA emphasizes allergen labeling compliance and safety concerns, particularly regarding allergenicity risks.

EPA scientists alleged managers under Trump pressured them to downplay new chemicals' risks, leading to retaliation. The EPA inspector general confirmed some retaliation, prompting corrective action calls and training on scientific integrity and whistleblower protection.