Newsletter

EPA is pushing back the deadlines for two major rulemaking processes concerning the designation of PFAS as a hazardous substance under CERCLA. EPA is extending both its internal deadline to finalize the rule to designate PFOA and PFOS as hazardous substances under CERCLA to February 2024 and the comment period for stakeholders to provide input and data on regulating seven additional PFAS under CERCLA to August 11, 2023. The extension of these proposed rulemakings reflects the complexity of crafting these policies and the need for further analysis of the impacts, burden, and novelty of designating PFAS as hazardous substances.

As mentioned in previous editions of this newsletter, capitalizing on the growth of the hydrogen economy as a key part of the energy transition may require investment by the liquid terminal industry store hydrogen or ammonia (a common hydrogen energy carrier). However, liquid terminal facilities will not only act as integral pieces of the hydrogen supply chain but may also become hydrogen customers.

Joel Pastorek, Executive Vice President of Integrated Services & Logistics and Exploration & Production at Ergon, Inc., began his career with the company 18 years ago as a Project Engineer.

“My introduction to terminals began with overseeing expansion projects at our terminaling facilities,” Pastorek said. “I later moved into operations leadership roles within our terminaling business.”

Throughout his career, Pastorek has found one thing has risen to the top in terms of his favorite aspect of his job.

“The best part of my job is the people,” he said. “I have an opportunity to work alongside team members to develop logistics solutions that provide value to our customers.”

On May 23, EPA released its proposed greenhouse gas (GHG) standards for fossil fuel-fired power plants, a suite of guidelines to improve the emissions performance of applicable electric generating units. While the proposal would set new limits for certain gas, coal, and other types of power plants, the proposal also sets a pathway for the co-firing of low-GHG hydrogen. EPA’s proposal reflects the growing demand for more sustainable fuels, justifies a growing network of hydrogen infrastructure, and offers a key role for liquid terminals to play in the energy transition.

Like many industries, the power sector provides a strong opportunity for liquid terminals to benefit and contribute towards the energy transition. EPA’s proposal drives additional demand for hydrogen by setting forth a potential best system of emissions reduction (BSER) for low-GHG hydrogen. These potential pathways allow for the co-firing of low-GHG hydrogen by 30 percent by volume by 2032 and 96 percent by volume by 2038, driving efficient electricity generation and reducing GHG emissions. These pathways deliver a signal to generating companies and utilities to shift the mix of generating assets towards lower-carbon fuels, and in turn providing liquid terminals a key role in the hydrogen supply chain under the energy transition as there will be a growing need for substantial hydrogen transportation, storage, and distribution nationally.

Over the course of two days and three panels, ILTA’s annual conference featured renown experts who delved into the challenges, advances and updates regarding PFAS chemicals and their presence in the firefighting foams commonly used by ILTA members. Importantly, the experts provided information on remediation techniques where contamination has occurred and on the development of PFAS-free foams for use at terminal facilities. Each of these panels provided both practical and strategic information aimed at ensuring participants have the tools needed to navigate this changing and complex issue. Here’s a quick look at what was covered: