New regs for Wednesday: Hummingbirds, airplane emissions, workplace injuries

Wednesday’s edition of the Federal Register contains new protections for hummingbirds, emissions limits for airplanes, and recordkeeping requirements for work-related injuries.

Here’s what is happening:

Hummingbird: The Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is moving forward with new protections for a Central American hummingbird.

The Honduran emerald hummingbird will be listed as an endangered species, the agency said Tuesday.

According to the FWS, there are about 5,000 to 10,000 of these humming birds remaining in Honduras, but their population has greatly declined over the years.

The rule goes into effect in 30 days.

Emissions: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is moving forward with new emissions limits for mineral wool production and wool fiberglass manufacturing.

The national emissions standards apply to gas-fired, glass-melting furnaces at wool fiberglass manufacturing facilities, the agency noted.

“The revisions in these final rules increase the level of emissions control and environmental protection provided by the mineral wool production and wool fiberglass manufacturing (emissions standards),” the agency wrote.

The changes go into effect immediately.

Air pollution: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to find that airplane emissions “cause or contribute to air pollution.”

These airplane emissions may endanger public health, the agency suggested.

The EPA issued an advance notice of proposed rulemaking earlier this month and will hold a public hearing on Aug. 11.

Workplace: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is proposing new recordkeeping requirements for work-related injuries and illnesses.

“The duty to record an injury or illness continues for as long as the employer must keep records of the recordable injury or illness; the duty does not expire just because the employer fails to create the necessary records when first required to do so,” the agency wrote.

The public has 60 days to comment.