The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced new proposals on May 15 to limit air pollution from petroleum refineries, a major source of air pollutants such as sulfur dioxide and benzene that cause respiratory problems and other serious health issues, including cancer. The proposed standards are intended to reduce the levels of toxic air pollution for fenceline communities (those living in close proximity to refineries) who suffer the highest air pollution exposures and related health risks. Minority and low-income populations are disproportionately represented in these fenceline communities.

Cruise ships are among the most popular vacation destinations for American travelers, with an estimated 22 million passengers embarking this year. But a series of high-profile cruise ship incidents, at home and abroad, have heightened safety concerns among the public. 

In a 6-2 decision on April 29, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) authority under the Clean Air Act to implement a rule targeting air pollution that crosses state lines.

Three years after first announcing plans to do so, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) indicated on April 24 that it would use the authority provided by the 2009 Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act to regulate electronic cigarettes.