Green Markets - January 3, 2025
News in environmental markets.
Green Markets is a daily series dedicated to highlighting events of interest that could impact investments within environmental markets.
General Environmental/Regulatory
The EPA has added nine more per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to its Toxics Release Inventory (TRI), raising the total to 205 PFAS subject to reporting requirements. Chemicals linked to cancer risk. Facilities that manufacture, process, or use these chemicals above certain thresholds must track and report their activities, including environmental releases and waste management, starting immediately. Reports are due by July 1, 2026.
The U.S. government has blocked Nippon Steel's $14.9 billion bid to acquire U.S. Steel, citing national security concerns. The decision by President Joe Biden cuts off a significant source of capital for U.S. Steel, which had planned to use the nearly $3 billion investment from the Japanese company to sustain key operations.
Voluntary Carbon Markets (VCMs)
Bloomberg L.P. has acquired Viridios AI to expand its carbon market analytics and data offerings. The deal transfers Viridios AI’s carbon credit data, pricing models, and team members to Bloomberg. This acquisition aims to integrate advanced carbon pricing tools into the Bloomberg Terminal, supporting clients like banks and asset managers in navigating evolving carbon markets.
Related Stock List(s): Carbon Credit Stocks
Hydrogen
The U.S. Treasury has eased 45V hydrogen tax credit rules, delaying the hourly renewable electricity matching requirement from 2028 to 2030 and allowing nuclear reactors up to 200 MW to power hydrogen production. The rules ensure clean hydrogen meets lifecycle emissions limits of 4 kg CO2e per kg and offer higher credits for projects with the lowest emissions.
Related Stock List(s): Hydrogen Stocks