Eco Minute 13:30

BULLETIN 2 May  1:30 pm

Good afternoon, here is your Eco Minute:

# The Department of Water and Sanitation says it is continuously monitoring the inflow water levels in the Integrated Vaal River System. The department’s spokesperson, Wisane Mavasa, says this is to ensure that necessary precautions are in place in line with dam safety standards and hydrological monitoring systems. She says the water levels at the Vaal Dam are standing at 113.25-percent, Bloemhof Dam 113.09-percent, and 108.31-percent at the Vanderkloof Dam:

# The South African Independent Power Producer Association says the review of 82 tariff codes for solar, wind and battery has arisen unexpectedly, with little clarity as to how tariffs will lead directly to localisation. The International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa is reviewing the codes, which include everything from solar panels and generators for wind turbines to lithium-ion batteries and aluminium. The association says without consistent demand in the Integrated Resource Plan, this effort is futile.

# And, the US Justice Department is defending the Clean Air Act, a federal law authorising the Environmental Protection Agency to regulate air emissions. This comes as Hawaii and Michigan are planning legal action against fossil fuel companies for harm caused by the climate crisis. In return, the department has filed a lawsuit against Hawaii and Michigan, alleging violation of the intent of the Act. The department says both states’ laws impermissibly regulate out-of-state greenhouse gas emissions, and obstruct the Act’s comprehensive federal-state framework.

Stay tuned for more news………….