Global Scans · Standards · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: Improving standards are likely to be driven more by business and technological improvement than governments in the future. The latter will be under severe pressure to cut bureaucracy, speed policy making and improve their nation's productivity performance.

• [New] Bringing the national standards more in line with the Californian regulation, the US EPA finalised GHG standards for HDVs for model years 2028-2032, which aims to reduce emissions from trucks and heavy buses by 25-60% in 2032 compared to 2026. IEA
• [New] Canada advanced new rules designed to reduce emissions from the oil and gas sector by at least 75% below 2012 levels by 2030. IEA
• [New] The government of Botswana is urging the G7 to allow verification processes to occur within the country of origin, arguing that they could readily adjust their operations to meet G7 standards. businesslive
• [New] Natural Resources Canada will play a critical role in managing program intake and providing capacity support to Indigenous applicants (e.g., to conduct financial due diligence). Business Council of Canada
• [New] EPA is addressing the threat of ethylene oxide with long-awaited new rules to reduce ethylene oxide from commercial sterilizers and emissions from chemical manufacturing facilities. The Equation
• [New] Japan is keeping tabs on factors driving the yen's fall relative to the U.S. dollar and will respond as appropriate to excessive volatility without ruling out any options. Kyodo News+
• [New] Starting in 2029, water providers that exceed MCLs must have PFAS-reducing solutions in place to bring levels down to new MCL standards. Los Alamos Reporter
• [New] Research conducted by the Department for Education over the past year has shown that educational professionals are already embracing the opportunities offered by AI, such as reducing the time teachers spend on administrative jobs and giving them more time with pupils. UKAuthority
• [New] In China, financial conditions have eased slightly but remain somewhat tight by historical standards, as risk sentiment is weighed down by growth and property sector issues. IMF eLibrary
• [New] The SEC's climate disclosure rule mandates standardized carbon emissions reporting for publicly traded companies, with new disclosure rules for Scope 1 and 2 emissions going into play as early as 2025. Forbes
• [New] The new reporting rules will apply to crypto-asset service providers that are resident in Canada, or carry on business in Canada, and that provide services effectuating exchange transactions in crypto-assets. PwC
• [New] 18F-FET has the potential to help determine if a glioma is truly progressing or undergoing a treatment-induced change, known as pseudo-progression, where MRI5 - the standard of care - can often be inconclusive. TradingView
• [New] The EU has revised its rules on the energy performance of buildings to decarbonize the buildings sector and make it climate neutral by 2050. Media Scope Group
• [New] Member states will have to ensure that all new buildings are solar ready, as part of the EU Solar Standard, which was approved by members of the European Parliament in March. pv magazine International
• [New] Iran will give a decisive response to any country that allows Israel to use its airspace or territory to conduct a counterattack against Iran. Institute for the Study of War
• [New] While Israel is believed to have conducted covert operations in Iran over the years, often targeting individuals or facilities seen as a threat to its security, it has never launched a direct military assault on Iranian territory. CNN
• [New] Global AI Initiatives: Countries worldwide recognize AI's potential, with entities like the European Union advancing regulatory frameworks to foster ethical AI development and application. Thistradinglife
• [New] Some industry groups and local officials are dissatisfied with EPA's new rules, questioning the economic burden placed on water systems and manufacturers and predicting that certain manufacturing industries will seek residence in countries with less stringent environmental protections. JD Supra
• [New] The Security Credential Management System will allow industry to design connected vehicles while following harmonized standards between Canada and the United States, and reduce manufacturing costs. Transport Canada

Last updated: 25 April 2024