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On July 8, 2025, the EPA announced it’s withdrawing proposed Significant New Use Rules (SNURs) released in June 2023 for 18 chemicals derived from plastic waste for use in producing products like transportation fuels. SNURs SNURs fall under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Section 5(a) and are used to require notice to the Agency […]
In the second quarter (Q2) of 2025, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized 179 settlement agreements with companies small and large across the United States. This represents a decrease in enforcement actions—down from 196 penalties issued in Q1 2025. The actions taken resulted in $13,294,004 in fines. Here are some of the highlights. FIFRA violations […]
On June 11, 2025, the EPA announced two proposals for deregulatory actions for power plants. The proposals are to repeal all greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions standards for the power sector under Section 111 of the Clean Air Act (CAA) and amendments to the 2024 Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) that directly result in the […]
On May 14, 2025, the EPA announced it will keep the current National Primary Drinking Water Regulations (NPDWRs) for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), which set nationwide limits for these “forever chemicals” in drinking water. “The Agency is committed to addressing Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water while following the […]
The EPA recently provided notice of a proposed administrative penalty settlement with BP Products North America for violations of the Clean Water Act (CWA) at its facility located in Seattle, Washington. The EPA alleges that the respondent failed to comply with its National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Construction General Permit. Alleged violations include: The […]
Offshore wind projects are in jeopardy in the wake of President Donald Trump’s initial Executive Order (EO) to halt wind energy leasing projects. With massive monetary investments on the line, lawsuits are certainly forthcoming. “The Trump administration took a more aggressive step against wind in April when it ordered the Norwegian company Equinor to halt […]
The Environmental Protection Agency recently detailed its plans to deal with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS, aka “forever chemicals”) that are contaminating drinking water systems. While some experts question whether enough is being done, the issue has inspired the Song of the Week: “Water and a Seat,” a 2003 song from indie rock veteran Stephen […]
In a letter dated April 9, 2025, 180 Democratic legislators call on EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin to halt his “egregious attacks on the public health and well-being of the American people” in response to his announcement regarding the launch of the “biggest deregulatory action in U.S. history.” Zeldin’s announcement stated three goals for the planned […]
The use of the “best-available science” underpins the EPA’s authority and mission to protect human health and the environment. It’s the basis for most regulatory authority EPA exercises, including Clean Air Act (CAA) regulations like vehicle emissions standards and National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), as well as Clean Water Act (CWA) regulations like the […]
On April 28, 2025, the EPA announced upcoming agency actions to address per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). While the list of actions is lengthy, experts say it lacks substantive measures. In line with EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin’s Powering the Great American Comeback initiative, the Agency’s “work in this space will advance Pillar 1: Clean Air, […]