Tag: Environmental Protection Agency

The Legality of ‘Clawing Back’ GGRF Funds

Shortly after assuming his new role as EPA administrator, Lee Zeldin accused the Biden administration of fraudulent activities in the distribution of funds made available through the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF). A March 11, 2025, EPA news release stated it was terminating funding for several grant recipients awarded under the National Clean Investment Fund […]

EPA Extends Effective Date of TSCA Risk Management Rule for TCE

On March 24, 2025, the EPA announced an update on the effective date of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) final risk management rule for trichloroethylene (TCE). TCE is an extremely toxic chemical known to cause liver cancer, kidney cancer, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. It also, even in miniscule amounts, causes fetal heart defects and damage […]

Trump Administration to Revise WOTUS Definition…Again

On March 12, 2025, the EPA announced it will work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) to deliver on President Donald Trump’s promise to review the definition of “waters of the United States” (WOTUS). “The agencies will move quickly to ensure that a revised definition follows the law, reduces red tape, cuts overall […]

EPA Enforcement Roundup Q1 2025

In the first quarter (Q1) of 2025, the EPA finalized 196 settlement agreements with companies small and large across the United States. This represents a decrease in enforcement actions—down from 215 penalties issued in Q4 of 2024. The actions taken resulted in $6,089,365 in fines. Here are some of the highlights. CAA violations yield biggest […]

A Deregulation Reality Check

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin’s recent announcement of 31 historic actions the Agency plans to undertake “in the greatest and most consequential day of deregulation in U.S. history” sent shockwaves throughout regulated industry, environmental groups, state and local regulatory agencies, and other concerned stakeholders across the nation. Although the Agency’s announcement labels these actions as historic, […]

EPA Deregulation: A Look Ahead

On March 12, 2025, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced that “the Agency will undertake 31 historic actions in the greatest and most consequential day of deregulation in U.S. history, to advance President Trump’s Day One Executive Orders (EOs) and Power the Great American Comeback.” “Today is the greatest day of deregulation our nation has seen. […]

EPA Reaches $50,000 Consent Decree in SDWA Case

The EPA recently announced a consent decree with the operators of the Oasis Mobile Home Park in California to resolve violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). The consent decree requires the park’s operators to upgrade its drinking water and wastewater systems and pay a $50,000 penalty. “EPA is wholeheartedly committed to ensuring that […]

Wastewater Standards Revisions for Oil and Gas Extraction and Coal Power Plants

On March 12, 2025, the EPA made two announcements: Background The Clean Water Act (CWA) requires the EPA to revise industry-wide wastewater treatment limits, called effluent limitations guidelines (ELGs), to keep pace with innovations in pollution control technology. “[ELGs] are national industry-specific wastewater regulations based on the performance of demonstrated wastewater treatment technologies (often called […]

EPA Cuts Cause Confusion and Bring Criticism

It’s a confusing time to work for the EPA. In February 2025, the EPA announced it placed 171 employees in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and accessibility and environmental justice on administrative leave. “Under President [Donald] Trump, the EPA will be focused on our core mission to protect human health and the environment, while Powering […]

‘Fork in the Road’ for Trump’s EPA

President Donald Trump hit the ground running in his second term, issuing 36 Executive Orders (EO) in his first week of office compared with only four EOs in the first week of his first term in office. EOs impacting the EPA The following initial EOs provide insights into this administration’s agenda and directly affect EPA […]