EPA Hits Pause on Four Eco Rules Until March 21
Published Date: 1/28/2025
Rule
Summary
The EPA is hitting the pause button on four new environmental rules that were set to start between late November and December 2024. Thanks to a presidential memo, these rules won’t kick in until March 21, 2025, giving officials extra time to review them. This delay affects businesses and communities expecting changes soon, but it won’t cost anyone extra right now.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
TCE TSCA Rule Effective Date Delayed
The EPA delayed the effective date for the Trichloroethylene (TCE) regulation under the Toxic Substances Control Act (89 FR 102568) from January 16, 2025 to March 21, 2025. The delay is made effective as of January 28, 2025 to allow further agency review consistent with the Presidential memorandum of January 20, 2025.
Appendix W Air Models Rule Delayed
EPA delayed the effective date for the Appendix W revisions to the Guideline on Air Quality Models (89 FR 95034) from January 28, 2025 to March 21, 2025, effective January 28, 2025. The delay implements the President's January 20, 2025 "Regulatory Freeze Pending Review" memorandum to allow further review.
Illinois Alton Township SO2 Plan Delayed
The EPA delayed the effective date for the Air Plan Approval for Illinois—Alton Township 2010 Sulfur Dioxide Redesignation and Maintenance Plan (89 FR 106357) from January 29, 2025 to March 21, 2025, effective January 28, 2025. The delay was taken under the President's January 20, 2025 memorandum to allow additional agency review.
California Feather River Air Plan Delayed
EPA delayed the effective date for the Air Plan Revisions for California's Feather River Air Quality Management District (89 FR 107012) from January 30, 2025 to March 21, 2025, effective January 28, 2025. The action follows the Presidential "Regulatory Freeze Pending Review" memorandum of January 20, 2025 to permit further review.
Agency May Further Delay Rules
The EPA may consider further delaying the effective dates of the listed regulations beyond March 21, 2025 and, if it does, may propose any later effective date for public comment. This follows the President's January 20, 2025 memorandum and was announced January 28, 2025.
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