EPA Shares Updates on Nuclear Plants and Forest Plans
Published Date: 1/31/2025
Notice
Summary
The EPA just shared updates on several big environmental projects, like nuclear plants and forest plans, and opened or extended times for public comments. If you live near these projects or care about nature, now’s your chance to speak up before deadlines in February and March 2025. Some older plans got officially canceled, so the focus is on fresh reviews and keeping communities in the loop.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
EPA Posts Its EIS Comment Letters
The EPA says it publishes its comments on other agencies' Environmental Impact Statements (EISs) under Clean Air Act section 309. You can view those EPA comment letters at https://cdxapps.epa.gov/cdx-enepa-II/public/action/eis/search.
Clinch River Nuclear EIS – Comment Deadline
The TVA draft supplement EIS for the Clinch River Advanced Nuclear Reactor Technology Park Unit 1 (Tennessee) has a public comment deadline of March 18, 2025. If you live in Tennessee near the Clinch River site, this is the official date by which you can submit comments.
R.L. Harris Hydroelectric Comment Extension
The draft EIS for the R.L. Harris Hydroelectric Project in Alabama had its public comment period extended to February 19, 2025 (extended from January 21, 2025). Residents in Alabama now have until February 19, 2025 to submit comments.
Virgil C. Summer License Renewal Comments
The NRC published a draft supplement (NUREG-1437, Supplement 15) for the second renewal of Virgil C. Summer Nuclear Station Unit 1 and set a public comment deadline of February 11, 2025 (extended from January 21, 2025). South Carolina stakeholders may submit comments by February 11, 2025.
Wallowa-Whitman Forest Plans Withdrawn
Two previously noticed Wallowa-Whitman National Forest travel management EIS entries (covering Baker, Grant, Umatilla, Union, and Wallowa Counties, Oregon) were officially withdrawn at the request of the submitting agency. The notices reference revised Federal Register entries from 2009 and 2012 that are now withdrawn.
Old-Growth National Forest Plan Withdrawn
A draft EIS titled 'Land Management Plan Direction for Old-Growth Forest Conditions Across the National Forest System' (USFS, national) was officially withdrawn per the submitting agency's request, as noted in the revision to the June 21, 2024 notice.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-11047 — National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants From Hazardous Waste Combustors: Residual Risk and Technology Review
The EPA just updated rules for places that burn hazardous waste, like incinerators and boilers, to keep the air safe and clean. They confirmed current standards work well but added new limits on harmful gases like hydrogen fluoride and hydrogen cyanide. These changes start June 3, 2026, and include easier electronic reporting and some new rules for startup and shutdown times—helping protect health without big costs.
2026-10641 — Hazardous and Solid Waste Management System: Disposal of Coal Combustion Residuals From Electric Utilities; Federal CCR Permit Program; Reopening of Comment Period
The EPA is reopening the comment period until June 29, 2026, for its proposed rule to create a federal permit program for safely disposing of coal ash from power plants. This affects electric utilities that handle coal waste and aims to improve environmental safety while possibly impacting their costs. Now’s the time for everyone to share their thoughts and help shape the rules!
2026-10387 — Phasedown of Hydrofluorocarbons: Reconsideration of Certain Regulatory Requirements Promulgated Under the Technology Transitions Provisions of the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020
The EPA is updating rules to phase down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), chemicals used in cooling systems like refrigerators and air conditioners. These changes affect businesses in refrigeration, supermarkets, semiconductor manufacturing, and more, allowing some older equipment made before 2025 to keep running. The new rules kick in on July 27, 2026, helping industries transition smoothly while cutting harmful emissions.
2026-10086 — Extending the Compliance Deadline for the PFOA and PFOS Maximum Contaminant Levels
The EPA is giving water systems more time to meet safety rules for two harmful chemicals, PFOA and PFOS, by extending the deadline from April 2029 to April 2031 if they ask for it. This helps water providers get ready without rushing, keeping our drinking water safe. The EPA wants your thoughts and will hold a public hearing in July 2026 to hear from everyone.
2026-10085 — Rescission of Regulatory Determinations and Removal of Related Provisions for Four PFAS Substances (PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO-DA (GenX), and the Mixture of These Three PFAS Plus PFBS)
The EPA is proposing to undo its rules for four PFAS chemicals (PFHxS, PFNA, GenX, and a mix including PFBS) in drinking water because the original process wasn’t done right. This means public water systems won’t have to monitor or treat these chemicals for now. People and water providers should weigh in by July 20, 2026, and a virtual hearing happens July 7.
2026-09895 — Effluent Limitations Guidelines and Standards for the Steam Electric Power Generating Point Source Category-Unmanaged Combustion Residual Leachate
The EPA is updating rules for steam electric power plants to better control dirty water leaking from leftover coal waste. This change affects existing power plants and is expected to save up to $1 billion a year while protecting water quality. Comments on the proposal are open until June 17, 2026, so now’s the time to speak up!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-02044 — Notice Pursuant to the National Cooperative Research and Production Act of 1993-Integrated Photonics Institute for Manufacturing Innovation Operating Under the Name of the American Institute for Manufacturing Integrated Photonics
AIM Photonics, a group working on cool light-based tech, just updated its team by adding six new members and saying goodbye to seven others. These changes help keep their special legal protections against big lawsuits in place. If you’re part of this tech world, watch for more updates as AIM Photonics keeps growing and innovating!
Next: 2025-02047 — Board of Directors Meeting
The Farm Credit System Insurance Corporation’s Board of Directors is having a regular meeting soon. This affects farmers and lenders who rely on the Farm Credit System, as decisions made could impact how insurance and funds are managed. Stay tuned for updates on policies or financial moves that might happen after this meeting.