EPA Gives Polluters Extra Time to Comment on Smog Rules

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!

2026-09524 — Begin Actual Construction in the New Source Review (NSR) Preconstruction Permitting Program

The EPA is updating rules about when companies can start building big projects that might affect air quality. Now, they can begin building parts that don’t release pollution before getting a full air permit, making things clearer and easier. This change mainly affects businesses planning major construction and could speed up projects without extra costs, but comments are due by June 29, 2026.

2026-09179 — Definition of Hazardous Waste Applicable to Corrective Action for Releases From Solid Waste Management Units; Withdrawal

The EPA has decided to cancel its plan to change the rules about what counts as hazardous waste for cleaning up pollution at certain waste sites. This means businesses and cleanup crews won’t have to deal with the confusing new rules that were proposed. The withdrawal takes effect immediately, so no extra costs or changes will happen right now.

2026-08750 — Extension of Postponement of Effectiveness for Certain Provisions of Trichloroethylene (TCE); Regulation Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)

The EPA is hitting the pause button again on some rules about a chemical called TCE, which is used in workplaces. This means certain limited uses of TCE won’t have to follow new restrictions just yet, while courts review the rules. If you work with TCE, this delay gives you more time before changes kick in, starting May 18, 2026.

2026-07061 — Hazardous and Solid Waste Management System: Disposal of Coal Combustion Residuals From Electric Utilities; Legacy/CCRMU Amendments

The EPA is updating rules on how electric utilities handle coal waste, making it easier to manage and reuse safely. These changes affect power plants and waste managers by allowing more flexible cleanup and reuse options, with a public comment deadline on June 12, 2026. The updates could save money and speed up cleanup while protecting the environment.

2026-06808 — Reconsideration of Standards of Performance for New, Reconstructed, and Modified Sources and Emissions Guidelines for Existing Sources: Oil and Natural Gas Sector Climate Review

The EPA is making some technical fixes to rules for oil and natural gas companies about how they handle gas flaring and monitoring. These changes don’t change pollution limits but clarify how to report and test emissions. The new rules take effect June 8, 2026, helping companies stay on track without extra costs or delays.

Previous: 2025-15610 — Miscellaneous Corrections, Clarifications, and Improvements

The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) is fixing and clarifying some rules about pension premiums and plan endings to make them easier to understand and follow. These updates affect employers who manage single-employer pension plans and could change when and how much they pay. The changes are part of PBGC’s effort to keep things clear and fair, with no surprise costs or deadlines.

Next: 2025-15630 — Special Conditions: Jet Aviation AG, Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Model GVI Airplane; Installation of Therapeutic Oxygen System

Jet Aviation AG is updating the Gulfstream GVI airplane with a new oxygen system that shares oxygen between pilots and passengers for health benefits. Since current safety rules don’t cover this cool new setup, special safety standards are being added to keep everyone safe. This affects the airplane’s design and ensures it meets top safety levels before flying.