EPA Scraps Dusty Rules to Speed Up Green Contracts
Published Date: 12/1/2025
Rule
Summary
The EPA is pulling back a new contracting rule it tried to put in place because people didn’t like it. This means the changes about special contract options won’t happen for now, affecting contractors and EPA buyers. The withdrawal takes effect December 2, 2025, so everyone should keep using the old rules until further notice.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
EPA Withdraws New Contracting Rule
If you are an EPA contractor or an EPA buyer, the EPA is withdrawing the direct final rule it published on September 22, 2025 (90 FR 45335). The withdrawal is effective December 2, 2025, so continue using the existing 48 CFR part 1517 special contracting methods rules until further 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
2026-13263 — Revisions To Establish the Sixth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 6) for Public Water Systems
The EPA is rolling out the sixth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 6) to check for new, sneaky chemicals in public drinking water. Big water systems serving 3,300+ people and some smaller ones will test for 30 different contaminants, including certain PFAS and pesticides, to keep our water safe. Comments and feedback are open until late August 2026, and the EPA will host fun online meetings to chat about the plan!
2026-12927 — U.S. Ecology Nevada, Inc. High Mercury Subcategory Wastes Land Disposal Restrictions Variance
The EPA is giving U.S. Ecology Nevada a special green light to handle and dispose of high-mercury waste a bit differently than usual. This means mercury waste treated in Pennsylvania can now be safely sent to U.S. Ecology’s Nevada site for disposal under new rules starting July 27, 2026. This change helps protect people and the environment while keeping mercury waste management efficient and cost-effective.
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.
2026-10085 — 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.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-21695 — Cost of Living Adjustment to Royalty Rates and Terms for Making and Distributing Phonorecords
Starting January 1, 2026, royalty rates for making and selling physical music records and permanent downloads will go up to keep pace with the cost of living. This change affects music makers, distributors, and anyone paying these royalties, ensuring payments reflect inflation. The new rates kick in December 1, 2025, and apply through the whole year of 2026.
Next: 2025-21723 — Identification (ID) Cards for Members of the Uniformed Services, Their Dependents, and Other Eligible Individuals; Amendment
Starting December 1, 2025, the Department of Defense is stopping retirees, dependents, and contractors from changing their gender marker on military ID cards. This change follows a new executive order focused on restoring biological truth in federal records. If you’re affected, you can still share your thoughts until January 30, 2026, but the new rule takes effect right away with no extra costs.