EPA Pulls Plug on Chemical Reporting Rules After Public Pushback
Published Date: 1/9/2026
Rule
Summary
The EPA planned to update hazardous chemical reporting rules to match new 2024 OSHA standards but had to pull back after getting negative feedback. This affects businesses that report chemical inventories, but no changes or costs will happen for now. The EPA will review comments and decide on next steps later, so stay tuned!
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
EPA Withdraws EPCRA Reporting Changes
If your business files hazardous chemical inventory reports under EPCRA (40 CFR part 370), planned technical changes to match the 2024 OSHA Hazard Communication Standard will not take effect. The direct final rule published November 17, 2025 (90 FR 51187) is withdrawn effective January 9, 2026, and the EPA will consider comments and any next steps based on the parallel proposed rule.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-14112, Amendments and Nonconformance Penalties for Model Year 2027 and Later Heavy-Duty Highway Engines and Amendments to Inducement Provisions for SCR-Equipped Diesel Engines
Starting with model year 2027, the EPA is updating rules for big truck engines to make sure they last longer and pollute less. They’re also letting engine makers pay penalties if their engines don’t meet standards, and tightening rules for special pollution-control systems on diesel engines. These changes affect truck and engine makers and kick in soon, with public feedback due by August 29, 2026.
2026-13667, Minor New Source Review Program Air Permitting Public Participation Requirements for State Implementation Plans
The EPA wants to give states more freedom to decide how much public input is needed when approving small air pollution sources or changes. This means local air agencies can tailor public participation to fit their community’s needs while still protecting air quality. If you’re involved in air permits, watch for comment deadlines and possible virtual hearings this summer!
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!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-00257, Special Local Regulations; Recurring Marine Events, Sector St. Petersburg
On January 31, 2026, the Coast Guard will block off parts of Tampa’s waterways for the Gasparilla Invasion and Parade to keep everyone safe. Boats can’t enter or hang out in the special zones from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. unless they get permission. If you’re boating nearby, plan ahead to avoid delays and enjoy the festivities safely!
Next: 2026-00269, Transportation of Fuel for Agricultural Aircraft Operations
Starting March 10, 2026, drivers with a Class A commercial license hauling up to 1,000 gallons of jet fuel for seasonal farm aircraft won’t need a special hazardous materials endorsement. This change helps farmers and fuel haulers save time and money while keeping things safe. If anyone wants to challenge this rule, they must speak up by February 9, 2026.