EPA Axes Fast-Track for Environmental Justice Information Requests
Published Date: 1/27/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The EPA is updating its Freedom of Information Act rules by removing the special fast-track process for Environmental Justice requests. This change affects anyone who asks the EPA for information and means those requests will now follow the regular timeline. You’ve got until February 26, 2026, to share your thoughts, and no new fees are expected from this update.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
EPA removes EJ fast-track FOIA rule
If you ask the EPA for records about environmental justice (EJ) issues, you will no longer be able to use the special EJ expedited processing (EJ EP) that was added on November 13, 2023. Requests that would have used EJ EP will now follow EPA's regular FOIA timeline. The agency notes that less than 2.7% of EJ EP requests were granted from November 13, 2023, through August 31, 2025.
Compelling-need expedited processing retained
If you show a "compelling need," you can still ask EPA to expedite your FOIA request. A compelling need is either an imminent threat to life or safety, or urgency to inform the public about federal government activity when the requester is primarily engaged in information dissemination; EPA must decide on expedited requests within 10 calendar days.
No new FOIA fees expected
EPA says this proposed change does not create new fees for FOIA requesters and that requesters can still request fee waivers under EPA FOIA regulations (40 CFR 2.104(n)).
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
2026-13667, 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!
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.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-01497, Notice of Availability and Request for Comment: Revision to the Voluntary Standard for Gates and Enclosures
The Consumer Product Safety Commission wants your thoughts on updates to the safety rules for gates and enclosures, which help keep kids safe. These changes come from a new version of a voluntary safety standard, and the Commission is checking if it makes gates even safer. If you make, sell, or use these products, now’s the time to speak up before February 10, 2026—no extra costs yet, just your feedback!
Next: 2026-01514, Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc., Airplanes
The FAA wants Bombardier BD-700-1A10 and BD-700-1A11 pilots to update their flight manuals with corrected approach speeds and landing distances when a SLAT FAIL warning shows up. This fix helps keep flights safe by giving crews the right info during tricky situations. Comments on this change are open until March 13, 2026, and the update won’t cost much but is super important for safety.