EPA's 2026 Reg List: Green Rules Brewing, Snooze Alert
Published Date: 8/14/2026
Notice
Summary
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) publishes the Agenda of Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions online at https:// www.reginfo.gov to periodically update the public. This document contains information about: <bullet> Regulations in the Agenda that are under development, completed, or canceled since the last agenda; and <bullet> Reviews of regulations with small business impacts under section 610 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA).
Analyzed Economic Effects
7 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 6 mixed.
1‑BP TSCA Rule: Consumer & Worker Limits
EPA is finalizing a Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) rule for 1‑bromopropane (1‑BP). The agency proposed the rule on August 8, 2024 and is developing a final rule with an expected final action in August 2026; the proposal would prevent consumer access to 1‑BP, restrict industrial and commercial uses during a transition period, and add protections for workers on the job.
NMP TSCA Action: Addressing Reproductive Risks
EPA is developing a TSCA final rule to address unreasonable health risks from n‑methylpyrrolidone (NMP). EPA proposed the rule on June 14, 2024; the proposal targets industrial, commercial, and consumer uses because EPA found NMP poses risks including developmental fetal loss and reduced fertility, and the final rule will apply requirements to address those risks.
Stricter New Rules for Residential Wood Heaters
EPA is updating performance standards for new residential wood heaters and set consent‑decree deadlines: for subpart AAA EPA agreed to a proposal date of December 15, 2026 and a promulgation date of December 15, 2027; for subpart QQQQ the proposal date is December 15, 2027 with promulgation December 15, 2028. The agenda says manufacturers will be required to redesign heaters to be cleaner and that the design changes also make heaters perform better and more efficiently.
Review of Formaldehyde Rules for Composite Wood
EPA is initiating a section 610 review of the 2016 Formaldehyde Emission Standards for Composite Wood Products. The agenda lists a review start in July 2026 and an end in December 2026, and it asks for comments within 60 days of this notice (Docket ID EPA-HQ-OPPT-2025-2433). The rule covers testing, labeling, third‑party certification, import certification, and product sell‑through rules.
Section 610 Review: Oil & Natural Gas Standards
EPA is reviewing the 2016 final rule for the Oil and Natural Gas Sector: Emission Standards for New, Reconstructed, and Modified Sources under a section 610 review. The agency will solicit comments on factors such as continued need, complexity, overlap with other rules, and changed conditions; comments must be received within 60 days (Docket ID EPA-HQ-OAR-2025-3160). Timetable entries reference the original final rule date of June 3, 2016 and review actions in mid‑2026.
Review of Risk Management Program (RMP) Rule
EPA is initiating a section 610 review of the 2017 Risk Management Program (RMP) final rule (the review begins in July 2026 and is projected to end in January 2027). The agenda notes the RMP has had subsequent related rulemakings in 2019 and 2024 and that this 610 review is separate from a new RMP rulemaking listed under a different RIN.
Brick & Clay Manufacturing NESHAP Review Completed
EPA completed a section 610 review of the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for Brick and Structural Clay Products Manufacturing and Clay Ceramics Manufacturing; the review began March 31, 2025 and is projected to end in August 2026. The underlying 2015 final rule set MACT, health‑based standards, and work practice standards that could affect small entities in these sectors.
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
2026-19072, Rescission of the Greenhouse Gas Findings for Fossil Fuel-Fired Power Plants and Repeal of Regulations for Power Plant Greenhouse Gas Emissions Under Clean Air Act Section 111
The EPA is proposing to cancel all greenhouse gas rules for fossil fuel power plants, saying the law doesn’t let them regulate these emissions for climate reasons. This change affects power plants across the U.S. and could impact future pollution limits and costs. Comments on this proposal are open until November 2, 2026, so now’s the time to speak up!
2026-19071, Partial Repeal of the Carbon Pollution Standards for Fossil Fuel-Fired Electric Generating Units
The EPA is rolling back most of the 2024 rules that limited carbon pollution from fossil fuel power plants. This change affects coal and gas plants by easing some strict limits on emissions and carbon capture technology. The new rules kick in on November 16, 2026, potentially saving money for power plants but raising questions about pollution control.
2026-18317, Updated Definition of “Waters of the United States”
The purpose of this supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking is for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of the Army ("the agencies") to supplement and seek additional comment on certain aspects of an earlier proposal, published on November 20, 2025, to revise the regulations defining the scope of waters federally covered under the Clean Water Act in light of the U.S. Supreme Court's 2023 decision in Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency. As stated in the agencies' November 20, 2025 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), the agencies intend for this rulemaking to provide greater regulatory certainty and increase Clean Water Act program predictability and consistency by clarifying the definition of "waters of the United States." After consideration of the public comments received on the NPRM, the agencies are issuing this notice to supplement the NPRM with additional regulatory options on certain aspects of the proposed rule.
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!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-16607, Department Regulatory and Deregulatory Agenda; Summary
The Department of Transportation is sharing its plan for new and updated rules over the next year. These changes affect travelers, drivers, and businesses by aiming to improve safety, efficiency, and fairness in transportation. The public can join in by sending comments, and some rules might impact costs or schedules soon.
Next: 2026-16609, 2026 Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions
This agenda announces the proposed regulatory and deregulatory actions that the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) plans for the next 12 months and those actions that NARA has completed since the spring of 2025. This agenda was developed under the guidelines in OMB's Memorandum for Regulatory Policy Officers at Executive Departments and Agencies and Managing and Executive Directors of Certain Agencies and Commissions. NARA publishes this agenda to provide the American people with timely information on the agency's plans and with opportunities to participate in the rulemaking process. Some of the regulations listed in the agenda could be considered significant under Executive Order 12866, "Regulatory Planning and Review." NARA's complete regulatory agenda is available online at www.reginfo.gov.