EPA Grants Oil Firms More Time for Pollution Compliance

2026-06275 — Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) Program: Standards for 2026 and 2027, Partial Waiver of 2025 Cellulosic Biofuel Volume Requirement, and Other Changes

The EPA just set new rules for renewable fuels in 2026 and 2027, including how much biofuel must be used. They’re also easing the 2025 cellulosic biofuel goals because production fell short and dropping renewable electricity as a qualifying fuel. These changes affect fuel producers and sellers, kick in mostly by mid-2026, and aim to keep America’s fuel cleaner and greener without breaking the bank.

2026-05167 — National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Ethylene Oxide Emissions Standards for Sterilization Facilities Residual Risk and Technology Review Reconsideration

The EPA is proposing changes to rules for sterilization facilities that use ethylene oxide, a chemical that can be harmful if not controlled. They want to remove some strict risk-based limits, fix technical mistakes, and update how facilities prove they’re following the rules. If you run or work with these facilities, get ready for new deadlines and clearer standards by mid-2026, which could affect how you manage emissions and compliance costs.

2026-04646 — Standards of Performance for New Stationary Sources and Emission Guidelines for Existing Sources: Large Municipal Waste Combustors Voluntary Remand Response and Five-Year Review

The EPA is updating pollution rules for big trash-burning plants to cut harmful emissions like lead, mercury, and dioxins. These changes affect both new and existing facilities, tighten limits, remove some loopholes, and improve reporting, all starting May 11, 2026. This update will help clean the air by reducing over 3,200 tons of pollution each year, making communities healthier and safer.

2025-20402 — Updated Definition of “Waters of the United States”

The EPA and Army Corps are updating the rules that decide which waters are protected under the Clean Water Act, following a 2023 Supreme Court decision. This change helps everyone know exactly which waters are covered, making it easier to protect lakes, rivers, and wetlands while respecting state and tribal rights. People and businesses affected should share their thoughts by January 5, 2026, as this update could impact water projects and environmental protections.

2025-19882 — Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Data Reporting and Recordkeeping Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA); Revision to Regulation

The EPA is updating rules for companies that make or import PFAS chemicals, asking them to report certain info about these substances from 2011-2022. The changes add some smart exceptions to ease reporting on things companies probably don’t know, saving time and hassle. Comments on the proposal are open until late December 2025, so affected businesses should get ready to weigh in!

2025-19815 — National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants From Hazardous Waste Combustors: Residual Risk and Technology Review; Withdrawal of Proposed Revisions to Standards for Periods of Malfunction

The EPA is updating rules for hazardous waste burners like incinerators and boilers to limit harmful gases like hydrogen fluoride and cyanide. They’re removing some old exemptions for startup and shutdown times and adding new reporting rules, giving states more say on permits. These changes affect businesses that burn hazardous waste and aim to keep our air cleaner, with comments open until December 26, 2025.

Previous: 2025-21787 — National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Integrated Iron and Steel Manufacturing Facilities Technology Review

The EPA is finalizing updated rules for iron and steel factories to control harmful air pollution. These changes mainly adjust deadlines for certain equipment checks and monitoring, helping factories stay cleaner without extra delays. The new rules take effect December 3, 2025, and affect all integrated iron and steel manufacturers aiming to meet safer air standards.

Next: 2025-21791 — West Virginia Regulatory Program

The Office of Surface Mining has approved some updates to West Virginia’s rules for coal mining permits, focusing on bonding, topsoil care, and land cleanup. These changes affect mining companies renewing permits or managing inactive sites and start on January 2, 2026. The updates aim to keep mining safer and cleaner without adding big costs or delays.