EPA Tightens Trash Burner Rules to Slash Mercury and Dioxins Yearly

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.

2025-21788 — Oil and Natural Gas Sector Climate Review: Extension of Deadlines in Standards of Performance for New, Reconstructed, and Modified Sources and Emissions Guidelines for Existing Sources

The EPA is giving oil and natural gas companies more time to meet new pollution control rules and report their emissions. Deadlines for fixing leaks, monitoring equipment, and submitting state plans are pushed back to help everyone get ready without rushing. These changes keep the climate goals on track while easing the financial and timing pressure on the industry.

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: 2026-04641 — Geographic Targeting Order Imposing Recordkeeping and Reporting Requirements on Certain Money Services Businesses Along the Southwest Border

Starting March 7, 2026, certain money services businesses along the U.S. southwest border must keep records and report cash transactions between $1,000 and $10,000. They also have to check the ID of anyone making these transactions. If you’re a business not covered before, you have until April 6, 2026, to get compliant—so get ready to track and report!

Next: 2026-04649 — Air Plan Approval; North Dakota; Approval of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Regional Haze State Implementation Plan; Regional Haze Five Year Progress Report and Nitrogen Oxides Best Available Retrofit Technology Determination for Coal Creek Station for the First Implementation Period

The EPA is giving a thumbs-up to North Dakota’s plan to cut air pollution from the Coal Creek power plant, especially nitrogen oxides, as part of a regional haze cleanup effort. This approval also covers North Dakota’s five-year progress report on improving air quality. The new rule kicks in on April 9, 2026, helping protect the environment and public health while following court orders.