EPA Fine-Tunes Biofuel Mandates for 2026 Greener Fuels

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.

2025-21788 — 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: 2026-06267 — Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Pot Catcher/Processors in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area

Starting March 30, 2026, fishing for Pacific cod using pot gear by catcher/processors in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands is temporarily closed to avoid going over the allowed catch limit for the season. This affects fishermen using pot gear and helps keep the fish population healthy while following the 2026 rules. The closure lasts until September 1, 2026, so everyone needs to plan accordingly.

Next: 2026-06277 — Removal of Regulatory Overreach and Federal Crop Insurance Policy Provisions

Starting May 1, 2026, the USDA is simplifying how federal crop insurance rules work. Farmers and insurers will see clearer, fairer decisions because final agency rulings will only apply to those who ask for them, not everyone. Plus, detailed insurance contract rules will move from official regulations to easy-to-find online materials—no change in coverage, just a smoother process!