Category: Regulatory Developments

Aerosol cans

EPA Looking to Make Aerosol Cans Universal Waste

In a much anticipated development, the EPA is proposing to add aerosol cans to the federal universal waste program. If finalized, the addition would simplify waste handling for many sectors and provide particular relief to the retail sector, which currently must manage at least some of the vast population of aerosol cans under the full […]

EPA Proposes Changes to Coal Combustion Rule

The EPA has issued the first of two proposals that together will lessen the stringency of the Obama administration’s 2015 rule governing the disposal of coal combustion residuals (CCRs) generated by electric utilities. The Phase One proposal comprises a dozen changes, some that result from a remand of parts of the 2015 rule by the […]

EPA Approves Emergency Exception for Methyl Bromide

In a final rule, the EPA has established emergency time-limited maximum permissible levels for residues or tolerances for the fumigant methyl bromide in or on harvested imported or domestic agricultural commodities. The tolerances fall under the emergency exception provisions of Section 18 of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA).

Beryllium symbol - Be. Element of the periodic table zoomed with magnifying glass

Enforcement of Beryllium Standards Delayed by OSHA

In a recent memorandum for regional administrators, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced its decision to delay enforcement of the beryllium standards for general industry, shipyards, and construction until May 11, 2018.

Discharges to Groundwater: Are They Subject to CWA?

In an action that parallels EPA’s rulemaking to write a new definition of the Clean Water Act (CWA) term waters of the United States (WOTUS), the Agency is soliciting comments on whether pollutant discharges into groundwater that has a hydrologic connection to WOTUS are subject to CWA regulation.

Silica Dust General Industry Rule: Learn More at Safety Summit!

Although the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) delayed enforcement of the respirable crystalline silica rule for construction, don’t expect the same for the general industry rule. Enforcement for the general industry and maritime rule begins June 23, 2018—exactly as scheduled.

Applicability Date for WOTUS Rule Issued

In light of a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling, the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) have issued an applicability rule to clarify the applicability date of the Obama administration’s 2015 Clean Water Rule (CWR) (also called the waters of the United States, or WOTUS, rule). Specifically, the new rule sets the applicability date […]

EPA Withdraws Proposed Determination on Pebble Mine Plan

EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt announced that the Agency had changed its mind about withdrawing the Obama EPA’s July 2014 proposed determination regarding Pebble Limited Partnership’s (PLP) plan to build a copper and gold ore mine in the headwaters of Bristol Bay, Alaska.