Navigating the U.S. Environmental Regulatory Landscape

This technical report discusses the recent shifts in the U.S. environmental regulatory landscape, particularly focusing on the changes implemented by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the current administration. It outlines the new deregulatory agenda announced by EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, which includes a significant reduction in environmental protections and a focus on traditional compliance areas such as air and water quality. The report details specific actions taken by the EPA, including the reconsideration of various Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act regulations, and the removal of Environmental Justice considerations from enforcement priorities. It also highlights the growing role of state regulatory bodies and non-governmental organizations in enforcing compliance, as they increase their scrutiny of companies. The report emphasizes the need for companies to adapt to these changes by prioritizing traditional compliance programs, utilizing benchmarking information, and staying informed about emerging regulatory issues to mitigate risks associated with environmental compliance.