Environmental Regulatory Roundup - April 2026

Seven significant environmental regulatory developments occurred in April 2026.

Lead-Based Paint Rule - EPA finalized new requirements for environmental consultants working on residential structures with lead-based paint. The rule establishes additional certification and training requirements for consultants conducting lead assessments and clearance activities.

Coal Combustion Residuals Flexibility - EPA proposed new Coal Combustion Residuals (CCR) rule flexibility allowing site-specific permitting approaches and dewatering exemptions for certain facilities. The proposal aims to provide alternatives to the current one-size-fits-all regulatory framework while maintaining groundwater protection standards.

Contractor Manifest Authority - EPA proposed allowing contractors to sign hazardous waste manifests at federal Superfund and RCRA corrective action sites. This change would streamline waste removal operations by eliminating the need for federal employees to be present for every manifest signature.

PFAS Reporting Delay - EPA delayed the PFAS reporting rule submission period from October 2026 to January 2027 under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). The extension provides additional time for companies to compile required historical use and production data.

Indiana Storage Tank Reorganization - Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) reorganized its underground and aboveground storage tank oversight programs and restructured Excess Liability Trust Fund (ELTF) operations. The changes affect reimbursement procedures and program administration for petroleum cleanup projects.

Missouri Storage Tank Rules - EPA proposed changes to Missouri’s petroleum storage tank regulations, including revised size thresholds for underground storage tanks and modifications to vapor recovery requirements. The proposal would align Missouri’s program more closely with federal standards.

Oil and Gas NESHAP Review - EPA completed its technology review of National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for oil and gas operations, proposing no changes to current standards but adding new methanol emission limits for certain processes. The review concluded existing controls remain appropriate for most regulated pollutants.

Individual posts on each development are linked above.