EPA updates how states should address plant startup pollution
EPA’s September guidance changes how it plans to review state air plans for startup, shutdown and malfunction emissions, not current facility permits.
EPA
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Thousands of U.S. Water Systems Still Lack Lead-Pipe Inventories
An AP analysis found more than 1,300 water systems cited after missing a lead-line inventory deadline, leaving millions with incomplete information about possible exposure.
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EPA gasoline waiver starts early winter-fuel transition Sept. 1
EPA’s temporary waiver allows higher-volatility gasoline two weeks early to expand supply, but it does not guarantee lower pump prices for drivers.
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EPA Adopts Two Non-Animal Methods for Chemical Safety Reviews
The EPA is adding human-airway tissue and ingredient-based calculations to some chemical reviews, but the move does not change product labels or exposure limits.
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EPA asks inspector general to review East Palestine derailment response
Vice President JD Vance and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin asked for an independent review of the 2023 East Palestine response. No misconduct finding has been issued.
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EPA watchdog says agency missed critical systems in cyber inventory
An EPA inspector general audit found three of six sampled systems met high-value-asset criteria but were not classified that way. No breach was reported.
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EPA Proposal Could Give States More Control Over Public Input on Minor Air Permits
EPA has proposed letting state and local agencies decide more of the public-participation process for minor air permits. Comments are due August 21.
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EPA Seeks Comments on Proposed 2027 Heavy-Duty Engine Rules
EPA is accepting comments through August 29 on proposed 2027 heavy-duty engine changes involving warranties, penalties and DEF-related warnings.
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EPA proposes giving drinking-water systems until 2031 to comply with federal PFOA and PFOS limits
The EPA proposed retaining federal limits for PFOA and PFOS while allowing eligible drinking-water systems to request up to two additional years to comply.
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Clark County submits Las Vegas Valley ozone plan to EPA
Clark County submitted a federal ozone-attainment plan for the Las Vegas Valley in July 2026, covering monitoring, transportation and emissions controls.
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EPA proposes extending some PFOA and PFOS compliance deadlines to 2031
The EPA would keep federal drinking-water limits for PFOA and PFOS but allow eligible systems to request two more years to comply.
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EPA proposes stricter residential lead cleanup plan for Butte Superfund area
A June 2026 EPA proposal would lower the residential lead cleanup level and expand the number of Butte-area homes eligible for remediation, but the threshold and implementation schedule have not been released in the approved materials.
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EPA proposes two-year extension for PFOA and PFOS drinking-water compliance
The EPA is proposing to keep federal limits for PFOA and PFOS while allowing eligible public water systems to request more time to comply. A separate proposal would rescind standards for four other PFAS categories.
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EPA cleanup schedule advances at Southwest Superfund sites
EPA’s 2026 Superfund schedule puts residential soil removal, groundwater treatment and uranium-waste cleanup on the construction calendar.
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EPA Vehicle-Emissions Rollback: What’s Final and What’s Next
EPA’s greenhouse-gas vehicle rollback is final, but a separate heavy-truck proposal remains unresolved amid court challenges and a California emissions fight.
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EPA makes about $25 million available for small-community water projects
EPA has allotted about $25 million for small and rural drinking-water needs, but states and tribes must apply before local systems can seek help.
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EPA Audit Finds More Than $1 Billion in Water Earmarks Unawarded
A July EPA inspector general audit found about 44% of fiscal 2022 and 2023 water earmarks remained unawarded by September 2025, citing staffing and oversight gaps.
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EPA Weighs Temporary Coal-Ash Permits as States Seek More Control
EPA is considering temporary coal-ash permit coverage while states pursue approved programs, but the notice changes no current requirements. Comments are due Oct. 13.
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EPA Coal-Ash Permit Review Enters Agency’s Next Phase
EPA’s reopened coal-ash permitting comment period closed July 29. No nationwide permit change took effect, and the agency is reviewing next steps.
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EPA Sends Two California Marine Waivers to Congress for Review
EPA sent two California marine-emissions waiver decisions to Congress for possible review, but the action does not repeal rules affecting ports and vessels.
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EPA Extends Nationwide Fuel Waiver Through August 8: What Drivers Need to Know
EPA’s nationwide fuel waiver runs through August 8, widening supply flexibility for 9%-15% ethanol gasoline while leaving E15 availability and pump prices uncertain.
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EPA proposes to loosen “minor” air permit notice/comment—comments due Aug. 21
EPA’s July 1 proposal would remove the federal minimum for public notice and comment in SIP-based “minor” air NSR permits. Comments due Aug. 21, 2026.