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HBC BLOG
Stay informed on the latest developments in environmental law, from policy changes and regulatory updates to sustainability initiatives. Our blog provides expert insights, analysis, and practical guidance to help you navigate the ever-evolving landscape of environmental regulations. Check back regularly for in-depth articles, breaking news, and thought-provoking discussions on the issues that matter most.


EPA Ends Reactivation Policy Unless Major Modification
On September 18, 2025, Administrator Lee Zeldin issued a policy memorandum entitled “ New Source Review Program ‘Reactivation Policy .’” In the policy, Mr. Zeldin confirmed that the EPA would follow the Third Circuit’s decision in Port Hamilton Refining & Transp. v. U.S. EPA , will apply that decision nationwide, will not apply the “major modification” aspect of the policy to a facility that only restarts, but will apply to restarts that involve a physical change or change i
Dec 1, 20254 min read


EPA’s New e-Manifest Reporting Requirements: What Generators Need to Know
EPA recently issued a reminder regarding its e-Manifest Third Final Rule , published July 26, 2024. The rule finalizes a major shift: several manifest-related reports must be submitted electronically through the e-Manifest system starting December 1, 2025 . Below is a quick breakdown: 1. Exception Reports — Biggest Change for Generators Beginning December 1, 2025 , Large Quantity Generators (LQGs) and Small Quantity Generators (SQGs) must submit Exception Reports electronic
Nov 28, 20252 min read


"Second Guessing" Departs - Again
On September 15, 2025, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin issued a memorandum, " EPA Policy on Enforceability and Use of the Actual-to-Projected-Actual Applicability Test in Determining Major Modification Applicability in New Source Review Preconstruction Permitting: Reinstatement of 2017 Memorandum ," (2025 Memo) which reinstated Administrator Pruitt's December 7, 2017 memorandum " New Source Review Preconstruction Permitting Requirements: Enforceability and Use of the Actual-to-P
Nov 20, 20254 min read
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EPA’s Power Plant Rollbacks: Repeal with a Safety Net
On June 17, the EPA released proposed rules that would repeal two major Biden-era air regulations for power plants: greenhouse gas (GHG)...
jmaiden
Jun 30, 20252 min read


Regulatory Shift Underway: EPA Moves to Roll Back Key Climate and Air Toxics Standards.
On June 11, the Environmental Protection Agency announced two major rule proposals that would undo cornerstone climate and air toxics...
jmaiden
Jun 30, 20252 min read


EPA Seeks More Time on PFAS Rule Reconsideration
On June 4, 2025, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requested an additional 45-day stay in ongoing litigation over its April...
jmaiden
Jun 12, 20252 min read


Arizona Expands PFAS Strategy with $5M in New Funding
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) has launched a major expansion of its statewide PFAS investigation and mitigation...
jmaiden
Jun 12, 20252 min read


EPA Set to Roll Back Power Plant Emissions Rules, Signaling Major Shift in Air Policy
On June 6, the White House Office of Management and Budget completed its interagency review of two major EPA rule proposals. This clears...
jmaiden
Jun 12, 20252 min read


EPA Announces Short Window for Clean Air Exemptions
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) invited companies to request exemptions from several Biden-era air pollution regulations under...
jmaiden
May 22, 20251 min read


SEC Discontinues Defenses of Biden-Era Climate Disclosures
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has voted to stop defending its climate-related disclosure rules in court. These rules,...
jmaiden
May 22, 20252 min read


Agencies Narrow Scope of WOTUS Definition Following Sackett
Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Sackett v. EPA (2023), the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) narrowed the...
jmaiden
May 22, 20251 min read


Administrator Zeldin's PFAS Strategy
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) unveiled a comprehensive plan to address per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)...
jmaiden
May 22, 20252 min read


Demonstrating Secondary SO2 NAAQS in PSD
On December 10, 2024, Peter Tsirigotis, Director, Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, released guidance entitled "Alternative...
jmaiden
May 22, 20253 min read


Zeldin Pushes Massive Deregulation at the EPA
Last week, EPA unveiled its sweeping deregulatory agenda targeting 31 environmental rules established under previous administrations in...
jmaiden
Mar 20, 20252 min read


EPA Loses Supreme Court Battle Over San Francisco Wastewater Pollution Limits
The U.S. Supreme Court has issued a 5-4 ruling that significantly limits the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) authority under the...
jmaiden
Mar 20, 20252 min read


Congressional Republicans Use CRA to Target Biden-Era Environmental Regulations
Congressional Republicans are moving quickly to dismantle key environmental and energy regulations implemented during the Biden...
jmaiden
Mar 20, 20252 min read


The Closure of OEJECR: A Shift in Environmental Oversight and Policy
As of February 6th, approximately 170 staff members of the Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Environmental Justice and External...
jmaiden
Mar 20, 20252 min read


Zeldin Unveils EPA’s 100 Day Plan
On February 4th, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin unveiled the EPA’s strategic priorities for the...
jmaiden
Mar 19, 20252 min read


Biden Administration Retrospective, By Eric L. Hiser
NSR Law Blog's principal author Eric Hiser recently wrote a retrospective on the Biden Administration EPA's NSR program initiatives for...
jmaiden
Jan 28, 20251 min read


EPA and DOJ Reach $9.5 Million settlement with Stericycle for RCRA Violations
On January 16, 2025, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced a $9.5 million...
jmaiden
Jan 28, 20252 min read


President Trump’s First Series of Executive Orders Indicate a New Direction of American Energy and Environmental Priorities
On his first day in office, President Donald Trump signed a series of executive orders aimed at reshaping the United States’ energy and...
jmaiden
Jan 28, 20253 min read


SEC Climate Disclosure Rule Litigation Update
In March 2024, the SEC adopted rules aimed at standardizing climate-related disclosures for public companies and offerings. These rules...
jmaiden
Jan 28, 20252 min read


California’s SB 219: Key Delays and Changes in GHG and Climate Risk Reporting Laws
In 2023, California enacted two significant laws aimed at enhancing transparency around greenhouse gas emissions and climate-related...
jmaiden
Jan 28, 20252 min read
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