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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
All Posts


EPA Outlines NSR Initiatives for 2022-2023, by Eric L. Hiser
Peter Keller of EPA’s NSR group provided an overview of the EPA’s NSR initiatives for the 2022-2023 period at the Air & Waste Management...
jmaiden
Aug 22, 20221 min read


NSR "Relaxation" Clarified, by Eric L. Hiser
On September 1, 2021, EPA Region 7 responded to a request from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) for guidance on the...
jmaiden
Apr 25, 20221 min read


Analysis: EPA's Petition for Reconsideration in Ameren, by Eric L. Hiser
In this installment, we examine the United States v. Ameren Missouri litigation over whether Ameren’s installation of replacement...
jmaiden
Mar 11, 20221 min read


Analysis: Ameren’s Petition for Reconsideration, Eric L. Hiser
In this installment and the following one, we will examine the United States v. Ameren Missouri litigation over whether Ameren’s...
jmaiden
Feb 22, 20221 min read


Eighth Circuit Denies Rehearing in Ameren Missouri, by Eric L. Hiser
In an Order issued November 30, 2021, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit rejected requests by both Ameren Missouri and the...
jmaiden
Dec 2, 20211 min read
EPA Moves Forward with PM2.5 and Ozone NAAQS, by Eric L. Hiser
Although a bit outside our normal NSR-centered view, we thought that we would highlight recent developments with the PM2.5 and Ozone...
jmaiden
Nov 5, 20211 min read


EPA Denies Petition to Reconsider “Project Emissions Accounting” Rule, by Eric L. Hiser
On October 12, 2021, EPA Administrator Regan denied the January 22, 2021, petition for reconsideration and stay of the Project...
jmaiden
Oct 18, 20211 min read


EPA wins "relief" skirmish in Ameren Missouri case
On February 27, 2019, Judge Sippel of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri entered an order resolving...
tburggraff
Jul 3, 20211 min read


Fifth Circuit Grants En Banc Review in Luminant
On July 10, 2019, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit granted a request for "rehearing en banc" on the panel decision in...
tburggraff
Jul 3, 20211 min read


EPA Proposes "Project Emissions Accounting" Rule
On August 1, 2019, EPA released its proposed “Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) and Nonattainment New Source Review (NNSR):...
tburggraff
Jul 3, 20211 min read


United States Dismisses Fifth Circuit Luminant Appeal
Less than one month after Luminant Generation won its motion for rehearing en banc in United States v. Luminant Generation Co., the...
tburggraff
Jul 3, 20211 min read


EPA streamlines tribal oil and gas minor NSR process
On July 15, 2019, EPA proposed revisions to the federal implementation plan for tribal minor NSR program addressing “true minor” oil and...
tburggraff
Jul 3, 20211 min read


Eric Hiser Named to the 2020 Edition of Best Lawyers
Jorden Hiser & Joy is proud to announce that Eric Hiser has been selected for inclusion in the 26th Edition of Best Lawyers in the...
tburggraff
Jul 3, 20211 min read


Doug Jorden Named to the 2020 Edition of Best Lawyers
Jorden Hiser & Joy is proud to announce that Doug Jorden has been selected for inclusion in the 26th Edition of Best Lawyers as Lawyer of...
tburggraff
Jul 3, 20211 min read


JHJ Website is LIVE!
Welcome! JHJ's new webpage is now live. Over the coming weeks we hope to provide more blog content on environmental updates that are...
tburggraff
Jul 3, 20211 min read


DC Circuit: No PSD "Grandfathering"
On August 23, 2019, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit (DC Circuit) issued a decision in Murray Energy Corp....
tburggraff
Jul 3, 20211 min read


Environmental Law Network Spotlight
Trevor Burggraff and Jorden Hiser & Joy PLC are the Environmental Law Network's featured firm for October 2019. ELN is the first...
tburggraff
Jul 3, 20211 min read


Environmental Law Network Recognized by Best Lawyers
October 1, 2019; CLEVELAND, OH – The Environmental Law Network (ELN) is pleased to announce that twenty-one of ELN’s member law firms...
tburggraff
Jul 3, 20211 min read


Court Orders Ameren to Install Controls at Two Plants
On September 30, 2019, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri entered judgment in the long-awaited remedy phase of...
tburggraff
Jul 3, 20211 min read


Ameren Missouri court partially stays relief
On October 22, 2019, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri partially stayed its remedy decision in United States...
tburggraff
Jul 3, 20211 min read
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