Environment

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is developing new rules under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act to address end-of-life management of solar panels and lithium-ion batteries.

According to the Vorys Energy & Environmental Law Blog, the proposal would classify discarded solar panels as universal waste, simplifying recycling and disposal requirements. It also would create a new universal waste category for lithium batteries, reflecting their fire and chemical risks.

A notice of proposed rulemaking is expected in early 2026, with final action anticipated by mid-2027. Manufacturers are encouraged to track the process and prepare for changes affecting clean-energy materials management. The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association will continue to keep members informed as the rulemaking moves forward. 10/29/2025

The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) has rescheduled its Dec. 11 Environment Committee meeting. Instead, OMA will host a special Environmental Summit in partnership with the Ohio Environmental Service Industries.

The event is scheduled for Thurs., Nov. 13, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Athletic Club of Columbus. This in-person-only summit will bring together industry leaders, regulators and environmental experts.

Guest speakers include Anne Vogel, Region 5 administrator, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and John Logue, director, Ohio EPA.

Program highlights feature federal and state environmental policy updates; insights from EPA officials; briefings from invited Ohio EPA division chiefs; and a networking reception starting at 4 p.m.

Register now for the event. 10/22/2025

Recent reports indicate that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s proposal to repeal federal vehicle emissions standards is raising significant concern among several states — particularly Democratic-led states like California, Oregon and Washington.These states warn that eliminating national standards could jeopardize their ability to meet Clean Air Act requirements.

Without consistent federal regulations, states may implement their own climate and air-quality rules, potentially resulting in a fragmented regulatory landscape. Industry groups and state officials caution that such a patchwork of mandates could increase compliance costs, disrupt supply chains, and create uncertainty for long-term investment decisions.

The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association continues to closely monitor these developments to help ensure that Ohio manufacturers are not burdened by conflicting or duplicative environmental regulations. 10/16/2025

The OMA led a collation of business groups in supporting the Ohio EPA’s removal of an Air Nuisance Rule (ANR) from the state’s federally approved air plan. The ANR was mistakenly added to the Ohio’s federal plan decades ago and has no connection to federal air quality standards, subjecting manufacturers to meritless citizen suits and regulatory uncertainty.

The rule’s removal is mandated by a provision in state law secured through the OMA’s advocacy efforts. Ohio EPA will now begin the process of seeking federal approval to remove the rule from Ohio’s air plan. The OMA will continue to work closely with Ohio EPA to support this federal approval process. 10/9/2025

The Ohio EPA is moving forward in its process to remove the state’s long-standing air nuisance rule from its Clean Air Act implementation plan, saying it is unnecessary for meeting national air quality standards and noting that many states have already taken similar steps. The agency emphasizes that Ohio regulations will still protect air quality, but the change would give manufacturers operating in compliance with their air permits additional legal protections from meritless citizen lawsuits.

The OMA worked with state lawmakers to secure provisions in the state budget to require the U.S. EPA to remove the rule, winning a 50-year effort to ward off harassment from plaintiff attorneys abusing the rule to shake down law abiding businesses for an easy buck. Public comments on the proposal are open until Monday, Oct. 7. 10/2/2025

Ohio EPA’s Division of Air Pollution Control is implementing its first fee increase in nearly 30 years. Beginning in mid-October, Title V and Synthetic Minor (FEPTIO) facilities will pay a new $5,000 annual base fee, with the charge rolled into regular emissions invoices starting in July 2026. Invoices will be sent to each facility’s designated contacts and made available in Air Services, so members should confirm their contact information is up to date.

A detailed FAQ from Ohio EPA is available for additional guidance. 9/25/2025

The U.S. EPA is moving forward with updates to its TSCA PFAS reporting rule. Following its May decision to delay the reporting period, the agency has indicated plans to incorporate exemptions and other changes aimed at reducing industry burden—including a likely carve-out for imported articles containing PFAS.

A Notice of Proposed Rulemaking is expected in December 2025, with a final rule anticipated in June 2026. The current reporting deadline is Oct. 13, 2026, but it may be extended as revisions progress. 9/17/2025

According to recent reports, the U.S. EPA has asked a federal court to vacate its 2024 drinking water limits for four PFAS chemicals, citing procedural flaws in how the standards were set. Limits for PFOA and PFOS remain unaffected and are still being defended.

A ruling is expected to shape whether these “Index PFAS” standards stand or are reissued through new rulemaking, with compliance deadlines currently set for 2029. 9/17/2025

Last week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed to end its Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program (GHGRP). Currently, the GHGRP applies to certain large industrial facilities that emit 25,000 metric tons or more of carbon dioxide equivalent, carbon dioxide injection sites and fuel and industrial gas suppliers. This equates to over 8,000 facilities nationwide.

The proposal would remove 46 out of 47 greenhouse gas source categories from the program, leaving only the waste emissions charge in place, a methane emissions fee. The EPA claimed in their press release that the GHGRP “is not directly related to a potential regulation and has no material impact on improving human health and the environment.”

They also estimate that the removal of reporting could save businesses up to $2.4 billion. The EPA posted a fact sheet and will soon open their proposal to public comments. 9/17/2025

OMA Connections Partner BSI provides an update

on what’s happening with the EPA’s Clean Air Act rule governing reclassification of hazardous air pollutant (HAP) sources. For decades, facilities labeled “major sources” had to meet strict Maximum Achievable Control Technology standards under the “Once In, Always In” policy. EPA’s 2024 rule would have required certain facilities tied to seven high-priority HAPs to maintain those standards even after lowering emissions and reclassifying as “area sources.”

Congress overturned the rule in June 2025, though EPA is still considering future regulatory actions. 9/11/2025

The US Environmental Protection Agency has released updated guidance on New Source Review preconstruction permitting, streamlining one of the earliest steps in developing new manufacturing projects. According to the National Association of Manufacturers, the changes will make the process clearer and faster while safeguarding air quality—paving the way for new power generation, data centers and production facilities. By reducing delays and uncertainty, this commonsense reform is expected to drive investment, create jobs and strengthen U.S. manufacturing competitiveness. 9/11/2025

A U.S. appeals court has ruled that the Environmental Protection Agency under the Trump administration can terminate more than $16 billion in climate-related grants created under the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act.

The grants, intended to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, had been awarded to nonprofit organizations through the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund. The court determined that disputes over the funds were contractual and should be heard in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, and also found the EPA acted within its discretion.

Manufacturers monitoring federal climate and energy programs are likely to see continued shifts in funding priorities under the Trump administration. 9/3/2025

Twenty-three Republican state attorneys general sent a letter to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, urging the agency to end funding for the Environmental Law Institute (ELI) and its Climate Judiciary Project.

The officials argue the program promotes biased climate education to judges and amounts to political advocacy funded by taxpayers. ELI, which received more than $600,000 in EPA grants in 2024, maintains that its judicial education efforts are fact-based, science-driven, and independent of federal funding. The EPA has said it is reviewing the letter and will respond through official channels. 8/26/2025

According to a recent USA TODAY article, new EPA data shows that several Greater Cincinnati water systems have PFAS levels above the federal limit established in 2024.

Kings Island’s water system measured 6.3 times the limit, Loveland 4 times, Indian Hill 2.9 times, Morrow 2.5 times, Batavia 2.3 times, Milford 2 times, Bethel 1.9 times, and the Cincinnati Public Water System 1.3 times. PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are chemicals that break down slowly and are commonly found in water, soil, air, and various consumer products. Public water systems are required to monitor for PFAS and report any exceedances to the public. 8/21/2025

The Environmental Protection Agency last week announced the termination of the $7 billion “Solar for All” program, originally launched under the Biden administration.

The program’s cancellation was attributed to the repeal of its funding authority under the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” with Cleveland.com reporting that Ohio would lose $250 million with the cancellation. The grants were allocated to roughly 60 recipients, including states, tribal nations, nonprofits, and local governments. 8/12/2025

The Environmental Protection Agency is weighing a move to cancel $7 billion in grants awarded under the Biden administration’s “Solar for All” program, prompting concern among low- and moderate‑income households nationwide.

The grants—disbursed in 2024 to about 60 nonprofits, tribes, and state agencies—were intended to help vulnerable communities install solar energy. Sources say the EPA may send termination letters to recipients as early as this week. An EPA spokesperson cited implementation of the newly enacted “One Big Beautiful Bill” in affirming the action aligns with congressional intent. To date, the EPA has not made a final decision. 7/24/2025

In a Senate confirmation hearing last Wednesday, U.S. Sen. Jon Husted questioned the effectiveness of the Greater Cleveland E‑Check emissions testing program, arguing it may no longer serve its intended air quality goals.

The program, initially credited with helping achieve federal air quality standards, now faces scrutiny amid changing vehicle technology. With most cars passing current tests easily, critics argue it may no longer be the best approach.

The proposal marks a significant shift in Ohio’s regulatory approach to emissions oversight, with potential relief for motorists and changes in local environmental policy. A federal decision on E‑Check waivers could reshape how air quality is managed in Northeast Ohio. 7/24/2025

A proposal by the Trump administration’s Environmental Protection Agency seeks to rescind the 2009 “endangerment finding” that classified greenhouse gases as a health threat under the Clean Air Act.

The move would dismantle the legal basis for major climate regulations targeting vehicle emissions, power plants, and methane leaks. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin described it as “the greatest day of deregulation our nation has seen,” framing it as a boost for energy jobs and lower costs. 7/24/2025

The OMA’s Environment Committee this week celebrated a key win for removing Ohio’s Air Nuisance Rule from its State Implementation Plan (SIP).

The OMA secured language in the state operating budget that requires the Ohio EPA to petition the U.S. EPA to remove the rule, protecting Ohio manufacturers from duplicative and

The committee also heard a presentation from Battelle on PFAS, including past and upcoming bans and restrictions, key challenges, and strategies for risk and liability management. 7/16/2025

The next OMA Environment Committee meeting will be held on Wednesday, July 16, where members will get key updates on state and federal environmental policy.

Featured speakers from Ohio EPA and Battelle will cover new state budget initiatives, proposed PFAS regulations, and federal rules under reconsideration. Plus, OMA staff will share the latest on the state budget and advocacy efforts. 7/10/2025