Environment

Boston College Law School Magazine recently featured Julianne Kurdila, senior attorney at Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. and chair of the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association’s (OMA) Environmental Committee.

The profile highlights Kurdila’s career in environmental law, her international work supporting women lawyers in Belarus and the perspective she has gained through years of theater performance. It also recognizes her receipt of OMA’s Babington Award for Extraordinary Member Leadership.

“Julianne brings deep expertise, thoughtful leadership and a genuine commitment to finding workable solutions,” said James Lee, managing director of public policy services for the OMA. “Her nearly decade-long leadership of OMA’s Environmental Committee has made an extraordinary difference for Ohio manufacturers and the association.” 7/6/2026

A semitrailer carrying 40,000 pounds of Frank’s RedHot recently leaked onto Interstate 71 in Delaware County, creating an unusual environmental cleanup challenge.

Fire crews avoided washing the sauce from the highway over concerns it could enter nearby waterways. Instead, responders used containment pools and hazmat materials to keep it out of storm drains while a cleanup crew was arranged.

“Containment, stormwater protection and proper cleanup are all essential,” said James Lee, managing director of public policy services for the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association. “After that, the only remaining question is whether the remediation plan includes ranch or blue cheese.” 7/6/2026

The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA), Ohio Chamber of Commerce and Ohio Chemistry Technology Council submitted comments supporting the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed approval of Ohio EPA’s request to remove Ohio’s air nuisance rule from the state’s federally approved air plan.

The groups said the rule is a broad nuisance provision that is not tied to Ohio’s strategy for attaining or maintaining federal air quality standards. The comments note that Ohio’s air plan relies on specific, enforceable emissions limits and permitting programs, while the nuisance rule does not impose a measurable emissions limit or serve as a federal air quality control requirement.

“Ohio’s air plan should be focused on clear, enforceable standards that actually relate to federal air quality requirements,” said James Lee, OMA managing director of public policy services. “Removing this rule from the federal plan would reduce regulatory confusion while preserving Ohio EPA’s ability to address nuisance issues under state law.”

The groups also emphasized that removing the rule from the federal plan would not eliminate it from state law or limit Ohio EPA’s ability to enforce it when needed. 6/29/2026

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has redesignated the Cleveland area as being in attainment with federal ozone standards, recognizing years of progress by Ohio EPA, local governments, industry and other partners to improve air quality across northeast Ohio.

EPA said the region now meets the 2015 national ozone standard, citing years of air monitoring data and a more than 40% reduction in certain ozone-forming pollutants over eight years. The redesignation covers Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Portage and Summit counties.

“This is excellent news for northeast Ohio and a credit to the manufacturers that have invested in cleaner, more efficient operations,” said James Lee, OMA managing director of public policy services. “OMA members understand that environmental progress and economic strength can move together. When communities meet the standard, they deserve the regulatory certainty that comes with it.”

OMA congratulates manufacturers and community partners across the region whose efforts helped make this milestone possible. The redesignation is expected to support faster and more predictable air permitting in the Cleveland area, while existing pollution controls and monitoring remain in place to ensure continued compliance. 6/23/2026

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has sent several California emissions waivers to Congress for potential reversal, a move that could help restore a more consistent national framework for vehicle and equipment standards. The waivers allow California to impose requirements that are stricter than federal rules, including vehicle emissions standards that can shape compliance obligations beyond the state’s borders.

A patchwork of state-driven mandates does not stay inside state lines. It can complicate production, supply chains, fleet planning and long-term investment decisions for companies across the country.

“Ohio manufacturers should not be forced to plan around rules written in Sacramento,” said James Lee, OMA managing director of public policy services. “When California policy becomes de facto national policy, it affects production, supply chains, fleet decisions and investment far beyond California. EPA is right to put those consequences back under federal review.” 6/18/2026

A new technical analysis prepared for the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) finds that wildfire and prescribed fire smoke significantly affected Ohio air-quality readings in 2023 and 2024, including ozone and fine-particle pollution known as PM2.5.

The report, prepared by Alpine Geophysics, recommends that regulators give full and consistent consideration to smoke-affected data under the Environmental Protection Agency’s Exceptional Events Rule. When data show monitored concentrations were affected by wildfire or prescribed fire smoke, the report says those readings should be flagged and excluded from regulatory calculations.

The issue has major implications for Ohio manufacturers. If atypical smoke-driven readings remain in the regulatory record, they could affect permitting requirements, State Implementation Plan obligations, transportation conformity analyses and future emissions-reduction strategies. That means manufacturers could face added regulatory burdens tied to extraordinary smoke events outside their control.

“Ohio manufacturers should not be penalized for air-quality readings driven by smoke events hundreds or thousands of miles away,” said James Lee, OMA managing director of public policy services. “Accurate data matters, especially when it can affect permitting, compliance obligations and future investment decisions. Members interested in this issue should contact me to get involved.”

OMA will continue urging regulators to ensure Ohio’s air-quality decisions are based on representative data and sound science, not extraordinary events that distort the record and create unnecessary uncertainty for employers. 6/11/2026

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) this week proposed revisions to a Biden-era ozone rule that the agency says created unnecessary planning requirements for states even after areas were reclassified under federal air quality standards.

The proposal is welcome news for manufacturers operating in Ohio, where permitting timelines, compliance obligations and regulatory certainty all affect investment and growth. Clearer, more flexible state implementation rules would help ensure air quality planning reflects current conditions rather than outdated classifications.

“Ohio manufacturers support clean air, but clean air policy should be clear, workable and tied to actual conditions,” said James Lee, managing director of public policy services for the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association. “This proposal would give Ohio more flexibility, reduce unnecessary administrative burdens and help regulators focus resources where they can do the most good.”

EPA said the proposal would apply to past and future reclassifications under the 2008, 2015 and future ozone standards. The agency will hold a 30-day public comment period. 6/9/2026

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has proposed rescinding its climate disclosure rules, saying the mandates were overly burdensome, costly and outside the agency’s core securities-law authority. The rules, adopted in 2024 and later stayed during litigation, would have required public companies to report detailed climate-related information, including greenhouse gas emissions, climate-risk management and certain severe-weather financial impacts.

The SEC says the repeal would restore a materiality-based approach and reduce unnecessary compliance costs. Public comments will be accepted for 60 days after the proposal is published in the Federal Register.

“Manufacturers need clear, consistent rules focused on material financial information, not open-ended reporting mandates that add cost, complexity and uncertainty,” said James Lee, managing director of public policy services for the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association. 6/1/2026

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has finalized changes to its HFC technology-transition rule, extending certain compliance deadlines and easing some requirements for covered refrigeration, air conditioning, heat pump and industrial process refrigeration equipment. The changes could affect manufacturers, importers, distributors, installers, owners and users of covered equipment, including operations tied to cold storage, refrigerated transport, industrial refrigeration and semiconductor-related systems.

The rule is scheduled to take effect July 27. Affected companies should review whether the changes alter compliance dates, installation timelines, procurement plans or documentation requirements.

“Regulatory relief is welcome when it gives companies more realistic timelines to comply without disrupting operations, investment or supply chains,” said James Lee, managing director of public policy services for the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association. “Environmental rules should be workable, clearly communicated and grounded in real-world implementation.” 6/1/2026

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve Ohio EPA’s request to remove the state’s air nuisance rule from Ohio’s air quality plan, a positive step toward clearer and more predictable regulation. The agency said Ohio has sufficient control requirements and enforcement tools in place to protect air quality without relying on the nuisance rule.

The proposal follows action in Ohio’s state budget directing Ohio EPA to seek removal of air nuisance rules from the State Implementation Plan. EPA also noted Ohio has other enforceable, pollutant-specific air standards in place and described the nuisance rule as an “outmoded mechanism” for controlling criteria pollutants.

“This is a win for regulatory clarity and common sense,” said James Lee, managing director of public policy services at the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association. “Ohio’s air program should be built on clear, enforceable standards, not vague nuisance provisions that create uncertainty without improving air quality. EPA’s proposal recognizes that Ohio can protect air quality while giving regulated businesses a more predictable framework.”

Comments are due June 29. 5/28/2026

Waste mistakes rarely look dramatic in the moment. A mislabeled container, a battery in the wrong stream or an unidentified chemical mixture can all seem like small handling issues until they become a compliance problem, a rejected shipment or a safety incident.

A new BSI analysis highlights the risks of improper waste classification, particularly in pharmaceutical and lab settings, but the warning applies across manufacturing operations. Knowing what is being handled, labeling it correctly and making sure employees understand where it belongs can help keep small mistakes from becoming costly problems.

“Waste compliance is not just paperwork,” said James Lee, managing director of public policy services at the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association. “When materials are mislabeled or placed in the wrong stream, manufacturers can face real safety, environmental and regulatory consequences. The best defense is a team that knows the process before something leaves the facility.”

For EHS teams, the message is simple. The wrong bin can create the wrong kind of attention. 5/27/2026

House Bill 170, legislation to establish a regulatory process for carbon capture and storage technologies in Ohio, passed the Senate this week and now heads to Gov. Mike DeWine. The bill would create a state framework for geologic sequestration of carbon dioxide for long-term storage, giving Ohio a clearer process for evaluating an emerging technology that could shape future industrial investment, energy innovation and environmental policy.

“Carbon capture has real potential, and Ohio should be ready if this technology becomes a practical option for industry,” said James Lee, managing director of public policy services for the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association. “HB 170 gives the state a clearer regulatory framework while keeping the focus where it belongs: on practical implementation, environmental protection and long-term competitiveness.” 5/20/2026

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) this week advanced a new PFAS strategy that keeps federal standards for PFOA and PFOS while proposing changes to other drinking water rules. The move is a cautiously encouraging sign for employers because EPA is emphasizing rules that are legally defensible, practical and scientifically sound, while allowing eligible drinking water systems to seek additional time to comply.

“Manufacturers support strong environmental protections, but rules must be clear, science-based and workable,” said James Lee, managing director of public policy services for the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA). “PFAS policy should give employers a durable compliance path, not a patchwork of overlapping mandates, shifting timelines and legal uncertainty.”

EPA is not backing away from PFAS regulation. The agency said it is continuing work on source reduction, including future wastewater discharge and pretreatment standards for key industrial categories. That makes continued engagement with OMA critical to ensure PFAS rules protect health and the environment while giving businesses clear standards, realistic timelines and certainty they can plan around. 5/20/2026

The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) submitted comments this week supporting Ohio EPA’s effort to reinstate the emergency affirmative defense provision in Ohio’s Title V air permitting rules. The move follows a D.C. Circuit Court decision reversing U.S. EPA’s removal of the narrow defense from federal operating permit regulations.

The provision helps protect facilities from liability when an emissions exceedance results from a true emergency, not routine operations or poor planning. OMA said reinstating the defense would provide greater operational certainty and reduce the risk of costly enforcement disputes tied to circumstances outside a facility’s control. OMA also requested to remain involved as Ohio EPA develops proposed rule language.

“Manufacturers should not face unnecessary liability when a true emergency, outside their control, causes an emissions exceedance,” said James Lee, OMA managing director of public policy services. “Ohio EPA’s action restores a narrow, commonsense safeguard while maintaining strong environmental protections and accountability.” 5/11/2026

Manufacturers have several environmental, health and safety compliance deadlines approaching this year, including major reporting and workplace chemical requirements that could affect facility operations. A recent BSI overview highlights key 2026 dates, including annual air emissions inventory reports, DOT hazardous materials registration by June 30, EPA Toxic Release Inventory reporting by July 1, EPA PFAS reporting by Oct. 13 and OSHA Hazard Communication Standard employer updates by Nov. 20.

The PFAS deadline deserves special attention. Companies that manufactured, imported or used PFAS in manufacturing processes may need to review activity dating back to 2011, making early preparation critical.

“These are not check-the-box deadlines,” said James Lee, managing director of public policy services for the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association. “PFAS, TRI, air emissions and chemical reporting rules can carry real operational and compliance consequences. Manufacturers should be reviewing their obligations now, not scrambling after the deadline is already here.” 5/11/2026

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has extended the comment period on proposed revisions to federal ethylene oxide (EtO) standards for commercial sterilization facilities, with comments now due May 15. The proposal would reconsider parts of a 2024 rule that the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy warned could drive small sterilization providers out of the market, disrupt medical device supply chains and affect manufacturers that rely on sterilized products.

EPA’s proposal would revise standards for new aeration room vents, give facilities a choice between parametric monitoring and continuous emissions monitoring, and rescind the permanent total enclosure requirement. EPA estimates the changes could reduce costs by roughly $43 million to $48 million a year from 2026 to 2046.

“Environmental rules need to protect communities without breaking the supply chains that patients, workers and manufacturers depend on,” said James Lee, managing director of public policy services for the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association. “EPA’s proposal is a reminder that technical feasibility, cost and real-world implementation have to matter in federal rulemaking.” 5/5/2026

State leaders used an Earth Day celebration at COSI to showcase the continued growth of H2Ohio, Gov. Mike DeWine’s signature clean water program focused on agriculture, infrastructure and conservation across Ohio. Families explored hands-on exhibits while officials highlighted efforts to reduce nutrient runoff, improve drinking water systems and restore wetlands.

The program has become an important example of environmental policy tied to measurable results, practical implementation and long-term community benefit.

“H2Ohio has proven that practical environmental policy can actually get things done,” said James Lee, managing director of public policy services for the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association. “Cleaner water, stronger communities and measurable results beat political talking points every time.” 4/27/2026

Ohio manufacturers that file Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) reports should take a fresh look at how they are tracking PFAS before reporting deadlines arrive. A new compliance review warns companies can get exposed by hidden PFAS in inputs or additives; mistaken assumptions about exemptions and poor coordination between environmental, health and safety (EHS); purchasing; operations; and legal teams. With the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s PFAS reporting list expanded and thresholds remaining low, small misses can create outsized compliance headaches.

“Too many companies still think PFAS reporting starts and ends with the environmental team,” said James Lee, managing director of public policy services for the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association. “Manufacturers should be pressure-testing purchasing data, supplier disclosures and internal communication now, before a reporting issue becomes an enforcement issue.” 4/27/2026

In an op-ed published Monday in Crain’s Cleveland Business during Earth Day week, James Lee, managing director of public policy services for the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association, challenged the stale narrative that manufacturers stand in the way of environmental progress.

Writing in response to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s proposal to redesignate the Cleveland area to attainment for the 2015 ozone standard, Lee argued that Ohio’s Earth Day story should be judged by measurable results, not old assumptions.

Lee pointed to decades of emissions reductions by manufacturers and said the region’s cleaner air reflects long-term investment in better technology, smarter processes and more efficient operations. The Cleveland attainment proposal, he wrote, is not just an environmental milestone. It is proof that industrial progress and environmental progress can move in the same direction.

“Ohio did not have to choose between a stronger economy and a cleaner environment,” Lee wrote.

Lee’s point was simple. Ohio’s manufacturers are not standing in the way of environmental progress. They helped deliver it. 4/20/2026

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing updates to its Title V air permitting rules that would reinstate the “emergency” affirmative defense, a provision allowing facilities to defend against penalties for certain emissions violations caused by emergencies such as sudden equipment or system failures.

The change could restore a limited legal safeguard when violations occur despite proper operation and maintenance, while still requiring strict documentation and compliance.

The agency is seeking stakeholder input during the Interested Party Review phase, and manufacturer feedback could help shape how the rule works in practice.

Members with technical expertise or operational experience relevant to the proposal are encouraged to weigh in. Those interested in providing feedback should contact James Lee, managing director of public policy services for the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association. 4/14/2026