All regulatory updates
1254 results found
EPA updates Extended Battery Producer Responsibility (EPR) Framework page (last updated May 12, 2026) outlining ongoing voluntary framework development
The U.S. EPA updated its Extended Battery Producer Responsibility (EPR) Framework webpage (last updated May 12, 2026) describing ongoing development—alongside the U.S. Department of Energy—of a voluntary national battery EPR framework (mandated for development under federal infrastructure legislation). While not a binding regulation, the framework can influence state EPR program design and producer stewardship expectations (e.g., reporting, collection models, financing, performance goals). Battery producers and downstream manufacturers should track framework evolution and engagement opportunities as it may shape future EPR alignment and market expectations.
EPA proposes rescinding SDWA/NPDWR determinations and related drinking-water standards for PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO‑DA (GenX) and Hazard Index mixture (incl. PFBS)
EPA posted a proposed rule to rescind SDWA regulatory determinations and associated provisions of the 2024 PFAS National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR) that apply to PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO‑DA (GenX), and the Hazard Index mixture (PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO‑DA plus PFBS). If finalized, this would remove the MCLs/MCLGs and related monitoring/treatment obligations that are specific to these PFAS/mixture, while leaving PFOA and PFOS provisions intact. Compliance teams supporting water utilities, product stewardship, and risk communication should monitor the docket and comment/hearing process because it could materially change monitoring and treatment programs built around these four components.
RMI CMRT template download page is gated behind Terms & Conditions; current version/release info not publicly extractable
RMI’s official CMRT landing/download page requires accepting Terms & Conditions and does not expose the current CMRT version number, release date, changelog, or direct download links in publicly extractable content. For compliance teams, this means CMRT version change control cannot be validated from the open page content alone; teams should reference this official landing page for controlled access to the latest CMRT and retain internal evidence (downloaded file metadata, screenshots, or controlled copies) to support supplier survey/version governance.
OEHHA issues Notice of Intent to list “welding fumes” as a carcinogen under Proposition 65 (Labor Code mechanism) and opens public comment period
OEHHA published a Notice of Intent (NOI) indicating it intends to list “welding fumes” as a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer using the Labor Code mechanism incorporated into Proposition 65. OEHHA opened a public comment period (comments due by June 8, 2026). If the listing proceeds, businesses involved in activities, products, or workplaces that may result in significant exposures to welding fumes may need to assess exposure scenarios and potential Proposition 65 warning obligations once any listing becomes effective and applicable warning timelines run.
OEHHA Notice of Intent to list “welding fumes” as a carcinogen under the Labor Code mechanism; public comment open May 8–June 8, 2026
OEHHA issued a Notice of Intent to list “welding fumes” as a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer under Proposition 65, using the Labor Code listing mechanism (ministerial listing pathway). OEHHA opened a public comment period running from May 8, 2026 through June 8, 2026. If finalized, the listing would require companies with relevant products/operations (e.g., welding processes, fabricated metal products, equipment, workplace exposures) to assess whether exposures are “significant” and whether Proposition 65 warnings or other risk management actions are needed.
OEHHA opens public comment on Notice of Intent to List hydrochlorothiazide, voriconazole, and tacrolimus as carcinogens (Labor Code mechanism)
OEHHA published a Notice of Intent to List (NOIL) indicating it intends to add hydrochlorothiazide, voriconazole, and tacrolimus to the Proposition 65 list as chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, using the Labor Code (IARC-based) listing mechanism. OEHHA opened a written public comment period limited to whether IARC sufficiently identified the specific chemicals as human/animal carcinogens. Compliance teams should monitor this action because a final listing would trigger downstream Proposition 65 evaluation and, where applicable, warning/notification obligations for products or exposures involving these substances once listed.
EPA Issues Project-Specific BABA Waiver for Lexington-Fayette Optical Sorting Equipment
EPA issued a project-specific nonavailability waiver for Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government for optical sorter and robotic sorting equipment under the Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling (SWIFR) program. The waiver period runs from May 8, 2026 through October 30, 2028, permitting use of non-domestic manufactured products where domestic alternatives are unavailable.
COP-6 outcomes package published in all six UN languages (decisions now accessible)
The Minamata Convention Secretariat published the COP-6 outcomes/decisions package in all six UN languages. While this does not itself create new obligations, it provides the authoritative decision texts that Parties and compliance/legal teams use for interpreting COP-6 outcomes and planning domestic follow-up/implementation work.
ATF issues conforming rule for shared Commerce-State jurisdiction over defense articles
ATF updated regulations at 27 CFR Parts 447 and 479 to add conforming references to the Department of Commerce, acknowledging shared jurisdiction between Commerce and State over defense articles transferred from the U.S. Munitions List to the Commerce Control List under Export Control Reform. The rule closes a regulatory gap from the March 2020 transfer of USML Categories I-III (Firearms, Guns and Armament, Ammunition) to CCL jurisdiction. Items remain subject to ATF permanent import regulations while also being subject to EAR export controls. The direct final rule becomes effective July 6, 2026 unless significant adverse comments are received by June 5, 2026.
Commission publishes Q&A clarifying value chain cap provisions under Omnibus I
The European Commission published additional explanatory information in a Q&A format clarifying the value chain cap provisions introduced by the Omnibus I Directive. Under these provisions, companies with 1,000 or fewer employees can refuse to provide sustainability information beyond what is specified in voluntary standards (VSME). This guidance helps companies understand their rights and obligations regarding value chain sustainability information requests from larger CSRD-reporting companies. The value chain cap is a key simplification measure designed to reduce administrative burden on smaller companies in the supply chains of CSRD-reporting entities.
European Commission opens feedback on draft revised ESRS and draft voluntary sustainability reporting standard (value chain cap operationalisation)
On 6 May 2026, the European Commission launched a ‘Have Your Say’ feedback period on (1) draft revised European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) under CSRD and (2) a draft sustainability reporting standard for voluntary use (intended for companies outside mandatory CSRD scope). The consultation is positioned as part of CSRD/Omnibus simplification, including operationalising the ‘value chain cap’ concept that limits what in-scope CSRD companies can require from smaller value-chain partners. Compliance teams should monitor and, where relevant, submit feedback, because the delegated acts would materially change ESRS datapoints and introduce a Commission-level voluntary standard that may become the ceiling for supplier data requests under the value chain cap mechanism.
European Commission publishes explanatory Q&A on the CSRD 'value chain cap' linked to the draft voluntary standard
On 6 May 2026, the European Commission published additional explanatory information (Q&A) clarifying how the CSRD ‘value chain cap’ is intended to function. The Q&A explains that CSRD in-scope companies cannot require value-chain partners with ≤1,000 employees to provide more sustainability information for CSRD purposes than what would be allowed under the Commission’s voluntary sustainability reporting standard (to be adopted via delegated act). This guidance is operationally important for supplier due diligence and data-request governance, as it frames what information can be demanded from smaller suppliers/partners and how to handle requests that exceed the cap.
Commission opens public consultation on revised ESRS standards
The European Commission launched a public consultation from May 6 to June 3, 2026 seeking feedback on revised European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS). The proposed revisions reduce mandatory datapoints by over 60% (from ~1,100 to ~430), with total datapoints reduced by over 70%. Reporting costs are expected to decrease by over 30% per company. The revised standards feature shorter, clearer language with new flexibilities, a simplified materiality assessment process, and enhanced fair presentation framework. The consultation covers both the revised mandatory ESRS for in-scope companies and voluntary standards for SMEs (VSME). The Commission plans to adopt the Delegated Act on revised ESRS before summer 2026.
Commission seeks feedback on revised ESRS with 60% reduction in mandatory datapoints
The European Commission has opened a public consultation seeking feedback on draft revised European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS). The revised standards reduce mandatory datapoints by over 60% (from approximately 1,100 to 430) and total datapoints by over 70%. Key changes include simplified materiality assessment requirements, new flexibilities for companies, and clearer, shorter standards. The Commission expects over 30% reduction in reporting costs per company. Public feedback is open until 3 June 2026.
European Commission opens feedback on draft revised ESRS and draft voluntary sustainability reporting standard (value chain cap)
On 6 May 2026, the European Commission launched a Have-Your-Say feedback process on draft final versions of (1) revised European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) under CSRD and (2) a sustainability reporting standard for voluntary use, intended in part to operationalize the CSRD “value chain cap” (limiting information requests from value-chain partners with ≤1,000 employees). Compliance teams should monitor and consider submitting feedback because the revised ESRS could materially change future required datapoints and reduce reporting burden, and the voluntary standard may become the reference point for supplier data requests and value-chain information collection expectations once adopted via delegated acts.
USGBC publishes LEED v4/v4.1 transition deadlines: registration closes June 30, 2026 (most systems) and certification sunset June 30, 2032; specific exceptions extend registration windows
USGBC’s LEED certification deadlines table specifies transition dates for LEED v4 and v4.1. For most LEED v4/v4.1 commercial rating systems (BD+C, ID+C, O+M), new registrations close on 2026-06-30 and certification submissions sunset on 2032-06-30. The table also documents exceptions (e.g., some O+M recertification/interiors pathways and certain campus/volume scenarios) that allow registration beyond 2026-06-30 while retaining the 2032-06-30 sunset. This impacts project pipeline planning (which rating system a project can register under) and internal controls to ensure teams register before the applicable close date and plan submissions ahead of the sunset.
USGBC: LEED v5 becomes the only option for new commercial project registrations starting July 1, 2026 (BD+C, ID+C, O+M)
USGBC Help Center guidance states that beginning 2026-07-01, LEED v5 will be the only version available for new registrations for commercial BD+C, ID+C, and O+M (with limited exceptions referenced in the official deadlines table). This affects project registration decisions and contract/scoping language for projects intending to pursue LEED certification around mid-2026.
European Commission confirms first version of the DPP registry planned to be operational in July 2026; reports progress on cross-sector DPP harmonised standards (CEN/CENELEC JTC24)
In a published parliamentary answer dated 4 May 2026, the European Commission confirms an implementation milestone for the EU-side Digital Product Passport (DPP) infrastructure: a first version of the DPP registry (to comply with the Batteries Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 and aligned with ESPR (EU) 2024/1781 concepts) is planned to be operational in July 2026. The same answer also provides an official status update on cross-sector DPP standardisation: CEN/CENELEC JTC24 reported a positive vote (2 April 2026) on a set of requested harmonised standards covering unique identifiers, data carriers/physical-digital link, interoperability, data exchange formats, storage/archiving/persistence, and APIs for passport lifecycle management and searchability, with remaining votes planned in Q2 2026. For compliance teams, this is actionable for DPP program planning because it signals timing for registry connectivity readiness and indicates the technical standardisation deliverables expected to underpin DPP interoperability, identifiers, data carriers, and system interfaces across product groups.
JTC24 finalising cross-sectoral DPP harmonised standards
The Joint Technical Committee JTC24 of CEN and CENELEC is actively finalising cross-sectoral harmonised standards for the Digital Product Passport (DPP). These standards will establish technical specifications for DPP data exchange, interoperability, and access rights across all product categories subject to DPP requirements. The standards development supports the Commission's timeline for adopting delegated acts under the ESPR framework, with delegated acts for iron and steel expected in 2026 and textiles, tyres, and aluminium in 2027.
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) has amended its Part 620 Groundwater Quality Regulations to establish state-specific Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for six per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water. The amendments are designed to protect public health by limiting PFAS exposure through drinking water sources and strengthening groundwater quality protections across the state. Under the regulation, community water supplies must conduct monitoring for regulated PFAS compounds and demonstrate compliance with the established MCLs according to the phased implementation schedule.
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) has amended its Part 620 Groundwater Quality Regulations to establish state-specific Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for six per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water. The amendments are designed to protect public health by limiting PFAS exposure through drinking water sources and strengthening groundwater quality protections across the state. Under the regulation, community water supplies must conduct monitoring for regulated PFAS compounds and demonstrate compliance with the established MCLs according to the phased implementation schedule.