What We Are Reading: Environmental and Energy Stories

The following article first appeared on Robinson+Cole’s Environmental Law blog. It is reposted here with permission.

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While most of us were busy clearing our desks ahead of the long Fourth of July weekend, there were several noteworthy environmental and energy stories, many of them continuing the Trump administration’s push toward permitting reform, deregulation, and energy development.

These are just a few of the environmental and energy news stories that caught my attention this week.

If you’d like to discuss any of these topics, or other emerging environmental or energy regulatory, permitting, or trends, feel free to reach out. I would be happy to connect.

EPA Looks to Streamline Air Permitting

EPA has proposed eliminating federal public notice and comment requirements for certain minor-source air permits, arguing that the change would speed permitting and give more authority to state and local agencies.

Supporters see it as a permitting efficiency measure, while critics raise concerns about reduced public participation. Read more: EPA’s July 1, 2026 Press Release.

EPA Eases Timing for Emission Offset Requirements

EPA also issued guidance allowing permits for major new industrial facilities to be issued before required emissions offsets are secured, provided facilities cannot begin operating until offsets are obtained.

The agency says the move reduces permitting delays while maintaining Clean Air Act protections. Read more: EPA’s July 1, 2026 Guidance.

EPA Revisits PFAS Biosolids Policy

EPA released draft guidance on managing PFOA and PFOS in biosolids, signaling a departure from a prior risk assessment that suggested significant health concerns.

The proposal is likely to reignite the debate over how to balance PFAS risk management, agricultural reuse of biosolids, and wastewater utility operations. Read more: EPA’s June 29, 2026 Draft Guidance Memorandum.

EPA’s 2026 Regulatory Agenda Takes Shape

EPA’s latest regulatory agenda confirms the agency will continue working through a broad set of deregulatory initiatives, including permitting reforms, PFAS rule revisions, vehicle emissions standards, and energy-sector regulations.

The agenda offers an early look at key environmental policy issues likely to dominate the remainder of 2026. Read more: EPA’s 2026 Regulatory Agenda.

NRC Targets Longstanding Radiation Guidance

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission announced plans to replace its decades-old “ALARA” (as low as (is) reasonably achievable) radiation guidance with a framework focused on existing federal dose limits.

The proposal is intended to simplify regulation and support new nuclear technologies, though critics argue it could weaken longstanding worker protections. Read more: NRC’s July 1, 2026 Press Release.

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About the author: Jonathan Schafer is a partner in Robinson+Cole’s Environmental, Energy + Telecommunications Group, focusing his practice on environmental compliance counseling, permitting, site remediation, occupational health and safety, energy regulatory compliance and siting, and litigation related to federal and state regulatory programs.