WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced May 23 a 90-day administrative stay for the August 2016 New Source Performance Standards and Emissions Guidelines for municipal solid waste landfills.
“EPA is continuing to ensure that the public has the opportunity to comment on agency actions,” Administrator Scott Pruitt said. “Reconsidering portions of the landfill rules will give stakeholders the opportunity to review these requirements, assess economic impacts and provide feedback to the agency through the reconsideration process.”
EPA issued the updated guidelines for existing municipal solid waste landfills and standards for newly built, modified or reconstructed landfills in August, 2016. The EPA estimates the rule would cost businesses more than $100 million per year. In response, industry petitioners asked the agency to reconsider the rule. In a May 5 letter, EPA notified these petitioners that it would place a stay on the rule and take the time to reconsider certain aspects of it.
The EPA notes this decision is in line with President Trump’s energy independence executive order. The EPA says the review of the rule will help ensure both protection of the environment and of the economy.