US Regulatory
Developments &
Outlook for 2014
Enhesa’s U.S. team recently hosted two webinars
detailing the latest updates in the U.S. regulatory
landscape. The webinar was attended by nearly
300 EHS professionals from around the globe. The
content focused on the tightening of air emissions
regulations at the federal level, the emergence of a
patchwork of state waste regulations, the absence
of new federal regulation for safe use and exposure
to chemicals, and water protection issues.
As one of the most heavily-regulated jurisdictions in
the world, the most significant regulations in the past
year have focused on air emissions, water management, and waste management, compared to previous years when we saw a strong focus on air, water,
and health and safety issues.
What does this mean for the regulated community?
Enhesa foresees a greater increase in federal, agen-
Enhesa Flash May/June 2014
events
cy and consumer initiatives to push federal and state
environmental enforcement initiatives. For example,
EPA has entered into landmark settlements with permit holders for violations of the Clean Air Act and
Clean Water Acts.
Additionally, a record number of severe violator cases have included civil enforcement and criminal enforcement, resulting in jail time and criminal penalties.
Finally, those businesses never previously targeted
by EPA may find themselves with significant fines for
seemingly minor violations, such as large monetary
penalties for improper disposal of solid and hazardous waste at retail stores.
If you would like more information regarding
Enhesa’s webinar program, please email
[email protected]
26