Category: Compliance and Regulations

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) continues to evolve its regulatory landscape, and 2025 is no exception. From tightened emissions standards to expanded chemical reporting requirements, staying compliant means more than just reading the Federal Register. For Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) professionals, it’s about translating regulatory changes into actionable compliance strategies.

These new EPA regulations could impact everything from hazardous waste classification to stormwater permits, so waiting to adapt is not an option. Your organization’s bottom line, reputation, and workforce safety could be at stake. Understanding these changes is critical not just for risk management, but for maintaining a forward-thinking, sustainable operation.

In this post, we’ll break down the most significant updates to EPA rules for 2025 and offer practical advice to help you prepare. This insight not only enhances your compliance readiness—it positions you as a strategic leader in your field.

The new EPA regulations in 2025 expand chemical reporting, increase air and water quality standards, and enhance enforcement—demanding proactive compliance from EHS professionals.

The regulatory landscape is shifting fast. The EPA’s updated mandates affect industries across the board—from manufacturing and construction to energy and waste management. If your current EHS plan doesn’t address these sweeping changes, it’s time for an overhaul.

What makes 2025 different? The EPA is placing more emphasis on environmental justice, data transparency, and holding repeat violators accountable. These changes are part of a broader strategy to protect vulnerable communities and align with the Biden administration’s sustainability goals.

For EHS professionals, that means you need to double down on audits, invest in training, and re-evaluate your environmental risk assessments. Staying passive could result in costly fines—or worse, a damaged reputation. Fortunately, we’ve outlined the most pressing updates and how to respond effectively.

Air Quality Compliance: Tighter Standards, Bigger Expectations

In 2025, the EPA finalized new National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for fine particulate matter (PM2.5), lowering acceptable limits to 9 micrograms per cubic meter (EPA, 2024). This affects any facility emitting combustion byproducts, including energy plants, foundries, and transportation hubs.

What you need to do:

Reassess your emission controls.

Upgrade monitoring equipment.

Submit revised air permits promptly.

Noncompliance penalties are steep, and local permitting agencies are under pressure to enforce more aggressively than in previous years.

PFAS Rules: “Forever Chemicals” Under the Microscope

The EPA has finalized its long-awaited rule to designate PFOA and PFOS as hazardous substances under CERCLA (EPA, 2024). This gives the agency broader power to investigate and remediate contamination—and to recover cleanup costs from polluters.

Actionable Steps:

Review PFAS use in your processes.

Update spill prevention and emergency response plans.

Train staff on new reporting and handling procedures.

Ignorance is no longer an excuse. PFAS compliance is now a federal priority and will be part of every environmental inspection checklist.

TSCA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR): More Substances, More Scrutiny

The EPA expanded reporting obligations under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), requiring more frequent disclosures and lowering thresholds for several high-risk chemicals.

Key Takeaways:

Update chemical inventories now.

Automate tracking and labeling where possible.

Review supplier data to ensure upstream compliance.

Failure to submit accurate Chemical Data Reports by the deadlines could lead to stiff civil penalties and heightened audits (EPA, 2025).

Stormwater Permitting and the Construction General Permit (CGP)

Revised Construction General Permits now include stricter controls on erosion, sedimentation, and post-construction runoff (EPA, 2025). This particularly impacts development projects in areas prone to flooding or with sensitive aquatic ecosystems.

Tips for Compliance:

Conduct a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) review.

Install BMPs like silt fencing, retention basins, and vegetative buffers.

Document site inspections meticulously.

EPA is partnering with state agencies for targeted inspections—especially in high-risk regions.

Enforcement: More Transparency, Less Tolerance

In line with its Strategic Plan, the EPA is enhancing its enforcement efforts, including the use of satellite imaging and electronic reporting to flag violations in real time (EPA, 2024).

Prepare for Enforcement By:

Using digital compliance tools for inspections and documentation.

Conducting third-party environmental audits.

Addressing past noncompliance issues proactively.

Repeat violators will face increased scrutiny, and community-based environmental justice groups now have more influence in bringing concerns to regulators.

Final Thoughts: Strategy is Your Best Defense

The new EPA regulations are not just boxes to check—they represent a shift in how environmental responsibility is regulated and enforced. For EHS professionals, this is an opportunity to lead with transparency, innovation, and foresight.

By anticipating regulatory trends and acting now, you protect your company and your career. More importantly, you contribute to a safer, more sustainable world.

References:

Environmental Protection Agency. (2024). National ambient air quality standards for particulate matter; final rule. https://www.epa.gov/pm-pollution/national-ambient-air-quality-standards-naaqs-pm

Environmental Protection Agency. (2024). Designation of PFOA and PFOS as hazardous substances under CERCLA. https://www.epa.gov/pfas

Environmental Protection Agency. (2025). TSCA chemical data reporting rule update. https://www.epa.gov/chemical-data-reporting

Environmental Protection Agency. (2025). Construction General Permit (CGP) 2025. https://www.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater-discharges-construction-activities

Environmental Protection Agency. (2024). EPA’s Strategic Plan FY 2022-2026. https://www.epa.gov/planandbudget/strategicplan

Every year, OSHA releases a list of its most cited workplace safety violations, and 2023 was no different. For safety professionals, business owners, and operations managers, staying ahead of these common pitfalls is more than the best practice, it’s a business imperative. Violations not only bring financial penalties but also jeopardize the health and safety of your workforce.

By examining the latest data and insights from OSHA and key safety experts, we’ll break down the most cited violations and provide actionable steps you can take to stay compliant. If you want to protect your people, your profits, and your reputation, this list is your starting point.

The top 5 OSHA violations in 2023 are: fall protection, hazard communication, ladders, scaffolding, and lockout/tagout. Avoiding them requires regular training, proper equipment, thorough documentation, and proactive safety audits.

OSHA violations can cost businesses tens of thousands of dollars per citation, not to mention the human toll of workplace injuries. Fortunately, many of these violations are preventable. By understanding the common pitfalls and building a culture of safety, you not only reduce your risk of enforcement but also boost employee morale and productivity. Let’s look closer at each of these high-risk areas.

1. Fall Protection – General Requirements (1926.501)

What the Regulation Says:
“Each employee on a walking/working surface (horizontal and vertical surface) with an unprotected side or edge which is 6 feet (1.8 m) or more above a lower level shall be protected from falling by the use of guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems.” 29 CFR § 1926.501(b)(1)

Still the leading citation, fall protection violations accounted for thousands of OSHA citations in 2025. Most involve unprotected edges, open sides, or improper guardrail systems in construction and general industry.

Avoid It:

Use proper personal fall arrest systems (PFAS).

Conduct regular inspections of anchor points and harnesses.

Train employees on safe practices at heights (OSHA, 2024).

2. Hazard Communication (1910.1200)

What the Regulation Says:
“Employers shall develop, implement, and maintain at the workplace a written hazard communication program… Employers shall ensure that each container of hazardous chemicals is labeled, tagged or marked… and maintain safety data sheets for each hazardous chemical.” 29 CFR § 1910.1200(e)(1), (f), and (g)

Mishandling of hazardous chemicals continues to plague businesses. Missing labels, outdated Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and poor training are key contributors.

Avoid It:

Maintain a complete and up-to-date chemical inventory.

Ensure all containers are properly labeled.

Train workers annually and whenever new hazards are introduced (Mujtaba, 2023).

3. Ladders (1926.1053)

What the Regulation Says:
“Ladders shall be maintained free of oil, grease, and other slipping hazards. Ladders shall be used only for the purpose for which they were designed. Ladders shall be used only on stable and level surfaces unless secured to prevent accidental movement.” 29 CFR § 1926.1053(b)(1), (4), and (6)

Improper ladder use is a persistent issue, especially in construction. Citations often stem from ladders that are too short, used incorrectly, or not secured.

Avoid It:

Choose the right ladder for the job and inspect before use.

Educate workers on the three-point contact rule.

Never exceed a ladder’s load rating (OSHA, 2024).

4. Scaffolding (1926.451)

What the Regulation Says:
“Each scaffold and scaffold component shall be capable of supporting, without failure, its own weight and at least four times the maximum intended load… Guardrails must be installed on open sides and ends of platforms.” 29 CFR § 1926.451(a)(1) and (g)(1)

Scaffolding violations include inadequate planking, lack of guardrails, and poor foundation support—leading causes of serious falls.

Avoid It:

Use qualified personnel to design and inspect scaffold setups.

Install proper fall protection and access systems.

Train workers on scaffold safety procedures (Mujtaba, 2023).

5. Lockout/Tagout (1910.147)

What the Regulation Says:
“The employer shall establish a program consisting of energy control procedures, employee training, and periodic inspections… to ensure that before any employee performs any servicing or maintenance… the machine or equipment shall be isolated from the energy source and rendered inoperative.” 29 CFR § 1910.147(c)(1) and (d)

Failure to control hazardous energy sources leads to serious injuries or fatalities. Lockout/tagout procedures are often incomplete or improperly followed.

Avoid It:

Develop detailed, equipment-specific lockout procedures.

Train authorized and affected employees.

Conduct periodic audits to verify compliance (OSHA, 2024; Breach of Faith, 2006).

Build a Culture, Not Just a Checklist

Avoiding OSHA violations isn’t just about checking boxes, it’s about embedding safety into the organizational culture through leadership, proactive systems, and employee involvement. A compliance-only mindset may address surface-level issues, but it rarely produces sustained results. Building a true safety culture requires deeper organizational commitment.

Leadership plays a vital role in cultivating this mindset. As Mujtaba (2023) emphasizes, ethical leaders set the tone for the entire workplace, reinforcing core values like accountability, integrity, and transparency. When leaders model safety-first behavior, it encourages employees at all levels to do the same. Moreover, empowering supervisors and front-line leaders to take ownership of safety promotes decentralized decision-making and faster hazard resolution.

Organizations that succeed in reducing OSHA violations also utilize leading indicators such as near-miss reports, safety observations, and behavior-based safety checklists. These metrics go beyond lagging indicators like injury rates, allowing safety professionals to anticipate problems before they escalate (Baker, 2006). According to Baker (2006), relying solely on outcome-based compliance systems ignores the importance of process-oriented controls and worker participation.

Active safety committees are another powerful tool. They provide a structured way to gather input from employees, conduct safety walkthroughs, and recommend policy changes. When committee members represent multiple departments, they help break down silos and build cross-functional accountability (Mujtaba, 2023).

Ongoing education is critical to sustaining momentum. Training shouldn’t be a one-and-done activity. Instead, it should be continuous, dynamic, and tailored to evolving hazards and regulations. OSHA encourages refresher training and documentation of learning outcomes to ensure knowledge retention and effective application in the field (OSHA, 2024).

When safety becomes part of the organizational DNA, woven into processes, expectations, and values, compliance becomes a byproduct of doing the right thing. This cultural shift not only reduces the likelihood of violations and penalties but also fosters higher morale, improved productivity, and stronger employee retention.

Conclusion

The top 5 OSHA violations in 2024 serve as a critical reminder: safety isn’t optional—it’s foundational. From fall protection to lockout/tagout, these hazards remain persistent because they’re often underestimated or overlooked in fast-paced environments. But with the right mindset, leadership, and training, they’re also completely preventable.

Now is the time to evaluate your safety systems, empower your workforce, and invest in prevention. By doing so, you not only protect lives but also demonstrate integrity, responsibility, and operational excellence. Stay proactive, stay compliant—and lead the way in making safety a core value, not just a checkbox.

Because in the end, a safer workplace isn’t just better for OSHA—it’s better for everyone.

References

Baker, T. (2006). Breach of Faith: The Special Problem of OSHA Performance Standard.  https://scholarship.law.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2152&context=scholar

Mujtaba, B. G. (2023). Organizational Ethics and Social Responsibility.  https://armgpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/hem_1_2_Bahaudin-G.-Mujtaba-2.pdf

Occupational Safety and Health Administration [OSHA]. (2024). Top 10 Most Frequently Cited Standards. https://www.osha.gov/top10

Occupational Safety and Health Administration [OSHA]. (n.d.). Fall Protection – General Requirements (1926.501). https://www.osha.gov/fall-protection

The current state of federal regulation enforcement is undergoing a strategic overhaul under the Trump administration of 2025. In particular, federal agencies such as OSHA, EPA, DOT, and MSHA are recalibrating their enforcement directives to foster economic growth, streamline compliance, and reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens. Consequently, this blog post examines the Trump administration’s renewed approach to regulation enforcement—highlighting transformative policy shifts, agency-specific reforms, and a balanced strategy that aims to protect essential safety and environmental standards while promoting business innovation. Additionally, the analysis outlines emerging trends and challenges, offering readers a clear understanding of how revised enforcement directives are set to reshape the interaction between government oversight and industry practices. Ultimately, this narrative underscores the current president’s commitment to regulatory reform that champions efficiency and economic vitality without compromising core public welfare.

Federal Regulation Enforcement under the Trump administration is evolving. Agencies like OSHA, EPA, DOT, and MSHA are streamlining processes, reducing overregulation, and emphasizing voluntary compliance, all while maintaining essential safety and environmental protections (U.S. OSHA, n.d.; U.S. EPA, n.d.).

Federal Regulation Enforcement

In brief, this blog post dissects agency-specific initiatives and enforcement directives that are shaping the future of federal regulation enforcement under the Trump administration. Notably, you will discover detailed insights on how OSHA’s revised safety protocols, EPA’s streamlined environmental policies, DOT’s innovative transportation safety reforms, and MSHA’s adjusted mine safety oversight are converging to create a more efficient regulatory environment. Additionally, the discussion provides context on interagency coordination and the interplay between deregulation and essential public safeguards. Therefore, this analysis offers a concise yet comprehensive overview of federal regulatory trends in the current administration.

Overview of Federal Regulation Enforcement

Firstly, Federal Regulation Enforcement is witnessing a significant shift under the Trump administration of 2025. In response to calls for enhanced economic competitiveness and reduced bureaucratic hurdles, federal agencies are reexamining and recalibrating their enforcement priorities. Consequently, the new directives emphasize streamlined processes and regulatory reform, aiming to balance the need for public safety with the benefits of business innovation. Transitioning from previous policy frameworks, the current approach is both bold and measured—prioritizing efficiency and voluntary compliance while ensuring that critical safety and environmental standards remain intact.

OSHA’s Renewed Safety Directives

Moreover, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is revising its safety directives to reduce unnecessary burdens on businesses while preserving key worker protections. Specifically, OSHA is focusing on modernizing its inspection procedures and emphasizing targeted compliance efforts rather than broad, sweeping mandates. For instance, the agency has introduced measures to allow for more flexible reporting and corrective actions, reducing delays and fostering a cooperative rather than punitive approach. Additionally, these adjustments reflect the administration’s commitment to balancing robust workplace safety with economic efficiency. Furthermore, OSHA’s new strategy is designed to ensure that enforcement is both smart and effective, protecting workers without stifling productivity (U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, n.d.).

EPA’s Environmental Policy Revisions

Similarly, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is overhauling its environmental enforcement protocols. Importantly, the EPA’s revised directives focus on creating a more predictable regulatory environment by streamlining compliance processes and reducing red tape for industries that meet baseline environmental standards. As a result, facilities are encouraged to adopt proactive, voluntary measures for environmental stewardship. Moreover, this policy shift aims to align environmental protection with economic growth, ensuring that businesses are not unduly hampered by rigid enforcement. Consequently, the EPA’s approach under the Trump administration is characterized by a recalibration of penalties and incentives, intended to foster innovation while still deterring egregious non-compliance (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, n.d.).

DOT’s Transportation Safety Reforms

Furthermore, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is implementing significant reforms in its transportation safety enforcement. Transitioning from an era of stringent oversight, the DOT is now emphasizing efficiency and innovation in its regulatory framework. For example, new guidelines have been introduced that allow for adaptive safety standards based on real-time data and risk assessments, reducing the administrative burden on carriers while still ensuring robust protection for passengers and freight operators. Additionally, DOT’s revised protocols prioritize technological integration and streamlined inspections, paving the way for a more responsive and agile transportation network. Consequently, these reforms are expected to enhance overall safety while promoting a dynamic, business-friendly environment (U.S. Department of Transportation, n.d.).

MSHA’s Adjusted Mine Safety Oversight

Likewise, the U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is modifying its enforcement strategies to reflect a balanced approach between rigorous oversight and operational efficiency. Initially, MSHA’s new directives emphasize a risk-based inspection model that prioritizes high-risk operations while granting greater flexibility to facilities with robust safety records. Furthermore, the agency is incorporating advanced monitoring technologies to detect hazards early, allowing for prompt corrective action without resorting to blanket regulatory measures. As a result, these adjustments aim to maintain mine safety standards while alleviating unnecessary compliance burdens. Additionally, MSHA’s approach underscores the Trump administration’s objective of fostering a regulatory environment that supports industry while ensuring that miners remain protected (U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration, n.d.).

Interagency Coordination and Future Outlook

Subsequently, the push for enhanced interagency coordination is a cornerstone of the current regulatory reform. In addition, agencies are increasingly collaborating to harmonize their enforcement strategies, thereby reducing redundancies and creating a more cohesive regulatory landscape. This coordinated approach enables a more agile response to emerging challenges and promotes the sharing of best practices across different sectors. Moreover, the integration of advanced data analytics and digital monitoring tools is set to revolutionize regulatory enforcement, ensuring that all agencies remain both efficient and responsive. Consequently, experts anticipate that these reforms will not only streamline enforcement but also bolster public trust by demonstrating a commitment to both safety and economic progress. Ultimately, the future of Federal Regulation Enforcement under the Trump administration is both promising and pragmatic.

Conclusion

In summary, Federal Regulation Enforcement under the Trump administration of 2025 represents a significant strategic shift. Specifically, the revised directives from OSHA, EPA, DOT, and MSHA illustrate a deliberate move toward regulatory reform that balances economic growth with essential safety and environmental protections. Consequently, these agencies are pioneering a new era of enforcement—one that emphasizes streamlined processes, targeted compliance, and interagency collaboration. Additionally, as the regulatory landscape continues to evolve, stakeholders are encouraged to remain informed about these transformative policies. Ultimately, the Trump administration’s approach not only redefines regulatory oversight but also paves the way for a more efficient and competitive future.

References

U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (n.d.). Enforcement. Retrieved from https://www.osha.gov/enforcement

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). Environmental Enforcement. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/enforcement

U.S. Department of Transportation. (n.d.). Regulatory Enforcement. Retrieved from https://www.transportation.gov/regulations

U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration. (n.d.). Enforcement. Retrieved from https://www.msha.gov/