Starting April, Compliance News will transition to a bimonthly schedule while maintaining the same high-quality content you’ve come to expect — with a new look and deeper dives into the evolving regulatory climate.

This month, we spotlight the Securities and Exchange Commission’s long-awaited final Climate-Related Disclosure Rule, which will require public companies to provide both qualitative and quantitative information about climate-related risks, including identification, oversight, and management of such risks. Our BC Insider Team initially reported on the coming move in October and provided tips on how to prepare. Now that the final rule has been released, our experts offer more insight on its implications. Read our BC Insider update for the full update.

BC’s Climate Change and Resilience Team is monitoring these regulations and can help you navigate this changing landscape. Connect with our experts for guidance here.

This month’s Compliance News includes the following environmental updates:

Risk management program regulation amendments finalized

The EPA’s finalized amendments to the Risk Management Program aim to enhance safety measures; assist in planning, preparedness and response to RMP-reportable incidents; and improve public awareness of chemical hazards at regulated sources.

EPA lowers lead-contaminated soil screening levels

The EPA’s recently issued guidance recommends lowering screening levels used to investigate and clean up lead-contaminated soil in residential areas where children live and play. The agency expects to investigate more residential properties for potential cleanup under the Superfund law and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act as a result.

New CAA standards for LMWCs

The EPA proposed new Clean Air Act (CAA) standards for large municipal waste combustors (LMWCs) that burn more than 250 tons per day of municipal solid waste, aiming to limit emissions of various pollutants and enhance compliance.

Expert tip: Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Regulations

Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) regulations provide a framework to help facilities prevent oil from reaching navigable waters and adjoining shorelines, and to contain discharges of oil should a spill occur. Understanding applicability and having a plan is key.