Environmental
EPA regulations, pollution, emissions, hazardous waste, and endangered species.
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Recent Law Changes
Clarifying Export Control References
This law updates regulations by adding references to the Department of Commerce and making minor technical changes for clarity. Before this change, export control processes were not clearly divided between the Department of Justice and other agencies like Commerce and State. Now, these revisions ensure that all relevant parties are correctly referenced in the process. This affects businesses and individuals involved in exporting or temporarily importing goods regulated by these departments. The new rules take effect on July 6, 2026.
Streamlining Federal Regulations by Removing Unnecessary Rules
The Department of the Treasury's Bureau of Fiscal Service has streamlined Title 31 of the Code of Federal Regulations by removing regulations that are no longer necessary or applicable. This change affects businesses and individuals who previously had to comply with these now-revoked rules. The new rule takes effect on July 6, 2026.
Changes to Federal Student Loan Programs
Under this new law, federal student loan programs have been updated. New loan limits are established for graduate students, professional students, and parents, and the Graduate PLUS (Grad PLUS) Program is phased out. The Income-Contingent Repayment plans are also being phased out to simplify repayment options. A new Tiered Standard repayment plan option and a new income-driven repayment plan known as the Repayment Assistance Plan have been created. Borrowers in default who have previously rehabilitated a defaulted loan will now have a second chance to do so again. These changes take effect on July 1, 2026.
Approval of Michigan's Air Quality Management Program for Ozone Standards
This law requires that Michigan's air quality management program meets the infrastructure requirements under section 110(a)(2)(E)(ii) of the Clean Air Act to ensure compliance with the 2015 ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved an element of Michigan’s State Implementation Plan submission, which was initially proposed on March 8, 2019. This approval affects state agencies and entities responsible for air quality management in Michigan. It takes effect on June 15, 2026.
Approval of Illinois' Air Plan for Chicago and Metro East St. Louis
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved parts of Illinois' plan to meet the 2015 ozone standard in the Chicago and Metro East St. Louis areas. This includes progress towards reducing emissions, vehicle inspection programs, new source reviews, and updated emission inventories. The EPA also found the motor vehicle emissions budgets for 2023 adequate. These approvals are now part of Illinois' State Implementation Plan under the Clean Air Act. Affected parties include local businesses and residents who must comply with these air quality regulations.
Air Plan Approval; Indiana; Indiana NOX Emissions Monitoring
Federal law change tracked as metadata only because it appears technical, administrative, or otherwise low-signal. Air Plan Approval; Indiana; Indiana NOX Emissions Monitoring. Status: Enacted.
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