Suspension of EPA Regulations During COVID-19

The EPA is using COVID-19 as an excuse to suspend enforcement of pollution regulations.

This is a time of crisis; however, these suspensions are very open ended. There is no statement on when enforcement will begin again (or a requirement to revisit the suspension once a month or every 90 days). There is no statement on who is affected and why.

Common sense may dictate that a factory be given leeway while ramping up production of ventilators and face masks. But no reason is provided as to why power-plants need to change their operating conditions.

Take Action: Contact your legislator and encourage oversight into suspension of rules during a time of crisis. Recommend that all suspended rules be revisited on a regular basis to ensure things do not slip-through-the-cracks when things return to normal.

Tips on writing an impactful letter.

Further Reading:

Southern Environment Org