We attended the Rocky Mountain EHS Peer Group meeting in February, where EPA Region 8 shared current priorities for the region (Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming). They highlighted an effort to clear backlogs in permits, SIP approvals, and enforcement matters (including Superfund projects).
While not a new rulemaking, this represents an important administrative shift. When agencies prioritize reducing backlogs, renewed movement on previously delayed items can come with little notice.
What this means:
Now is a good time to take a proactive approach to environmental compliance and permitting. Facilities operating in Region 8 states should consider:
✔️ Confirm permit status and renewal timelines
✔️ Review permit conditions for ongoing compliance
✔️ Ensure monitoring and reporting requirements are current
✔️ Address unresolved compliance items
Source:
https://www.rmehspg.org/presentations/2026/EPA%20R8.pdf
