EPA’s Regulatory Overhaul Paves the Way for Specialty Chemical Innovation and U.S. Competitiveness

March 13, 2025

In a decisive move to eliminate unnecessary regulatory barriers and propel American manufacturing forward, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is removing hurdles to innovation, investment, and economic growth in the specialty chemical sector.

The Society of Chemical Manufacturers & Affiliates (SOCMA) applauds Administrator Lee Zeldin and EPA’s commitment to restoring regulatory balance, driving manufacturing growth, and reinforcing U.S. leadership in specialty chemistry and innovation. These long-overdue reforms will provide the regulatory certainty manufacturers need to expand operations, invest in cutting-edge technologies, and strengthen domestic supply chains.

Key Regulatory Reforms:

  • Reconsideration of Risk Management Program (RMP) – A major victory for the specialty chemical sector, this reform eliminates costly, ineffective mandates. SOCMA has been at the forefront of advocacy on this issue, working extensively with policymakers to ensure a balanced, effective rule that safeguards facilities and communities without imposing unnecessary compliance burdens.
  • Enforcement Discretion – Redirecting EPA resources to its core mission instead of unnecessary bureaucratic enforcement actions that drive up costs for American consumers and stifle economic growth.
  • Reevaluation of Environmental Justice Priorities – Ending programs that diverted agency focus from its scientific and regulatory responsibilities, ensuring a neutral, science-based approach to environmental oversight.
  • Reconsideration of Particulate Matter (PM 2.5) National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) – Reversing overreaching air quality mandates that shut down opportunities for American manufacturing and small businesses, ensuring policies do not cripple domestic production and job creation.
  • Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program Reform – Streamlining emissions tracking to reduce compliance burdens without compromising environmental accountability.
  • National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAPs) Reform – Implementing a balanced approach to air quality regulations that safeguards both environmental progress and industrial competitiveness.

“This is a game-changer for specialty chemical manufacturers,” said Robert F. Helminiak, Vice President of Legal & Government Relations at SOCMA. “The Risk Management Program rule alone has been a top priority for SOCMA, and we have worked tirelessly to ensure that regulations protect both workers and communities without imposing unnecessary burdens on manufacturers. These additional reforms remove excessive bureaucratic red tape, restore regulatory certainty, and eliminate policies that stifled economic growth. This will support positioning America as the global leadership in specialty chemistry.”

The specialty chemical sector is the backbone of industries ranging from pharmaceuticals and agriculture to electronics and national defense. By eliminating outdated and excessive regulations, these EPA actions will empower manufacturers to reshore production, expand investment, and create high-skilled American jobs.

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