EPA Won’t Extend Relaxed Enforcement, Despite Surging Virus Data

The EPA isn’t considering extending its temporary enforcement policy beyond its Aug. 31 expiration date, despite surging coronavirus case rates, an agency spokesman said.

The policy, issued on March 26, is meant to give relief to regulated entities unable to comply with certain reporting obligations because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

However, the Environmental Protection Agency “retains the authority to exercise enforcement discretion on a case-by-case basis regarding any noncompliance, including noncompliance caused by the Covid-19 public health emergency,” according to the spokesman.

Coronavirus cases and deaths have risen sharply in the U.S. in recent weeks, and ...