For laboratories handling hazardous materials, generating regulated waste, or operating under emissions permits, regulatory clarity is critical. In 2025, changes in Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) policy under the Trump administration are prompting labs to revisit their compliance strategies, especially as federal oversight shifts and state enforcement becomes more prominent.

According to the Q1 2025 EPA Fines Report from Vertére, a laboratory compliance solutions provider, recent federal actions mark a departure from the more enforcement-heavy approach of the Biden administration. For lab managers, these shifts underscore the importance of keeping compliance systems agile, up-to-date, and responsive to evolving state and federal expectations.

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Key regulatory changes under the Trump administration

Based on Vertére’s analysis, five federal changes introduced in early 2025 are particularly relevant to lab managers concerned about EPA compliance:

1. Review of the Endangerment Finding

The EPA has initiated a formal review of the 2009 Endangerment Finding, which provides the legal basis for regulating greenhouse gas emissions. While no immediate changes have taken effect, the review could influence future enforcement of air quality and climate-related regulations.

2. Withdrawal from the Paris Agreement

A new executive order has withdrawn the US from the Paris Agreement and related climate commitments. This move may signal reduced federal coordination on greenhouse gas reduction policies, but does not eliminate existing Clean Air Act requirements for regulated facilities.

3. Redefinition of “Waters of the United States” (WOTUS)

The Clean Water Act’s scope has been narrowed, reducing federal permitting requirements for some waterways and wetlands. Labs operating near previously regulated water bodies should confirm whether federal oversight has changed and whether state regulations still apply.

4. Adjustments to ozone regulations

Proposed rule changes would allow states to attribute high ozone levels to international or natural sources. This could exempt some states from federal emissions controls, but it may create inconsistencies in how air quality compliance is enforced across jurisdictions.

5. Rescission of NEPA regulations

The rescinding of National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) rules may streamline project permitting, but reduce public review processes. Labs involved in facility construction or expansion should assess how these changes affect environmental impact assessments.

How does this compare to the previous administration?

During the Biden administration (2021–2024), the EPA focused on climate action, environmental justice, and strengthening regulatory enforcement. Key developments included:

• Stricter vehicle and industrial emissions standards
• Expanded definition of WOTUS
• Reinstated methane rules for the oil and gas sector
• Increased inspection frequency and penalty issuance
• Emphasis on enforcement in environmental justice communities

Vertére’s report notes that EPA fines grew from $44 million in 2021 to over $1 billion in 2024, with inspections peaking at over 14,000 in 2022. By contrast, the early 2025 policy shift emphasizes deregulation, energy development, and streamlined permitting.

For lab managers, this reversal means adapting to a less centralized but still active compliance landscape.

Practical guidance for lab managers

Despite these federal changes, enforcement continues, especially at the state level and in response to public complaints or environmental justice concerns. Vertére’s report highlights several areas where lab managers should stay proactive:

1. Review existing permits and compliance obligations

Policy changes may affect how terms are interpreted or enforced. Lab managers should confirm that documentation is current and consistent with both federal and state requirements.

2. Strengthen internal audit and reporting systems

In the absence of frequent federal inspections, self-documentation becomes critical. Lab managers must ensure that chemical inventories, waste records, and audit trails are organized and accessible.

3. Stay informed on state-level enforcement

States like California, New York, and Illinois maintain robust environmental statutes and continue to issue citations and conduct inspections. Lab managers should align compliance efforts with the stricter of state or federal rules.

4. Evaluate potential environmental justice designations

Even with changes in federal focus, facilities near underserved communities may still face targeted scrutiny. Lab managers can use tools like EPA’s EJScreen to assess potential risks.

5. Prepare for regulatory uncertainty

With ongoing legal challenges and evolving definitions, lab managers should build flexibility into compliance plans, especially for construction projects, new equipment installations, or waste disposal operations.

The bottom line

For labs operating in regulated environments, 2025 is not a year to pause compliance planning. The EPA’s policy direction may have shifted with the introduction of the Trump administration, but the core responsibilities of environmental monitoring, documentation, and risk management remain essential.

Lab managers who stay current with regulatory changes, reinforce internal controls, and monitor both state and federal developments will be well-positioned to maintain compliance and avoid costly enforcement actions in an evolving regulatory landscape.