Ohio: Final EPA Authorization for Hazardous Waste Program Revisions Under RCRA

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has granted Ohio final authorization to implement revisions to its state-level hazardous waste management program under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). This action means Ohio's updated regulations are now recognized as equivalent to and consistent with the federal RCRA hazardous waste framework, giving the state primary enforcement authority over the revised provisions. The rulemaking process began with a proposed rule published on November 18, 2025, during which the EPA solicited public comments. Ten substantive comments were received regarding Ohio's proposed program revisions, all of which have been reviewed and addressed in this Final Authorization document. With this authorization, Ohio gains the authority to administer and enforce its own hazardous waste rules in lieu of the corresponding federal standards, streamlining regulatory oversight for facilities operating within the state. Facilities subject to RCRA in Ohio must now comply with the state-authorized program rather than seeking separate federal approvals for the covered provisions. This is a standard federal-to-state delegation mechanism under RCRA, ensuring that state environmental agencies maintain programs at least as stringent as federal requirements while allowing states flexibility in implementation and enforcement.

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