EPA Names Ohio as the Hazardous Waste Permitting Authority for the State

EPA Names Ohio as the Hazardous Waste Permitting Authority for the State

The announcement advances cooperative federalism in the Midwest

April 2, 2026

On Thursday, April 2, U.S. EPA Regional Administrator Anne Vogel joined Ohio EPA Director John Logue and U.S. Representative Troy Balderson in Zanesville, Ohio, to announce that the state is now the primary permitting authority for all aspects of hazardous waste permits under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.

"This is cooperative federalism in action-authorizing Ohio to lead hazardous waste permitting under RCRA while upholding strong, nationally consistent protections," said U.S. EPA Regional Administrator Anne Vogel. "This approach delivers clearer, more timely permitting for responsible businesses without compromising the safeguards that Ohio communities expect and deserve."

"Ohio is well prepared to take on this responsibility and continue our strong partnership with U.S. EPA," said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. "This authorization supports Ohio's work to build and maintain a hazardous waste program that meets federal standards and serves Ohio communities and businesses efficiently and effectively. It is a great example of how state and federal partners can work together to protect public health and the environment."

"Streamlining this critical permitting process will improve both efficiency and environmental outcomes in Ohio. This decision reflects the strength of Ohio's environmental programs and is a clear example of state and federal partners working together to deliver results," said U.S. Sen. Jon Husted.

"This is a positive step for Ohio that puts more decision-making power closer to the communities it impacts. By allowing Ohio to take the lead on hazardous waste permitting, we can ensure a more efficient process while continuing to protect public health, our communities, and the environment," said U.S. Rep. Bob Latta.

"I appreciate the EPA and the Trump Administration for taking important steps to expand capacity for American manufacturing and strengthen our domestic critical mineral supply chains. Too often, both small businesses and major employers face delays caused by an unresponsive federal permitting process that lacks transparency and understanding of local needs. Allowing the State of Ohio to administer a rigorous permitting framework protects public health and safety while ensuring Ohio industries can grow, innovate, and compete," said U.S. Rep. Troy Balderson.

"The Ohio Environmental Service Industries fully supports U.S. EPA's reauthorization of the RCRA Program to the State of Ohio," said Ohio Environmental Service Industries Environmental Technical Leader Nick Petruzzi. "Ohio EPA's continued administration of the RCRA Program promotes efficiency, clarity, and effective compliance, while maintaining the high level of environmental protection that the public expects. We appreciate U.S. EPA's and Ohio EPA's efforts on cooperative federalism, which is extremely important for Ohio's businesses, not just the hazardous waste industry."

"Putting Ohio EPA in the lead is smart government. We credit Region 5 Administrator Anne Vogel for her leadership in this transition," said Ohio Manufacturers Association President Ryan Augsburger. "Consolidating RCRA permitting at Ohio EPA cuts red tape, reduces duplication and gives manufacturers more certainty to invest and grow in Ohio."

"AMG Vanadium appreciates Ohio EPA's thorough effort to develop a deep understanding of our operations and business," said AMG Vanadium Senior Vice President Jane Neal. "Their approach reflects a thoughtful balance between effective oversight and constructive partnership. As the nation's only domestic recycler of spent catalyst and the sole U.S. producer of ferro-vanadium - a critical mineral - our work delivers meaningful strategic value to our country's defense, infrastructure, and energy sectors."

EPA has approved Ohio EPA's RCRA authorized program to include additional hazardous waste rules, including organic air emission standards, definitions of solid waste and regulations related to aerosol cans. To apply for delegated authority, state governments must ensure that their RCRA programs are at least as stringent as federal requirements. EPA and Ohio EPA worked in partnership to develop the current program and are coordinating closely on the transition of federal hazardous waste permits to the state permits.

Delegating permitting authority to states ensures national consistency and minimum standards are met, while empowering states to implement rules. Under RCRA, EPA must authorize any future changes to state programs, and states with permitting authority must also update their programs to accommodate any future changes in federal regulations.

EPA has approved Ohio EPA's RCRA authorized program to include additional hazardous waste rules, including organic air emission standards, definitions of solid waste and regulations related to aerosol cans. To apply for delegated authority, state governments must ensure that their RCRA programs are at least as stringent as federal requirements. EPA and Ohio EPA worked in partnership to develop the current program and are coordinating closely on the transition of federal hazardous waste permits to the state permits.

Delegating permitting authority to states ensures national consistency and minimum standards are met, while empowering states to implement rules. Under RCRA, EPA must authorize any future changes to state programs, and states with permitting authority must also update their programs to accommodate any future changes in federal regulations.

To learn more about EPA state authorizations, visit EPA's website.Exit EPA's website

To learn more about the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, visit EPA's website.Exit EPA's website

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