CLEANER Act of 2025; Closing Loopholes and Ending Arbitrary and Needless Evasion of Regulations Act of 2025
Summary
The CLEANER Act of 2025 aims to regulate wastes associated with crude oil, natural gas, and geothermal energy exploration, development, and production under the Solid Waste Disposal Act. It mandates the Administrator to determine if these wastes meet the criteria for hazardous waste and to regulate them accordingly. The Act also requires revisions to criteria for facilities receiving these wastes that are not classified as hazardous.
Expected Effects
This act will likely increase environmental regulations on the energy industry. It could lead to higher operational costs for companies involved in oil, gas, and geothermal energy production. These costs could potentially be passed on to consumers.
Potential Benefits
- Improved environmental protection through stricter waste management.
- Reduced risk of water and soil contamination from energy production wastes.
- Enhanced public health due to decreased exposure to hazardous materials.
- Greater transparency and accountability in the handling of energy-related wastes.
- Potential for innovation in waste treatment and disposal technologies.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased compliance costs for energy companies, potentially leading to higher energy prices.
- Possible delays in energy production due to new regulatory hurdles.
- Potential for job losses in the energy sector if companies reduce operations.
- Litigation and legal challenges from industry groups.
- Increased administrative burden on the EPA.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The Act aligns with the general welfare clause of the Constitution, as it aims to protect the environment and public health. Congress has the power to regulate interstate commerce, which includes activities related to energy production and waste disposal. The Act does not appear to infringe on any specific constitutional rights or freedoms.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).