On Nov. 10, 2025, EPA proposed new regulations for Hazardous Waste Combustors (HWC), establishing emission limits and work practice standards for hydrogen fluoride and hydrogen cyanide. EPA anticipates that its new rule will not affect air quality standards since all affected HWCs already meet these limits. Affected operations include hazardous waste incinerators, cement kilns, hydrochloric acid production furnaces and various types of boilers.
The proposal follows a 2022 lawsuit from environmental justice groups, which accused EPA of unlawfully delaying review of these standards. As a result of the suit, a federal district court ordered EPA to establish hazardous air pollutant standards for HWCs by Dec. 31, 2025. Comments can be submitted on EPA’s proposed rule until Dec. 26, 2025.