Frequent Questions from State, Local and Tribal Leaders about Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Many of the questions we have received from States and others can be answered by reviewing the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources for State, Local and Tribal Agencies and Associations webpage.

There are topic-specific frequent questions related to Coronavirus (COVID-19) that may provide States, local and Tribal leaders general guidance:

For specific instances requiring EPA action, States should contact the appropriate EPA Region. EPA will continue to develop responses to open and new inquiries.

Return to Frequent Questions about Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Questions from State, Local and Tribal Leaders

How do we avoid losing funds already received for projects that might be delayed?

Will there be any flexibility for permit renewal applications and continuation of expiring permits?

Will guidance be made available for the handling and disposal of increased volumes of medical waste, particularly in the form of used personal protective equipment, including the landfilling of incinerator ash?

Will there be any ability to reprogram federal funds based on emergency needs or inability to conduct certain tasks?

Might any gap funding be made available to states to cover temporary delays and reductions in state tax collections and expected reductions in fees and other special revenue due to decreased economic activity during the emergency?

In the event of unsafe conditions in the geographic area that would prevent a third-party certifier (TPC) from traveling in-person to that area, how can a TPC work with one of its TSCA Title VI-certified composite wood product manufacturing panel producers to conduct quarterly inspections (including sampling collections of composite wood products) to ensure TSCA Title VI compliance until the unsafe conditions are no longer present?

Will there be flexibility in regard to inspection requirements in grants and agreements? (Par ex. 20% of RCRA large quantity generators; 3-year periodic inspection of USTs; many other examples)

Will there be flexibility with regard to public notice requirements for permits, etc.? (Par ex. Public meetings prohibited; libraries closed)

Can states expect any regulatory relief or flexibility if they temporarily suspend certain inspections, monitoring, and reporting requirements such as vehicle emissions testing programs or certain air quality monitoring reports under the Clean Air Act?

Will there be flexibility or relief for the regulated community for required sampling and monitoring? (Par ex. stack testing, daily hazardous waste tank inspections, many other examples) Some report lack of appropriate staff or materials to perform sampling.

What are the federal, state and tribal roles in registering disinfectants?

For federally required licenses and certifications will there be temporary waivers of continuing education or other conditions of certification that would be difficult or impossible to meet due to social distancing?

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