Learn about the Cross-Media Electronic Reporting Rule (CROMERR)

Overview

The Cross-Media Electronic Reporting Rule (CROMERR) provides the legal framework for electronic reporting under all of EPA’s environmental regulations.

The rule removes regulatory obstacles to e-reporting under Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).

CROMERR establishes technology-neutral, performance-based standards for information systems that receive reports and other documents electronically under their EPA-authorized programs. The standards provide electronic submittals with the same level of legal dependability as the corresponding paper submittals.

CROMERR also allows state, tribal and local governments to submit a single, consolidated application for multiple authorized programs.

Groups affected by CROMERR

The rule applies to two groups:

regulated entities that report to and submit other documents to EPA; and
state, tribal and local governments authorized to administer EPA programs.

Note: To be consistent with language in the final rule, this website uses the term “state” to include the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of Northern Marina Islands, and the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, depending on the statute.

Standards and applications established by the rule

CROMERR applies to electronic documents submitted to the EPA under Title 40 of the CFR.

CROMERR does not apply to:

Documents submitted via fax, magnetic or optical media;
Data transfers between EPA and state, tribal or local governments when the transfers are part of their authorized programs or part of administrative arrangements with the EPA ;
Submissions to state, tribal or local governments not under their EPA-authorized programs; and
Grants, cooperative agreements and other forms of financial assistance reporting under Title 40 of the CFR.
See: Technical Amendment of CROMERR

The CROMERR standards focus primarily on the following processes:

Criteria for establishing a copy of record;
Integrity of the electronic document;
Validity of the electronic signature;
Determination of the identity of the individual uniquely entitled to use a signature device; and
Opportunity to review and repudiate the copy of record.

Learn even more about CROMERR

Take the online course for further introductory information about CROMERR.
See: CROMERR 101: Fundamentals for States, Tribes, and Local Governments

Read about how CROMERR affects governmental agencies that operate EPA-authorized programs.
See: CROMERR Overview for States, Tribes and Local Governments

Learn about how CROMERR affects EPA offices.
See: CROMERR Overview for EPA Programs and Regions