How Businesses Can Stay Steady Amid EPA Uncertainty

Forbes

6 days ago

John McQuillan is the founder, chairman and CEO at Triumvirate Environmental.
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We're operating in one of the most uncertain regulatory environments in decades. As federal environmental policy undergoes rapid and often unpredictable shifts through reversals, reinterpretations and sometimes outright dismantling, businesses are left navigating a compliance landscape that feels more like quicksand than solid ground.
From water discharge regulations and air quality thresholds to chemical usage guidelines, the rules are changing fast. In my role, I've seen firsthand how this uncertainty is creating real pressure for environmental, health and safety (EHS) professionals. For many companies, staying compliant feels like trying to hit a moving target blindfolded.
Let's call it what it is: Environmental compliance is no longer anchored in consistency. Federal definitions and enforcement mechanisms like those outlined in the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act and the ever-controversial 'Waters of the United States' (WOTUS) are in flux. The result? Critical permitting decisions are left in limbo. Projects stall, timelines slip and operational momentum suffers.
Businesses that operate across state lines face another layer of complexity. Each state is responding differently to changes at the federal level. California, for example, remains vigilant and aggressive in its EHS enforcement, while other states take a more hands-off approach. The practical reality for companies is that compliance doesn't come with a one-size-fits-all manual.
On top of all this is uncertainty in our judicial system. Court decisions like Sackett v. EPA have redefined the scope of federal environmental authority. When judges become the arbiters of what constitutes a wetland or navigable water, businesses are left guessing how long a permit will hold, or if it's needed at all.
Then there's the political pendulum. Every change in administration seems to rewrite the definition of what compliance looks like. Take PFAS regulations or the March 2025 EPA statement as examples: what one administration tightens, the next might loosen. The whiplash is real.
All of this legal and regulatory volatility has very tangible consequences. Project development is delayed or halted because permits are stuck in procedural purgatory. Compliance teams burn out trying to keep pace with the changes. And when missteps occur, because they inevitably do, companies face financial penalties, public scrutiny and reputational risk.
There's a cost to being reactive. Get ahead of the chaos. Build for change rather than stability.
The best companies don't chase regulations; they anticipate them. They invest in compliance systems designed to flex and adapt as laws evolve. This includes digital platforms for real-time monitoring, data analytics tools to track impact and dashboards that make it easy to report progress internally and externally.
But systems alone aren't enough. You also have to invest in people. The people are the core of the business. EHS teams need the training, support and leadership to interpret rules and operate confidently amid ambiguity. You want to create a resilient team of professionals who don't just react but lead.
Many leaders choose to offload mental strain from their internal team by bringing in experienced partners who can track regulatory changes full-time. If you go this route, it's important to find the right partner whose job is to know the regulations and how they'll evolve, so you don't have to spend all your energy there.
With so much uncertainty, it's tempting to deprioritize sustainability until the dust settles. But sustainability isn't just about compliance. It's about preserving your company values, longevity and reputation. Sustainability is about the air our employees breathe, the water our communities drink and the kind of company we want to be known as.
Businesses that stay committed to environmental stewardship even when regulations are unclear are playing the long game. They're minimizing risk, protecting their workforce, and building public trust.
Sustainability also supports safety, another key pillar of successful operations. If you're aligning your environmental, safety and compliance goals, you're protecting your people and your brand.
If there's one takeaway I'd emphasize, it's this: Companies do have the ability to find stability in an unstable regulatory environment. You can't control the courts or the political climate, but you can control how prepared your team is. You can control the systems you invest in, the partners you rely on and the culture you build internally.
Transparency is key internally with teams and externally with stakeholders. Clear reporting, routine audits and shared dashboards create alignment and trust. Make sure your team is equipped with the best possible technology and is mentally and physically well. That's what drives compliance, not just policy memoranda.
We're in an era where regulation will likely continue to be turbulent. But if your business prioritizes proactive systems, supports your people and partners wisely, you can operate with confidence—even when the rules keep changing.
In the end, compliance is a mindset. And in today's environment, that mindset is more important than ever.
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