Texas can now enforce its own hazardous waste rules, not federal ones

The US environmental regulators have formally approved Texas's hazardous waste management program. This means Texas will now enforce its own state laws and regulations for hazardous waste, rather than federal rules.

For decades, states have been allowed to manage their own hazardous waste programs if they meet federal standards. This formal approval means Texas now has full authority to implement and enforce its specific rules. Companies operating in Texas will need to comply with the state's particular requirements, which can differ from federal guidelines.