EPA’s RMP Rollercoaster: What Regulatory Changes Mean for Ammonia Refrigeration and PSM | Blog No. 68

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced finalized amendments to its Risk Management Program (RMP) on February 27, 2024. These include various safety requirements for industries handling hazardous chemicals, particularly ammonia (R717) refrigeration systems commonly used in industrial refrigeration.

The EPA has described these amendments, encapsulated in the “Safer Communities by Chemical Accident Prevention Rule,” as the “most protective safety provisions for chemical facilities in history,” including stricter requirements for accident prevention, emergency preparedness, and community transparency. These measures aim to protect communities near facilities that have historically experienced higher accident rates.

The regulatory landscape for the RMP has fluctuated significantly over recent years. Initially tightened during the Obama administration in 2017, these regulations were significantly rolled back during Trump's first term, reflecting a lighter regulatory approach preferred by many industry advocates. Then, in 2024, the Biden administration reinstated stringent measures through its "Safer Communities" rule. With the second Trump administration in office under EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, the EPA announced on March 6, 2025, plans to revisit and potentially revise these recent amendments.

Industry groups, notably the International Institute of All-Natural Refrigeration (IIAR), have expressed concerns about some of the new rule's provisions. The primary contention has been the requirement for mandatory third-party audits, increased public disclosures, and enhanced employee participation mandates. These groups argue that such rules impose unnecessary administrative burdens and do not significantly enhance facility safety.

Another critical aspect to consider is recent cuts in EPA staffing and funding. This budgetary pressure raises essential questions about future EPA audits and inspections. Could fewer resources lead to fewer inspections, or might inspectors increase scrutiny to demonstrate the effectiveness of the remaining resources? Although fines collected from violations typically flow into the U.S. Treasury and not directly to the EPA, the agency might still emphasize stricter compliance enforcement to maintain its regulatory credibility amid budget cuts.

These dynamics create uncertainty for process safety management (PSM) professionals. Facilities might initially expect relaxed oversight due to fewer resources, yet caution remains essential—fewer inspections could mean more rigorous scrutiny during those limited audits. Companies should, therefore, continue prioritizing robust internal compliance practices, balancing regulatory demands with proactive safety and community responsibility.