Ohio Environmental Services Industries (OESI) is a trade association representing the Ohio environmental services industry. Each year, OESI member companies treat, recycle, store, or dispose more than one billion pounds of hazardous waste, or roughly seventy percent of all hazardous waste managed in the State of Ohio.
One of our members often describes the commercial hazardous waste management industry as a public utility. Much like water, sewer, natural gas, and electricity, the safe and effective management of hazardous waste is essential infrastructure. Without it, Ohio’s manufacturers, businesses, and institutions could not operate safely, responsibly, or in compliance with environmental laws.
Hazardous waste treatment, storage, and disposal facilities operate under a well-established regulatory framework. This industry is subject to extensive oversight to ensure that operations remain protective of human health and the environment. This level of regulation is not something our members resist. On the contrary, we understand its importance and take pride in demonstrating compliance and responsibility.
From a regulatory perspective, what matters most to the Ohio environmental services industry is that regulations are fair, consistent, and predictable. U.S. EPA Region 5 Administrator Anne Vogel often emphasizes that those closest to the regulated community are frequently best positioned to administer programs effectively and to work through issues as they arise. OESI fully agrees with that principle, which is why we strongly support Ohio’s reauthorization to administer the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) program, which includes a new authorization for the organic air emissions regulations. By allowing Ohio to administer the organic air emission regulations, it also alleviates duplicative federal and state administrative efforts for permit compliance.
Ohio EPA is very familiar with this industry and with the regulated community across the state. At the same time, the regulated community understands Ohio EPA’s staff, their roles, and their approach to implementing and enforcing these programs. This shared understanding promotes efficiency, clarity, and effective compliance, while maintaining the high level of environmental protection that the public expects. Ohio is best regulated by the State of Ohio.
Today’s reauthorization announcement highlights the importance of cooperative federalism. Administrator Zeldin and Regional Administrator Vogel have both emphasized the value of collaboration and cross-agency partnerships. Since Administrator Vogel’s appointment, we have seen U.S. EPA Region 5 actively pursue this approach in meaningful ways, and we want to personally thank the Regional Administrator for her leadership and engagement. With Ohio EPA’s extensive knowledge of this industry, it’s time to give Ohio EPA the reigns.
