Regulatory Relief for Certain Stationary Sources to Promote American Security with Respect to Sterile Medical Equipment

President Donald Trump has issued a proclamation granting a two-year exemption from new Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) emission standards to certain facilities that sterilize medical equipment using ethylene oxide. This action is intended to prevent disruptions in the supply of sterile medical devices, which are crucial for patient care and national security, as the required emissions-control technologies are not yet commercially viable. While this move aims to ensure the availability of essential medical equipment, it may face legal and political scrutiny for delaying environmental regulations designed to reduce hazardous emissions.