Regulatory Compliance News & Updates
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EPA, and DOL regulatory compliance.
Copyright 2026 J. J. Keller & Associate, Inc. For re-use options please contact copyright@jjkeller.com or call 800-558-5011.
Safety & Compliance News
FEATURED NEWS
NewsWaste ManifestsEnforcement and Audits - OSHAWaste/HazWasteWater ProgramsMonthly Roundup VideoCAA ComplianceUSACWA ComplianceStormwaterEnglishAir ProgramsIndustry NewsEnforcement and Audits - OSHAMunicipal WastewaterSafety & HealthGeneral Industry SafetyWasteEnvironmentalFocus AreaAir ProgramsVideo
EHS Monthly Round Up - March 2026
In this March 2026 roundup video, we'll review the most impactful environmental health and safety news.
Hi everyone! Welcome to the monthly news roundup video, where we’ll review the most impactful environmental health and safety news. Let’s take a look at what happened over the past month.
OSHA released an updated Job Safety and Health poster. Employers can use either the revised version or the older one, but the poster must be displayed in a conspicuous place where workers can easily see it.
OSHA recently removed a link from its Data topic webpage that displayed a list of “high-penalty cases” at or over $40,000 since 2015. The agency says it discontinued and removed it in December. The data is frozen and archived elsewhere.
OSHA published two new resources as part of its newly launched Safety Champions Program. The fact sheet provides an overview of how the program works, eligibility criteria, and key benefits. The step-by-step guide helps businesses navigate the core elements of OSHA’s Recommended Practices for Safety and Health Programs.
Several forces are nudging OSHA to address a number of workplace hazards and high-hazard industries. This comes from other agencies, safety organizations, watchdogs, legislative proposals, and persistent injury/fatality data. Among the hazards are combustible dust; first aid; personal protective equipment; and workplace violence. How all this translates into new regulations, guidance, programmed inspections, or other initiatives remains to be seen.
Turning to environmental news, EPA issued a proposed rule to require waste handlers to use electronic manifests to track all RCRA hazardous waste shipments. Stakeholders have until May 4 to comment on the proposal.
On March 10, EPA finalized stronger emission limits for new and existing large municipal waste combustors and made other changes to related standards.
And finally, EPA temporarily extended coverage under the 2021 Multi-Sector General Permit for industrial stormwater discharges until the agency issues a new general permit. The permit expired February 28 and remains in effect for facilities previously covered. EPA won’t take enforcement action against new facilities for unpermitted stormwater discharges if the facilities meet specific conditions.
Thanks for tuning in to the monthly news roundup. We’ll see you next month!
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RECENT INDUSTRY HIGHLIGHTS
NewsEmployment ContractsIndependent ContractorsMonthly Roundup VideoContingent WorkforceFamily and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)LeaveFamily and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)USAHuman ResourcesLeaveHR ManagementEnglishAssociate Benefits & CompensationIndustry NewsContingent WorkforceWage and HourHours WorkedHR GeneralistFair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)Non-Exempt employees Associate RelationsFocus AreaVideo
HR Monthly Round Up - March 2026
In this March 2026 roundup video, we’ll review the most impactful HR news.
Welcome, everyone! In the next few minutes, we’ll review the latest HR news. Let’s get started.
On February 27th, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division published a proposed rule that would rescind the 2024 independent contractor rule and replace it with a rule that’s similar to the one that was finalized in 2021, but never took effect. The public may submit comments until April 28th.
In the meantime, employers should follow guidance from the 2024 rule and ensure they’re complying with all federal, state, and local employment laws, especially when it comes to properly classifying workers.
One other tidbit about this independent contractor proposed rule, it also stretches its application beyond the federal Fair Labor Standards Act to the federal Family and Medical Leave Act.
While employers wouldn’t see a major FMLA change, if the proposed rule is finalized, they would benefit from the simplicity and certainty of having both laws use the same definitions.
And, finally, could a federal paid leave law be in the works? While employers shouldn’t hold their breath, paid leave is once again on the minds of Congress members. On February 24th, the U.S. House Employee Protections subcommittee held a hearing titled “Balancing Careers and Care: Examining Innovative Approaches to Paid Leave.” The hearing was held to examine the challenges of the U.S. paid leave landscape.
With the patchwork of state paid leave laws, House members at the hearing recognized the challenge private-sector employers have in navigating them. While nothing may come of this, it shows Congress is still very interested in the topic of paid leave.
That’s all the HR news we have time for today. Thanks for watching. See you next month!
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NewsVideoTransportationDangerous Goods Markings, Placards, and LabelsDangerous Goods Markings, Placards, and LabelsUSAEnglishEnforcement - DOTCMV InspectionsIndustry NewsFleet SafetyFines and penalties - Motor CarrierDaily vehicle inspectionsFleet OperationsFocus AreaMonthly Roundup Video
Transportation Monthly Round Up - March 2026
In this March 2026 round up video, we'll review the most impactful transportation and safety news.
In this March 2026 round up, we will discuss an FMCSA security update, the CVSA International Roadcheck 2026, and PHMSA’s HM 215R proposal.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has warned the public not to sell, purchase, or lease a USDOT Number or Operating Authority outside of a valid corporate transaction.
When the agency discovers non-legitimate attempts to sell, purchase, or lease such numbers, it will take action to inactivate and revoke both the number and all related registrations. This includes the required safety registrations and any required operating authority.
Ultimately, failing to follow the rules and lease, purchase, or sell a USDOT or MC Number outside of a legitimate and valid corporate transaction will lead to inactivation of the Number and all related registrations. Make sure all your transactions are lawful and authorized to avoid consequences.
International Roadcheck 2026 is right around the corner, taking place in early May this year. This annual 3-day vehicle inspection event is designed to educate and spread awareness about motor vehicle safety. Roadcheck is scheduled for May 12-14, 2026, so make sure your team and operations are ready.
Inspectors will perform as many Level I inspections as possible. This is a complete inspection of the driver and vehicle. Unsuccessful inspections could result in a vehicle or driver being placed out of service until the violation is resolved.
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has issued its proposed HM 215R rule to update the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) and better align them with current international dangerous goods standards. Published on February 10, 2026, the proposal is open for public comment through April 13, 2026.
The rule is part of PHMSA’s ongoing effort to harmonize U.S. hazmat requirements with international regulations. The proposal includes a wide range of changes affecting hazard classification, proper shipping names, packaging, and modal requirements. Among the more significant updates are revisions to the Hazardous Materials Table, including the addition of new entries, removal of outdated listings, and updates to hazard classes and packing groups.
Stakeholders are encouraged to review the proposal and submit comments through the Department of Transportation’s docket system before the comment period closes.
That’s it for this month’s round up. Stay safe, and thanks for watching
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2026-04-08T05:00:00Z
NewsIndustry NewsEnglishFocus AreaIn-Depth ArticleFleet OperationsHeavy vehicle use tax HVUTFleet TaxesFleet taxesTransportationUSA
Expert Insights: The low-stress way to file Form 2290
Missing or delayed Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (HVUT) filings can do more than create paperwork headaches. They can sideline trucks, delay registrations, and disrupt operations.
E-filing your Form 2290 takes the anxiety out of the process by providing near-instant confirmation, built-in error checks, and reliable documentation, so you can file with confidence, avoid unnecessary delays, and keep your business moving.
Much faster processing
Waiting weeks for a stamped Schedule 1 can delay registrations and keep your trucks off the road. When e-filing, you’ll typically receive your stamped Schedule 1 within minutes after acceptance. This is your receipt for filing the HVUT, which is critical for vehicle registration and renewals.
Paper filers may wait 6–8 weeks (or longer) for processing and to receive their stamped Schedule 1 to return by mail.
When e-filed, a watermarked (stamped) Schedule 1 is available for download or email almost immediately. All state DMVs accept the electronically stamped Schedule 1 for registration and renewal.
Reduced errors and rejections
Speed is only part of the equation; accuracy matters just as much. Even a small mistake can push your filing back weeks, and every delay puts registrations (and revenue) at risk.
E-filing systems perform automatic checks for VIN length, EIN format, weight categories, and math errors, reducing the chance of rejected filings.
Paper forms are more prone to manual errors that can delay processing for weeks.
It’s mandatory for larger fleets
In fact, the IRS considers e-filing so reliable that it’s required for larger fleets. E-filing is mandatory if you are reporting 25 or more taxable vehicles on Form 2290.
But even smaller fleets and owner-operators are strongly encouraged to e-file due to the efficiency and reliability of the online process.
More payment options
E-filing also gives you more control over how you pay, allowing electronic payment by:
- Electronic funds withdrawal (EFW),
- Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS), and
- Credit or debit card.
All of these options are faster and easier to track than mailing a check. No more wondering if your paperwork arrived.
Lower administrative burden
And once your payment is handled, the paperwork gets easier too. E-filing streamlines HVUT compliance by saving time, reducing clutter, and making recordkeeping far simpler, with:
- No printing, postage, or certified mail tracking;
- No waiting and watching for mailed confirmations; and
- Digital records that are easier to store, retrieve, and reproduce for audits or DMV requests.
Faster corrections and amendments
When corrections are unavoidable, e-filing makes those easier too. VIN corrections, weight increases, or suspended-vehicle updates can be filed and processed quickly with e-filing.
Paper filing: What to know
Paper filing is still allowed in certain cases, but it comes with important tradeoffs, including:
- Significantly longer processing times,
- Greater risk of delayed registrations, and
- Inconvenience for time-sensitive filings.
Those tradeoffs can directly affect uptime and cash flow. If you’re filing close to a registration or renewal deadline, processing time matters.
Key to remember: For most carriers, e-filing Form 2290 is the simplest way to stay on track, especially during registrations, renewals, or fleet changes. With fewer delays and fewer avoidable mistakes than paper filing, e-filing can ease the anxiety that comes with waiting and wondering, while helping keep your trucks on the road where they belong.
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2026-04-08T05:00:00Z
NewsIndustry NewsIndustry NewsEnglishAssociate Benefits & CompensationHR GeneralistLeaveUSATime offAssociate RelationsLeaveHR ManagementFocus AreaTalent Management & RecruitingHuman Resources
Members of Congress introduce the Reproductive Healthcare Leave Act
On March 31, members of Congress introduced first-of-its-kind legislation (HR 8158) regarding paid leave. If passed into law, it would require employers with five or more employees who worked 20 or more calendar workweeks in the current or preceding year to provide paid leave for certain reproductive health care reasons.
The Reproductive Healthcare Leave Act would require covered employers to give employees paid leave for absences related to reproductive conditions.
Employers would need to give employees 12 days (96 hours) of paid leave on their first workday of each calendar year. The paid leave wouldn’t, however, carry over from one calendar year to the next.
Reasons for leave
Employees could take leave for a medical or surgical procedure related to human reproductive health. This would involve any physical or mental symptom related to such a procedure or any reproductive health condition, including:
- Menstruation
- Endometriosis
- Dysmenorrhea
- Adenomyosis
- Ovarian cysts
- Menopause Perimenopause
Employees could also take leave to obtain medical care, have a medical procedure, or get a preventative screening related to reproductive health, including fertility treatments, termination of pregnancies, hysterectomies, and vasectomies.
Notices
If the Reproductive Healthcare Leave Act gets passed into law, employers would need to allow employees to use paid leave upon request. Such a request (either verbal or written) must:
- Include the expected duration of the leave, and
- Be provided as soon as practicable.
Employers would need to notify employees about the law, and include in employee handbooks information on:
- The protections employees have in exercising rights,
- Filing actions, and
- How employees can contact the appropriate authority if any of their rights are violated.
Employers would also need to post a related notice.
Employers that already give employees paid leave that meets the law’s requirements wouldn’t have to give employees additional paid leave.
The measure is only in the first step of the legislative process, but it indicates a continued interest in paid leave legislation.
Key to remember: Members of Congress continue to explore ways to provide employees with leave, including paid leave, for various reasons.
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NewsIndustry NewsEnglishHR GeneralistIn-Depth ArticleUSAHR ManagementWellnessWellnessFocus AreaHuman Resources
Bring some green indoors to enhance job performance and employee well-being
Green is the color of March, as it signals the St. Patrick’s Day holiday as well as the emergence of spring. Did you know that bringing some green into your workplace can have benefits year-round?
A Harvard Business Review study found that bringing small pieces of nature into the workplace positively impacts employee performance and well-being.
The potted plant test
Researchers tested their theory by going into an office at night and placing potted plants by the desks of some employees. They placed office supplies on other employees’ desks.
The employees who were exposed to this small dose of nature displayed higher job performance, an increased desire to help, and enhanced creativity. No one was negatively impacted.
Bringing nature indoors
Live plants can’t be part of every work setting, but they’re not the only way to bring the benefits of nature indoors.
Nature-related elements can include:
- Windows with views of nature
- Indoor water features
- Murals of natural scenes
- Artificial plants or flowers
- Fish aquariums
Design features related to nature can also be more significant and included in building plans. For example, investing in landscaping designs outside office windows or having an indoor garden are ways to positively impact employees.
These options don’t have to break the bank or require a pot of gold, however. Simply allowing employees to place potted plants by their desks is an inexpensive way to enhance the workplace.
With a little luck, everyone will reap the benefits for having a little more green nearby.
Key to remember: Bringing natural touches to the workplace can have a positive impact on job performance, cooperation, and creativity.
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Copyright 2026 J. J. Keller & Associate, Inc. For re-use options please contact copyright@jjkeller.com or call 800-558-5011.