EPA Authorizes Alaska-led Hazardous Waste Management Program
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Alaska is now the 49th state to administer its own hazardous waste program. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) granted Alaska final authorization to administer the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act Subtitle C hazardous waste management program, the first state in more than twenty-five years to receive such approval.
Ready for Responsibility
The program establishes requirements governing the generation, transportation, treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste. The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) assumes responsibility for many day-to-day program functions, including permitting, inspections, compliance assistance, and enforcement. EPA will continue its federal oversight and retain authorities provided under federal law.
“Alaska is ready to take on this responsibility and administer the program with the strong environmental protections Alaskans expect,” says DEC Commissioner Randy Bates. “This authorization recognizes the expertise of our staff and enables DEC to provide clear guidance, find practical solutions, and help businesses and other regulated entities meet environmental requirements.”
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August 2026
Alaska lacked its own regulatory framework until this year, when DEC finally applied to EPA to take over the regulatory reins. Final approval gives DEC direct authority to permit and oversee treatment, storage, and disposal facilities within state borders.
“By administering this program here at home, we can provide more responsive service to Alaskans while maintaining strong environmental standards,” says Governor Mike Dunleavy.
EPA Region 10 Administrator Emma Pokon adds that the authorization is the culmination of at least four years of effort. “Streamlining state-led hazardous waste and environmental permitting gives businesses the certainty required to deploy capital, construct facilities, and expand domestic manufacturing footprint without facing federal administrative delays,” she says. “By authorizing Alaska to implement the hazardous waste management program, EPA is empowering the state to incorporate local expertise into environmental protection.”
The only state left without its own authorized hazardous waste management program is Iowa, which has chosen to defer to the EPA.
