SBA Loan News
Official news from the U.S. Small Business Administration — updated daily.
51 results in Policy Changes
EPA Proposes to Revise Heavy Duty Engine Rules and End DEF Deratements
What: On July 14, 2026, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed multiple revisions to heavy-duty engine regulations, including eliminating deratements (engine slowdowns) caused by diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) system failures. Why: In January 2023, the EPA issued air pollution regulations for heavy-duty engines and vehicles, such as trucks, farm equipment, and construction vehicles. The […]
EPA Requests Information on Possible Coal Ash Disposal General Permit Program
What: On July 14, 2026, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requested information on the possibility of a general permit program for coal combustion residual (CCR) disposal facilities that are waiting for individual federal or state permits. Why: On April 13, 2026, the EPA proposed a rule to establish new compliance pathways for CCR disposal […]
FWS, NOAA Rescind the Endangered Species Act’s Definition of “Harm”
What: On July 14, 2025, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) published a final rule rescinding the definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Why: The prior definition of “harm” used by the FWS and the NMFS extended both to actions that kill or injure […]
Advocacy Supports SBA’s Proposed Reforms to Remove SBA’s 8(a) Program’s Rebuttable Presumption of Social Disadvantage
On Monday, July 13, 2026, the Office of Advocacy wrote a supportive comment letter to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) on its proposed rule to remove the rebuttable presumption of social disadvantage for individually owned firms in the 8(a) Business Development Program and replace it with a fact-based, race-neutral standard for proving social disadvantage. […]
Advocacy Supports BLM Changes to Grazing Regulations
On May 12, 2026, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) published a proposed rule titled “Revision of Regulations for Grazing Administration, Exclusive of Alaska.” Advocacy works closely with federal agencies to ensure the voice of small businesses is heard during the regulatory reform process. On June 30, 2026, Advocacy held a small business roundtable to […]
Small Business Labor Safety Roundtable – July 17, 2026
The Office of Advocacy is hosting a Small Business Labor Safety Roundtable to discuss the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s December 2024 updated Memorandum of Understanding outlining how the agencies will coordinate implementation and enforcement activities related to chemical risks under the Toxic Substances Control Act. The roundtable details […]
CFPB Requests Information on Promoting Access to Mortgage Credit
What: On July 9, 2026, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) issued a Request for Information (RFI) regarding potential regulatory changes that may reduce regulatory burdens and promote access to mortgage credit. The RFI asks the public to identify regulatory provisions that may be increasing costs, slowing mortgage origination, or otherwise making it harder for creditworthy […]
EPA Proposes to Revise Public Participation Rules for Minor Air Quality Decisions.
What: On July 7, 2026, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed revisions to public participation requirements for minor Clean Air Act (CAA) rules. Why: The CAA requires each state to submit a plan to the EPA outlining how it will meet federal standards. As part of that plan, there must be a New Source […]
CMS Proposes Home Health Prospective Payment System Rate Update
What: On July 6, 2026, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) proposed a rule to update the Medicare home health payment rates in accordance with existing statutory and regulatory requirements. Why: The proposed rule includes a range of discussions and considerations, including various changes related to durable medical equipment requirements and a request for […]
CMS Proposes Changes to Hospital Outpatient Payment System, Ambulatory Surgical Center Policy, and Payment Rates
What: On July 7, 2026, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) proposed a rule to revise the Medicare Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System and the Medicare Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) payment system for 2027. The proposal would also update the requirements for the Hospital Outpatient Quality Reporting Program and the Ambulatory Surgical Center Quality […]
Advocacy Supports EPA Delay of Tier 4 Requirements, Calls for Elimination of DEF Mandates
On May 18, 2026, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published a proposed rule delaying Clean Air Act (CAA) “Tier 4” requirements for light-duty and medium-duty for two years. The Office of Advocacy (Advocacy) filed a comment letter on July 6 supporting the EPA’s proposal while urging the agency to review existing “Tier 4” requirements […]
EPA Requests Information on Legacy Uses and Disposal of Asbestos
What: On June 23, 2026, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published a request for information on legacy uses and associated disposals of asbestos. Why: Currently, EPA is in the process of promulgating a risk management rule for asbestos under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). The proposed rule is scheduled to be completed by […]
EPA Releases Draft Risk Reduction Guidance for PFOA/PFOS in Biosolids
What: On July 6, 2026, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released draft guidance on ways to reduce potential risks posed by perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) in biosolids. Why: The EPA’s draft guidance is for operators of wastewater treatment plants and related facilities, landowners and farmers, state and tribal water agencies, […]
EPA Proposes List of Unregulated Drinking Water Contaminants for Additional Study
What: On July 1, 2026, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed the sixth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 6). Why: Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), the UCMR program gathers data about unregulated contaminants in drinking water. The proposed UCMR 6 would require certain public water systems (PWSs) to collect data for 30 unregulated contaminants […]
NOAA Seeks Input on the California Coastal Management Program
What: On June 26, 2026, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced that it is seeking input for a performance evaluation of the California Coastal Management Program (CCMP). Why: The CCMP regulates development along the state’s coastline and is run by the California Coastal Commission. The Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA) requires NOAA to review the […]
CMS Proposes Rule Changes to End-Stage Renal Disease Prospective Payment System
What: On June 24, 2026, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a proposed rule to revise the End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Prospective Payment System (PPS). The proposed rule also updates the payment rate for renal dialysis services provided by ESRD facilities to individuals with acute kidney injury and modifies requirements for the ESRD […]
FDA Proposes Rule for Tobacco Product Establishment Registration and Product Listing
What: On June 29, 2026, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published a proposed rule to prescribe the format, content, and procedures for establishment registration and tobacco product listing. The proposed rule would further extend the registration and listing requirements to include owners and operators of foreign establishments. Why: The FDA is considering requiring establishments to […]
BLM Proposes to Revise Onshore Oil and Gas Leasing Regulations to Reduce Royalties and Costs
What: On June 24, 2026, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) proposed to comprehensively revise its oil and gas leasing regulations to implement requirements of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act as well as several executive orders directing the agency to expand domestic energy production and reduce regulatory burdens. Why: Key changes in the BLM’s […]