EPA has released a pre-publication copy of its proposed and direct final rule to recognize E1527-21 as a method for complying with its All Appropriate Inquiries (AAI) Rule. If EPA does not receive any negative comments, the final direct rule will become effective upon the expiration of the public comment period. Upon the effective date, the reference to E1527-13 would be removed and E1527-21 would become an approved method for demonstrating compliance with AAI.
If EPA receives negative comments, the final direct rule would be withdrawn and EPA would then proceed with normal rulemaking of evaluating the comments and issuing a final rule. When EPA proposed to recognize ASTM E1627-13, it received negative comments and completed the rulemaking in three months.