In a recent government meeting, significant discussions centered around the Alabama Department of Environmental Management's (ADM) legal actions against the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and proposed amendments to the state's scrap tire program regulations.

The ADM announced a tentative oral argument scheduled for the week of September 16, 2024, in response to what it describes as EPA overreach. The department has initiated four legal actions against the EPA, claiming the agency has failed to fulfill its nondiscretionary obligations and has altered rules without adhering to the necessary notice and comment processes. Notably, this marks the first time the ADM has filed suit against the EPA, with the Alabama Attorney General's office joining the actions. The resolution of these legal matters is expected to take several months.

In addition to the legal discussions, the meeting highlighted the professional achievements of ADM personnel, with two members, Steven Bissy and Scott Jackson, recognized for earning the title of professional engineer. Their accomplishments were celebrated as significant milestones in their professional development.

The meeting also addressed the upcoming evaluation of the ADM director's job performance. Written comments from commission members will be solicited, with a deadline set for July 31, 2024. This evaluation period will cover the director's performance from October 14, 2023, to the end of July 2024.

Furthermore, the ADM is considering amendments to its scrap tire program regulations. Chief of the Land Division, Stephen Cobb, presented proposed updates that include the integration of an electronic system for report submissions, clarification of definitions, and new rules for tire material management. These amendments aim to enhance the efficiency and clarity of the program, with revisions already approved by the Alabama Scrap Tire Commission.

The meeting concluded with an invitation for questions, emphasizing the ADM's commitment to transparency and public engagement in its regulatory processes.