Are EHS auditors prepared for rapidly changing environmental regulations?

On October 23, 2026, EPA announced extensive deregulatory actions completed during the previous fiscal year. The agency characterized them as reducing regulatory costs while maintaining environmental protections.

Discussion questions:

• When a regulation is weakened or rescinded, should the associated risk automatically receive a lower audit priority?

• How should auditors distinguish legal compliance from environmental risk?

• Should an auditor recommend controls beyond the minimum regulatory requirements?

• How should conflicting federal and state requirements influence the annual audit plan?