Michael Regan

Rule Changes

Raised civil rights concerns about the relocation.

A metal shredder built along the Calumet River has sat idle since Chicago denied its operating permit in 2022. On Nov. 6, an Illinois appellate court upheld that denial, keeping the Southside Recycling facility closed and sending the company toward the state's highest court.

Updated 5 days ago

Rule Changes

As of May 2026: No longer in government; original VRF rule now being unwound

The Environmental Protection Agency gave HVAC contractors an extra year on Tuesday to install commercial air-conditioning equipment that uses older, higher-warming refrigerants. The final rule covers variable refrigerant flow systems manufactured or imported before January 1, 2026, and pushes the installation cutoff out to January 1, 2027.

Updated May 26

Built World

As of May 2026: Out of office; LCRI is his signature drinking-water rule

Pennsylvania American Water confirmed $631 million in 2026 capital spending during Infrastructure Week. That was the largest single-state disclosure in the American Water Works rollout so far. Tennessee American Water followed with $40 million, closing out a week that began with Illinois's $290 million announcement on May 18.

Updated May 19