Events

Environmental Attorney Gary Steinbauer will present “Navigating the Federal–State Dynamic in Air Permitting and Enforcement: Practical Strategies and Tips for EHS Professionals” at the Environmental Compliance Navigator conference on Thursday, March 19, 2026.

Air emissions permitting and enforcement actions often require facilities to navigate complex and sometimes disjointed relationships between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and delegated state or local air permitting and enforcement authorities. Differences in regulatory interpretation, permitting timelines, public participation requirements, and enforcement priorities can create uncertainty and operational risk for regulated entities—particularly when permits are modified, renewed, or challenged and when agencies’ policy priorities conflict.

In this session, Gary will explore how EPA and state air agencies interact under the Clean Air Act, where points of friction commonly arise, and how those challenges can impact facility operations and compliance obligations. Drawing on real-world permitting and enforcement experience, the presentation will highlight common pitfalls EHS managers encounter in air permitting and enforcement, including coordination issues with regulatory authorities, evolving regulatory requirements, and compliance vulnerabilities.

The session will conclude with practical strategies EHS professionals can use to better manage air permits, communicate effectively with federal, state, and local regulators, and proactively reduce air-related compliance risk.

For more information, click here.