Attorney General Gentner Drummond has expressed support for the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) recent proposal to roll back its risk management program rule. The EPA’s new proposal, called the Common Sense Approach to Chemical Accident Prevention, was announced last week and aims to reduce regulatory burdens by ensuring consistency, avoiding duplicative requirements, and promoting economic growth.
Drummond previously challenged the Biden Administration over the expanded risk management rule in May 2024. He also testified before a U.S. House subcommittee that year, warning that the revised rule would negatively impact Oklahoma and other states. According to Drummond, “the revised risk management rule would have devastating consequences for Oklahoma and other states, noting it was bad for business, harmful to consumers and outright hostile to America’s oil and gas industry.” The expanded regulation targeted petroleum refineries, chemical manufacturers, and facilities handling certain chemicals.
On May 9, 2024, Drummond led a coalition of 13 states and the Arizona Legislature in filing a lawsuit with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. The suit asked the court to declare the final EPA rule unlawful and vacate it on grounds that it exceeded statutory authority.
“I am pleased the EPA is now taking action to correct what was an egregious overreach,” Drummond said. “Rolling back the risk management program rule is in the best interest of businesses and consumers.”
As Oklahoma Attorney General, Drummond leads efforts focused on crime prevention, government transparency, strengthening tribal relations, and upholding state law according to his official biography. He brings nearly three decades of legal experience as well as service as a decorated U.S. Air Force pilot and founder of a Tulsa-based law firm [source]. His office advocates for policies supporting Oklahoma’s energy sector along with tougher laws on crimes such as drug distribution [source].
