NARA commends EPA’s Clean Water Act ruling for science-based, sustainable regulation

The North American Renderers Association applauded Sept. 2 the U.S. EPA’s recent decision to maintain current federal wastewater regulations for meat, poultry and rendering facilities.

This multiyear review considered stricter effluent limits for the meat-and-poultry products sector, which would have applied to rendering operations as well, and analyses indicated that new rules could have cost the industry billions of dollars, forced closures of dozens of facilities nationwide and put tens of thousands of jobs at risk—particularly in rural communities where rendering plants play a critical economic role.

“NARA welcomes EPA’s decision not to impose additional wastewater-discharge regulations on meat-and-poultry processing facilities, recognizing the industry’s longstanding investments in sustainability and science-based treatment while avoiding unnecessary costs that would not deliver additional environmental benefits,” said Kent Swisher, the president and CEO of NARA. “EPA’s decision shows sustainability and smart regulation can go hand in hand.”

Rendering facilities have long invested in advanced wastewater-treatment systems and work closely with local publicly owned treatment works to ensure discharged water meets or exceeds environmental standards.

Through these partnerships, the industry has demonstrated that existing federal, state and local regulations under the Clean Water Act are effective in protecting water quality and public health.

The decision underscores the value of science-based approaches to environmental protection and confirms that the rendering industry can maintain its high standards while supporting sustainable growth.

By avoiding unnecessary regulatory burdens, renderers can continue contributing to resource recovery, waste reduction and water protection across North America.