The Environmental Protection Agency has revised the Waters of the United States rule to provide clearer definitions and regulatory terms, addressing concerns from landowners and farmers about federal overreach. The update, drawing from a Supreme Court decision, aims to balance environmental protection with economic growth by clarifying terms like "relatively permanent" and "tributary," and by excluding certain types of land and water.

The American Chemistry Council (ACC) commends the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of the Army Corps of Engineers for issuing a proposed rule to modernize the definition of "Waters of the United States" (WOTUS) under the Clean Water Act (CWA). ACC has long advocated for a clear, consistent, and legally sound framework to guide jurisdictional determinations. By seeking to align key program language with the principles outlined in the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Sackett v. EPA, the agencies' proposed rule offers a positive first step towards providing much-needed clarity for regulated entities while supporting the agencies' mission to protect our nation's water resources through responsible federal oversight. Read more.

David Richardson has resigned as acting head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, ending a six-month tenure marked by criticism of his inaccessibility during crises, including the recent Texas floods. Karen Evans, FEMA's current chief of staff, will take over in December as the agency faces possible restructuring or downsizing under President Donald Trump.

Axalta Coating Systems and AkzoNobel have entered into an all-stock merger agreement, aiming to form a global coatings company with dual headquarters in Amsterdam and Philadelphia. The merger has received unanimous approval from both companies' boards and is expected to close between late 2026 and early 2027, pending regulatory and shareholder approvals. The combined entity will adopt a new name and ticker symbol.

Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern shareholders have approved an $85 billion merger to create the first coast-to-coast freight rail operator in the US, but regulatory clearance is still required. President Donald Trump has expressed support for the merger, which is expected to significantly reshape the movement of goods across the country.

Qnity, a recent DuPont spin-off, has rapidly outpaced its former parent in market value, driven by strong demand from companies such as Nvidia and Samsung for materials used in AI and high-speed computing. Qnity's products, including Kalrez sealants and Pyralux adhesives, have positioned the company as a key player in the semiconductor industry.

Viridis Industrial Chemistry is set to open a chemical manufacturing plant in Peoria, Ill., by the end of the year that will use corn-based ethanol to produce ethyl acetate. The plant is expected to create 40 jobs. "We'll be reducing domestic imports and providing our customers with a more sustainable, lower-carbon, better solution that's closer to their demand, and made right here in the US," said CEO Patrick Killian.

The complexity of President Donald Trump's tariff regime has become a major challenge for businesses, driving up costs and complicating operations. The new system replaces a uniform tariff structure with varying rates based on the origin of goods, forcing companies to invest heavily in compliance and divert resources from innovation and growth. A KPMG survey finds that 89% of CEOs expect tariffs to significantly impact business performance, with many planning to raise prices to offset costs.

Quantum computing is showing early promise in chemistry, with companies demonstrating how these advanced machines can approach chemical problems at conferences like the 2025 Quantum World Congress. While the technology has not yet surpassed classical computers, chemistry remains a leading area where quantum computing could make its initial impact.

Be assertive in your leadership by being directive, speaking with conviction and leading with both authority and empathy to increase your chances of a promotion over leaders who are quiet, conflict-averse and reluctant to make tough calls, writes executive coach Joel Garfinkle. Improve your presence as a leader by being more enthusiastic, asserting yourself with respect and letting senior leaders see you engaging in difficult conversations and addressing issues head-on, Garfinkle advises.