EPA ‘neighbor’ rule cuts pollution by power plants

MATTHEW DALY Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) A new “good neighbor” rule issued by the Environmental Protection Agency will restrict smokestack emissions from power plants and other industrial sources that burden downwind areas with smog-causing pollution they can’t control. Nearly two dozen states will have to cut harmful industrial emissions of nitrogen oxide and other pollutants to improve air quality for millions of people living in downwind communities

The final rule, issued March 15 will save thousands of lives, keep tens of thousands of people out of the hospital, prevent millions of asthma attacks and reduce sick days, according to the agency

“Every community deserves fresh air to breathe

We know air pollution doesn’t stop at the state line,” said EPA Administrator Michael Regan.

The rule will take effect in May for power plants and “lockinsignificantpollution reductions to ensure cleaner air and deliver public health protectionsforthosewho’ve suffered far too long from air-quality related impacts and illness,”Regan said The limitsonindustrialsitestake effect in 2026

States that contribute to ground-level ozone, or smog, are required to submit plans ensuring that coal-fired power plants and other industrial sites don’t add significantly to air pollution in other states In cases where a state has not submitted a “good neighbor” plan or where EPA disapproves a state plan the federal plan would take effect to ensure downwind states are protected.

A 2015 rule set by EPA

Environmental blocks states from adding to ozone pollution in other localities The rule applies mostly to states in the South and Midwest that contribute to air pollution along the East Coast Some states, such as Texas, California, Pennsylvania, Illinois and Wisconsin, both contribute to downwind pollution and receive it from other states

Environmental and public health advocates hailed the final rule as a life-saving measure that will significantly cut air pollution that crosses state lines, harming people who live hundreds of miles away from power plants, cement factories, steel mills and other industrial polluters

“Too many communities breathe unhealthy air because pollution from power plants and industrial sources blows across state lines,” said Harold Wimmer, president and CEO of the American Lung Association.“This rule will curb emissions that contribute to unhealthy levels of ozone in downwind communities and help achieve cleaner air for people who live near polluting sources”

The National Mining Association slammed the rule as part of an ongoing, cumulative effort by the EPA under President Joe Biden to force the closure of coalfired power plants across the country

“With each rule that targets well-operating coal plants–theverysameplants that are called on to keep the lights on when renewables or natural gas are unavailable and consumer demand soars – our electricity grid becomes increasingly vulnerable to crippling supply shortfalls,” said Conor Bernstein, vice president of the mining group

The cross-state pollution rule, combined with rules on wastewater pollution, mercury and air toxics, and rules expected on greenhouse gas emissions,“make it impossible for utilities to make decisions based on the merits of what keeps the lights on, forcing those utilities to make decisions solely based on the EPA’s agenda,” Bernstein said.