A rule that will require industrial facilities and power plants in 23 states to cut their smog-forming nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions has been finalized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Wednesday as one of several air quality and climate regulations it is due to unveil.
Tagged the “Good Neighbor”, the EPA’s plan is expected to ensure that 23 states curb NOx emissions from facilities that pollute across state lines so they could meet obligations for the 2015 Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS).
States ranging from New York to Texas to Nevada would be subject to the rule on ground-level ozone, or smog, that can cause respiratory and heart issues and can travel downwind across state lines, where it could affect over 127 million people.
“EPA’s ‘Good Neighbor’ plan will lock in significant pollution reductions to ensure cleaner air and deliver public health protections for those who’ve suffered far too long from air-quality related impacts and illness,” said EPA Administrator Michael Regan.
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The rule is one of several measures aimed at cleaning up power and industrial sector emissions that the agency is expected to roll out this spring. Other rules that are expected to follow suit as early as April include new greenhouse gas standards for power plants.
Affected power plants will participate in a revised ozone season trading program beginning from 2023 as the EPA aims to tighten emissions limits over time to encourage a phased installation of pollution controls from 2024.
The EPA will also require consistent operation of emissions controls to protect downwind regions and set a maximum daily emission rate for plants.
Beginning in the 2026 ozone season, EPA will set enforceable NOx emissions control requirements for existing and new emissions sources ranging from cement kilns to solid waste incinerators.
Story was adapted from Reuters.
