US EPA sets final rule on cutting chemical plant pollution

Denka

09/04/2024 14:00

By Valerie Volcovici
       WASHINGTON, April 9 (Reuters) - The U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency on Tuesday finalized a rule that will reduce
cancer-causing toxic air pollutants from chemical plants and
require regular air quality monitoring to protect communities
surrounding those facilities.
    
    WHY IT'S IMPORTANT
    The agency's rule targeting ethylene oxide and chloroprene
will address two of President Joe Biden's key policy priorities,
safeguarding vulnerable communities overburdened by pollution
and advancing his goal to end cancer.
    It applies to 200 plants largely located in an area along
the Gulf Coast where petrochemical plants are clustered that
make synthetic organic chemicals and several polymers and
resins, including neoprene and where residents suffer high rates
of cancer. 
    The EPA estimates that emissions from the facilities will be
reduced by nearly 80%.
    
    CONTEXT
    The announcement comes after the EPA filed a complaint
against neoprene maker Denka in 2022 under Section 303 of the
Clean Air Act to force it to cut emissions of chloroprene at its
facility in LaPlace, Louisiana. The Japanese company said this
year that EPA overstepped its authority when it sought rapid
reductions of carcinogenic chloroprene emissions.
    
    KEY QUOTE
    “We promised to listen to folks that are suffering from
pollution and act to protect them. Today we deliver on that
promise with strong final standards to slash pollution, reduce
cancer risk, and ensure cleaner air for nearby communities,”
said EPA Administrator Michael Regan.  

    THE DETAILS
    The rule also reduces additional air toxics, including
benzene, 1,3-butadiene, ethylene dichloride and vinyl chloride.
The EPA projects that cutting emissions of these chemicals will
reduce the risks of developing cancer from breathing in toxic
air pollutants and cut back smog-forming volatile organic
compounds by 23,700 tons a year.

 (Reporting by Valerie Volcovici; Editing by Christian
Schmollinger)
 ((valerie.volcovici@thomsonreuters.com;))