Industry News

EPA issues stronger clean air standard for chemical plants

April 16, 2024

The rule will affect approximately 200 plants that make synthetic organic chemicals and a variety of polymers and resins.

Alexis Gajewski

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a final rule that is designed to significantly reduce toxic air pollution from chemical plants. The rule will reduce ethylene oxide and chloroprene emissions related to covered processes and equipment by nearly 80%. As part of the rule, chemical plants will be required to conduct fenceline monitoring for key toxic chemicals, and the data will be made publicly available by the EPA. The rule will affect approximately 200 plants that make synthetic organic chemicals and a variety of polymers and resins. The rule also reduces additional air toxics, such as benzene, 1,3-butadiene, ethylene dichloride and vinyl chloride.

In a recent quote, White House Council on Environmental Quality Chair Brenda Mallory said, “By issuing strong clean air standards and requiring companies to monitor pollution at the fenceline, the Biden-Harris Administration is protecting communities from toxic chemicals that can cause cancer and ensuring people know what is in their air. This critical step advances President Biden’s commitment to environmental justice for overburdened communities and will help keep children safe from toxic chemical exposure.”

EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan added, “President Biden believes every community in this country deserves to breathe clean air. That’s why I took the Journey to Justice tour to communities like St. John the Baptist Parish, where residents have borne the brunt of toxic air for far too long. 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.”

About the Author

Alexis Gajewski | Senior Content Strategist

Alexis Gajewski has over 15 years of experience in the maintenance, reliability, operations, and manufacturing space. She joined Plant Services in 2008 and works to bring readers the news, insight, and information they need to make the right decisions for their plants. Alexis also authors “The Lighter Side of Manufacturing,” a blog that highlights the fun and innovative advances in the industrial sector.