On March 15, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the final Good Neighbor Plan, a rule that will significantly cut smog-forming nitrogen oxide pollution from power plants and other industrial facilities in 23 states.

The final rule will improve air quality for millions of people living in downwind communities, saving thousands of lives, keeping people out of the hospital, preventing asthma attacks, and reducing sick days.

Beginning in the 2026 ozone season, EPA is setting enforceable NOX emissions control requirements for certain sources at existing and new industrial facilities that have significant impacts on downwind air quality and the ability to install cost-effective pollution controls.

These industry-specific requirements will apply in 20 states-- including Pennsylvania-- and reflect proven, cost-effective pollution reduction measures that are consistent with standards that sources throughout the country have long implemented.

Collectively, these standards will reduce ozone season NOx emissions by approximately 45,000 tons from the following types of emission sources-- 

-- Reciprocating internal combustion engines in Pipeline Transportation of Natural Gas;

-- Kilns in Cement and Cement Product Manufacturing;

-- Reheat furnaces in Iron and Steel Mills and Ferroalloy Manufacturing;

-- Furnaces in Glass and Glass Product Manufacturing;

-- Boilers in Iron and Steel Mills and Ferroalloy Manufacturing, Metal Ore Mining, Basic Chemical Manufacturing, Petroleum and Coal Products Manufacturing, and Pulp, Paper, and Paperboard Mills; and

-- Combustors and incinerators in Solid Waste Combustors or Incinerators.

This final rule implements the Clean Air Act’s “Good Neighbor” or “interstate transport” provision, which requires each state to submit a State Implementation Plan (SIP) that ensures sources within the state do not contribute significantly to nonattainment or interfere with maintenance of the NAAQS in other states.

Each state must make this new SIP submission within 3 years after promulgation of a new or revised NAAQS.

Where EPA finds that a state has not submitted a Good Neighbor SIP, or if the EPA disapproves the SIP, the EPA must issue a Federal Implementation Plan (FIP) within 2 years to assure downwind states are protected.

Click Here for complete announcement.

Visit EPA's Good Neighbor Plan webpage for more information.

NewsClips:

-- Utility Dive: Power Plant, Pipeline, Cement, Paper Plant Owners In 22 States Face Tighter NOx Standards Under EPA’s Final Good Neighbor Rule

-- AP: EPA Good Neighbor Rule Cuts Downwind Air Pollution By Power Plants, Other Industries

[Posted: March 15, 2023]

3/20/2023