EPA Proposes Tougher Air Standards for Waste Burning Facilities

The Environmental Protection Agency announced a proposal on Thursday targeting tens of thousands of tons of emissions annually for sites that burn solid waste.

The proposal strengthens limits under the Clean Air Act that apply to facilities that burn trash for use in waste-to-energy and other operations.

Waste incineration is often concentrated in communities disproportionately impacted by pollution and marginalization, and it releases a myriad of pollutants such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. These emissions can also increase concentrations of particulate matter and ozone, according to the EPA.

“EPA is committed to working with communities and state, local, and ...