EPA Reverses Its ‘Once In, Always In’ Air Pollution Policy (1)

The EPA will no longer enforce its “once in, always in” toxic air policy that meant industrial sources, such as chemical plants and refineries, were locked into years of pollution controls based on their estimated emissions, the agency announced Thursday.

Under the rule (RIN:2060-AM75), the Environmental Protection Agency determined it has no authority, under the plain language of the Clean Air Act, to restrict when a source of air emissions may be classified as relatively large or small.

“This rule, which follows on a 2018 guidance memorandum, will end regulatory interpretations that discourage facilities from investing in better ...