EPA Sued Over Move to Exempt Texas From Air Emissions Rule

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s decision to exempt Texas from a 2015 rule limiting emissions during startups, shutdowns, and malfunctions will allow facilities to release pollution that puts public health at risk, according to a coalition of environmental and community groups.

The Sierra Club, Air Alliance Houston, Citizens for Environmental Justice and six other groups challenged the agency’s final rule that found the affirmative defense provisions in the Texas implementation plan consistent with Clean Air Act requirements. The rule, which was published in the Federal Register in February, goes into effect Thursday.

Texas was one of 36 states required under ...