Jessica King, jessica.king@sierraclub.org
Washington, D.C. -- Yesterday, the EPA proposed to move forward with a Trump-era policy that narrows the scope of what the agency can examine when they review air operating permits, reducing the depth and quality of EPA’s review of air permits.
The proposal would prevent EPA from evaluating the substance of underlying state air permits, such as New Source Review (NSR) permits, as the agency reviews Clean Air Act Title V permits, potentially allowing large polluters to operate without modern, industry-standard pollution safeguards. Under the proposal, EPA would also be prevented from considering whether the state correctly designated a facility as a “minor” or “major” source of air pollution, eliminating an avenue for communities to hold accountable larger polluters that wrongfully receive less stringent state air permits.
EPA is taking public comment on the proposal until March 11, 2024.
In response, Sierra Club Senior Attorney Andrea Issod released the following statement:
“We’re deeply disappointed in EPA’s proposal to cement a harmful Trump-era policy that overlooks errors in state-level air permit decisions for major pollution sources. By turning a blind eye to mistakes in state-level permitting decisions, EPA is ignoring its duty to protect communities from harmful air pollution.
“Rather than take a step backward in our fight for clean air, EPA must codify its more longstanding and sensible approach that protects communities and requires all polluters to adhere to the requirements of the Clean Air Act.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.