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US EPA sets final guideline on cutting chemical plant pollution

The U.S. Environmental Security Company on Tuesday completed a rule that will reduce cancercausing hazardous air contaminants from chemical plants and need routine air quality monitoring to protect communities surrounding those centers.

WHY IT is very important

The agency's rule targeting ethylene oxide and chloroprene will resolve 2 of President Joe Biden's key policy concerns, safeguarding susceptible communities overburdened by pollution and advancing his goal to end cancer.

It applies to 200 plants mainly situated in an area along the Gulf Coast where petrochemical plants are clustered that make artificial natural chemicals and a number of polymers and resins, including neoprene and where locals suffer high rates of cancer.

The EPA estimates that emissions from the facilities will be minimized by nearly 80%.

CONTEXT

The announcement follows the EPA submitted a complaint versus neoprene maker Denka in 2022 under Section 303 of the Clean Air Act to require it to cut emissions of chloroprene at its center in LaPlace, Louisiana. The Japanese company stated this year that EPA violated its authority when it looked for quick reductions of carcinogenic chloroprene emissions.

ESSENTIAL QUOTE

We promised to listen to folks that are experiencing contamination and act to protect them. Today we provide on that pledge with strong last requirements to slash pollution, reduce cancer threat, and ensure cleaner air for nearby neighborhoods, said EPA Administrator Michael Regan.

THE INFORMATION

The rule also minimizes extra air toxics, consisting of benzene, 1,3-butadiene, ethylene dichloride and vinyl chloride. The EPA projects that cutting emissions of these chemicals will decrease the risks of developing cancer from breathing in toxic air toxins and cut back smog-forming unpredictable organic compounds by 23,700 tons a year.

(source: Reuters)