EPA rule to cut chemical plant air emissions

In a final regulation, the US Environmental Protection Agency has limited toxic air emissions from chemical plants and introduced new air monitoring requirements, particularly for facilities near communities. Once implemented, the rule will be the first to upgrade EPA chemical plant emission controls and standards in more than 15 years, according to the agency. The regulation will eliminate 6,200 metric tons per year of some 100 air pollutants. It is particularly aimed at reducing ethylene oxide and chloroprene emissions, which will be reduced by 80% at facilities covered by the regulation, the EPA says. It affects more than 200 chemical plants and includes equipment and processes used to make synthetic organic chemicals, polymers, and resins. EPA administrator Michael S. Regan announced the final regulation April 9 in a signing ceremony at EPA headquarters, where he appeared with half a dozen residents of communities near chemical plants. Regan recalled a 2021