agency's strategies slammed for causing delays in air toxins regulations
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has faced criticism for granting compliance breaks to integrated steelmakers and coke companies, allowing them more time to meet strengthened air toxics rules. This decision, made using an Interim Final Rule (IFR), has been met with opposition from community and environmental groups.
The strengthened air toxics rules, intended to reduce pollution from these industries, were originally set to take effect this year. However, the EPA's use of an IFR to grant compliance breaks has bypassed the public notice and comment process, a move that has been criticised for not allowing the public to comment on the draft rule.
In July 2021, the EPA unilaterally awarded regulatory compliance breaks to a group of steelmakers and coke manufacturers in northwest Indiana. This decision was made without the usual rule-making process, a move that has been criticised as a delay tactic that benefits industries rather than people.
Two public hearings were belatedly called by the EPA after it granted the compliance breaks. At one of these hearings, Valerie Denney, a member of a Gary, Indiana community group, expressed her criticism of the EPA's decision. Denney, who now lives in nearby Chicago, criticised the decision as a delay tactic that benefits industries rather than people.
Claudia Meier, an environmental activist, also voiced her criticism in March 2024. She argued that the EPA's decision to grant compliance breaks to these industries bypassed the public notice and comment process, and did not provide the public with a heads-up on its plans.
The new deadline for these industries to meet the strengthened standards is now 2027. However, the controversy surrounding the EPA's decision continues, with many questioning the agency's commitment to protecting public health and the environment.
