Curb Your Pollution: EPA Issues Final Rule to Reduce Toxic Air Pollution

EPA Issues Final Rule to Reduce Toxic Air Pollution from the Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturing Industry and the Polymers and Resins Industries

On April 9, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced its final rule that is touted to provide critical health protections to hundreds of thousands of people living near chemical plants. The final rule, signed March 28, 2024, will reduce emissions of hazardous air pollutants, including the toxic chemicals chloroprene and ethylene oxide (EtO). The rule implements sections 111 and 112 of the Clean Air Act.

Significance of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

1. Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being – The final rule aims to provide critical health protections to hundreds of thousands of people living near chemical plants by reducing emissions of hazardous air pollutants.
2. Goal 13: Climate Action – The rule will reduce more than 6,200 tons a year of over 100 air toxics, including EtO and chloroprene, from covered equipment and processes at plants in Texas and Louisiana, along with plants in other parts of the country.
3. Goal 15: Life on Land – The EPA’s final rule will also require plants to conduct fenceline monitoring to measure levels of pollution in the air around the perimeter of a facility, ensuring effective control of toxic air pollution.

Emissions Reductions and Health Benefits

• The final rule will reduce more than 6,200 tons a year of over 100 air toxics, including EtO and chloroprene, from covered equipment and processes at plants in Texas and Louisiana, along with plants in other parts of the country including Delaware, New Jersey, and the Ohio River Valley.
• The EPA is also issuing new emissions limits for dioxins and furans, reducing more than 23,000 tons of smog-forming volatile organic compounds (VOCs) each year.
• The emission reductions will yield significant reductions in lifetime cancer risk attributable to these air pollutants, in addition to other health benefits.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   • Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
   • Indicator: Reduction in emissions of hazardous air pollutants, including chloroprene and ethylene oxide (EtO), from the synthetic organic chemical manufacturing industry and the polymers and resins industries.

2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   • Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
   • Indicator: Reduction in emissions of hazardous air pollutants, including chloroprene and ethylene oxide (EtO), from chemical plants located near communities.

3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

   • Target 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water, and soil to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment.
   • Indicator: Reduction in emissions of hazardous air pollutants, including chloroprene and ethylene oxide (EtO), from covered equipment and processes at chemical plants.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

The article addresses or connects to the following SDGs:

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

The specific targets under these SDGs that can be identified based on the article’s content are:

1. Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
2. Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
3. Target 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water, and soil to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment.

The indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets are:

• Reduction in emissions of hazardous air pollutants, including chloroprene and ethylene oxide (EtO), from the synthetic organic chemical manufacturing industry and the polymers and resins industries.
• Reduction in emissions of hazardous air pollutants, including chloroprene and ethylene oxide (EtO), from chemical plants located near communities.
• Reduction in emissions of hazardous air pollutants, including chloroprene and ethylene oxide (EtO), from covered equipment and processes at chemical plants.

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: natlawreview.com

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