The United States Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) seeks to address the applicability and compliance concerns arising from additions to the statutory list of Hazardous Air Pollutants (“HAP”). On September 13th, the EPA published in the Federal Register a proposed rule that would revise the general provisions for Clean Air Act National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (“NESHAP”). The decision lands amidst increasing attention to air quality and environmental legislation worldwide.
In a nutshell, the proposed rule intends to mitigate issues that might arise when a compound is newly added to the HAP list. This action not only promotes broader coverage in keeping the environment pollution-free, but it also aims to develop a systematic and clear framework for legal professionals and corporations alike in dealing with newly listed pollutants.
Keeping abreast of these evolving regulatory landscapes is crucial for organizations, especially those in industries with high emissions. This rule should prompt corporate legal departments to reassess their compliance plans, ensuring the necessary changes are made promptly following the addition of any compound to the HAP list.
The proposed changes are making its way through federal bureaucracy and would come into effect following public consultation and further amendments. For the full details of the proposed legislation, refer to its publication in the Federal Register elaborated here.
While it remains to be seen how these revisions will shape the future of environmental protection in the U.S., it’s clear that this proposed rule signifies an increased emphasis on ensuring cleaner air quality across the nation.