The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized a rule to update the Federal Implementation Plan (FIP) for sulfur dioxide emissions from four sources in Billings and Laurel, Montana. This rule removes the previous allowance for exceeding emission limits during malfunctions, startups, and shutdowns, as it did not align with the Clean Air Act. The EPA conducted an environmental justice analysis and found no significant disparities in pollution burden around the affected facilities. This rule will take effect on February 18, 2025, and is intended to have a neutral to positive impact on local air quality.
Simple Explanation
The EPA decided to change a rule to make sure factories in Billings and Laurel, Montana, can't go over their pollution limits when something breaks or when they're starting up or shutting down. This is to help keep the air clean.