On Tuesday, the US Environmental Protection Agency officially enacted a regulation to diminish cancer-causing toxic air emissions from chemical plants. This rule mandates regular monitoring of air quality to safeguard nearby communities.
This regulation aligns with President Joe Biden’s crucial objectives of protecting vulnerable communities disproportionately affected by pollution and working towards his ambition to eradicate cancer.
This recent development emerged following the EPA’s initiation of legal action against neoprene manufacturer Denka in 2022, invoking Section 303 of the Clean Air Act to compel the reduction of chloroprene emissions at its LaPlace, Louisiana facility.
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Denka, the Japanese company, contested the EPA’s actions in 2023, claiming that the agency exceeded its jurisdiction by demanding swift reductions in carcinogenic chloroprene emissions.
“We promised to listen to folks that are suffering from pollution and act to protect them. Today we deliver on that promise with strong final standards to slash pollution, reduce cancer risk, and ensure cleaner air for nearby communities,” said EPA Administrator Michael Regan.
The rule also decreases other harmful air pollutants like benzene, 1,3-butadiene, ethylene dichloride, and vinyl chloride.
The EPA estimates that reducing emissions of these chemicals will lower the risk of cancer from inhaling toxic air pollutants and decrease volatile organic compounds, which form smog, by 23,700 tons annually.