EPA Closes Montana Pollution Loophole That Excused 'Oops' Moments
Published Date: 1/17/2025
Rule
Summary
The EPA is updating rules for four factories in Billings and Laurel, Montana, to better control sulfur dioxide pollution. They’re removing a special excuse that let these factories break flare emission limits during malfunctions or startups. This change starts February 18, 2025, and aims to keep the air cleaner without adding new costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Flare excuse removed for 4 Montana plants
The EPA removed the rule that let four sources in Billings and Laurel, Montana, exceed flare sulfur dioxide limits during malfunctions, startups, and shutdowns by deleting 40 CFR 52.1392(i). This change applies to those four facilities and takes effect February 18, 2025; the EPA says it expects a neutral to positive impact on local air quality and that the change will not add new costs.
No new costs for small businesses
The EPA certified that this action will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities and states no small entities are subject to this rule. In other words, small businesses are not required to comply with new requirements from this change.
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