EPA Rejects Challenge to Shell's Texas Plant Emissions Permit
Published Date: 1/21/2025
Notice
Summary
The EPA said no to Air Alliance Houston’s request to block Shell Chemical’s air permit in Harris County, Texas. But, the EPA also decided to reopen the permit for a closer look, so changes might be coming. This means Shell and the community should stay tuned for updates that could affect operations and local air quality.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
EPA Denies Objection to Shell Permit
On December 19, 2024, the EPA Administrator denied Air Alliance Houston’s June 11, 2024 petition asking the EPA to object to the Title V operating permit issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to Shell Chemical LP for its Deer Park Chemical Plant in Harris County, Texas. That denial means the EPA did not block the permit at that time.
EPA Finds Cause To Reopen Permit
Along with denying the petition, the EPA Administrator found on December 19, 2024 that cause exists to reopen the Shell Chemical Deer Park Chemical Plant permit pursuant to 40 CFR part 70.7. The finding explicitly starts a reopening review of that Title V operating permit.
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