EPA Eyes Cleaner Air at Taconite Plant—Ho Hum
Published Date: 4/24/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The EPA wants to update pollution rules for U.S. Steel’s Keetac taconite plant in Minnesota to cut nitrogen oxide emissions using the best available technology. This change helps clean the air and meets federal clean air laws. People can share their thoughts by June 10, 2025, and a virtual hearing might happen on May 12 if requested.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Keetac must meet new NOX limits
If you operate the Keetac taconite facility (U.S. Steel), EPA is proposing new NOX emission limits: 3.4 lbs NOX/MMBtu on a 720-hour rolling average when firing exclusively natural gas (becomes enforceable three years after the final rule) and 2.0 lbs NOX/MMBtu on a 720-hour rolling average when burning fuels other than exclusively natural gas (becomes enforceable five years after the final rule). You must install the NOX reduction technology no later than three years after the final rule, continuously operate a Continuous Emissions Monitoring System (CEMS), keep CEMS records onsite for at least 5 years, and you may seek a cofiring limit adjustment (up to 2.5 lbs NOX/MMBtu) by submitting required CEMS data within 52 months (final submission by 54 months) after the effective date.
Reduced NOX emissions and better visibility
If you live near Keewatin or visit nearby Class I areas, EPA expects the Keetac controls to lower NOX emissions by about 40–45% when firing natural gas (from baseline ~6.0–6.2 lbs NOX/MMBtu to the proposed 3.4 lbs NOX/MMBtu limit). EPA says this will produce substantial visibility improvements and will have a beneficial effect on children's health by reducing air pollution.
Small businesses not affected
If you run a small business, EPA states this proposed action applies only to one taconite facility (Keetac) that is not owned by a small entity; EPA certified under the Regulatory Flexibility Act that the rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.
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Key Dates
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