EPA Approves Washington's Tweaks to Startup Pollution Rules
Published Date: 5/9/2025
Rule
Summary
The EPA is giving a thumbs-up to Washington’s updated air rules for the Southwest Clean Air Agency, fixing old problems with how excess pollution during startup and shutdown is handled. This means cleaner air and clearer rules for local businesses and communities. The changes kick in soon, helping everyone breathe easier without extra costs or delays.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
EPA Approves WA SIP Revisions
On June 22, 2023 Washington submitted revisions to the Southwest Clean Air Agency rules, and the EPA has approved those revisions that respond to a prior EPA action. The approval fixes a previously identified deficiency tied to excess emissions during startup, shutdown, and malfunction events and corrects the problem identified in the EPA's June 12, 2015 "SSM SIP call" and the EPA's January 2022 finding.
SSM Affirmative Defense Removed/Fixed
The revisions respond to a provision that had provided affirmative defenses limiting Federal court jurisdiction in enforcement actions for excess emissions during startup, shutdown, and malfunction (SSM) events. The EPA's approval corrects that deficiency identified in the June 12, 2015 SSM SIP call.
Some Submitted Portions Were Withdrawn
Washington withdrew some portions of the June 22, 2023 submission that were not identified in the 2015 SSM SIP call, and the EPA is not approving those withdrawn portions. Those withdrawn parts of the state's submission remain unapproved by EPA.
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