Louisiana's Sulfur Dioxide Cleanup Gets EPA Green Light
Published Date: 5/8/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The EPA is set to approve Louisiana’s plan to clean up sulfur dioxide pollution in Evangeline Parish, making the air safer to breathe. This plan includes new rules for the Cabot Corporation’s Ville Platte Plant and shows steady progress toward meeting air quality goals. The changes kick in soon and won’t require extra costs for new pollution controls beyond what’s already planned.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
EPA proposes SO2 cleanup in Evangeline Parish
The EPA is proposing to approve Louisiana’s plan submitted on April 2, 2025 to reduce sulfur dioxide (SO2) pollution in the Evangeline Parish nonattainment area. The plan includes an attainment demonstration, a reasonable further progress plan, reasonably available control measures and technology (RACM/RACT), emission inventories, and contingency measures to make the air safer to breathe.
AOC for Cabot plant without extra control costs
The SIP revision includes an Agreed Order on Consent (AOC) for the Cabot Corporation’s Ville Platte Plant. The EPA statement says these changes will not require extra costs for new pollution controls beyond what is already planned.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-10085 — Rescission of Regulatory Determinations and Removal of Related Provisions for Four PFAS Substances (PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO-DA (GenX), and the Mixture of These Three PFAS Plus PFBS)
The EPA is proposing to undo its rules for four PFAS chemicals (PFHxS, PFNA, GenX, and a mix including PFBS) in drinking water because the original process wasn’t done right. This means public water systems won’t have to monitor or treat these chemicals for now. People and water providers should weigh in by July 20, 2026, and a virtual hearing happens July 7.
2026-10086 — Extending the Compliance Deadline for the PFOA and PFOS Maximum Contaminant Levels
The EPA is giving water systems more time to meet safety rules for two harmful chemicals, PFOA and PFOS, by extending the deadline from April 2029 to April 2031 if they ask for it. This helps water providers get ready without rushing, keeping our drinking water safe. The EPA wants your thoughts and will hold a public hearing in July 2026 to hear from everyone.
2026-09895 — Effluent Limitations Guidelines and Standards for the Steam Electric Power Generating Point Source Category-Unmanaged Combustion Residual Leachate
The EPA is updating rules for steam electric power plants to better control dirty water leaking from leftover coal waste. This change affects existing power plants and is expected to save up to $1 billion a year while protecting water quality. Comments on the proposal are open until June 17, 2026, so now’s the time to speak up!
2026-09524 — Begin Actual Construction in the New Source Review (NSR) Preconstruction Permitting Program
The EPA is updating rules about when companies can start building big projects that might affect air quality. Now, they can begin building parts that don’t release pollution before getting a full air permit, making things clearer and easier. This change mainly affects businesses planning major construction and could speed up projects without extra costs, but comments are due by June 29, 2026.
2026-09179 — Definition of Hazardous Waste Applicable to Corrective Action for Releases From Solid Waste Management Units; Withdrawal
The EPA has decided to cancel its plan to change the rules about what counts as hazardous waste for cleaning up pollution at certain waste sites. This means businesses and cleanup crews won’t have to deal with the confusing new rules that were proposed. The withdrawal takes effect immediately, so no extra costs or changes will happen right now.
2026-08750 — Extension of Postponement of Effectiveness for Certain Provisions of Trichloroethylene (TCE); Regulation Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)
The EPA is hitting the pause button again on some rules about a chemical called TCE, which is used in workplaces. This means certain limited uses of TCE won’t have to follow new restrictions just yet, while courts review the rules. If you work with TCE, this delay gives you more time before changes kick in, starting May 18, 2026.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-08077 — Approval and Promulgation of State Implementation Plans; New York; Emission Statement Certification of the 2008 and 2015 Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards
The EPA is giving a thumbs-up to New York’s plan showing it meets air pollution rules for ozone from 2008 and 2015. This means New York will keep tracking and reporting emissions to help keep our air clean. Businesses and communities in New York should keep an eye on these updates to stay in the clear and support healthier air.
Next: 2025-07780 — Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Military Readiness Activities in the Atlantic Fleet Training and Testing Study Area
The U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard want permission to accidentally affect marine mammals during their training and testing in the Atlantic Ocean from November 2025 to November 2032. The government is asking the public to share their thoughts before deciding on the rules that will protect these animals while supporting military readiness. This plan could impact marine life but helps keep our military sharp and ready.