EPA Drops Sulfur Dioxide Violations for Texas Counties After Court Win
Published Date: 9/5/2025
Rule
Summary
Good news for folks in Rusk and Panola Counties, Texas! The court canceled the EPA’s previous air quality trouble tickets about sulfur dioxide, so the EPA is wiping away related penalties and plans. This means no new rules or costs will hit the area because of those old findings.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Withdrawal of Failure-to-Submit Finding
The EPA is withdrawing its August 10, 2020 finding that Rusk and Panola Counties, Texas failed to submit an attainment plan for the 2010 SO2 standard. Because the nonattainment designation was vacated by the Fifth Circuit on May 16, 2025, any requirements that came from that August 10, 2020 finding no longer apply in those counties.
Withdrawal of Failure-to-Attain Finding
The EPA is withdrawing its December 17, 2024 finding that Rusk and Panola Counties, Texas failed to attain the 2010 SO2 standard. Following the May 16, 2025 court vacatur of the nonattainment designation, any obligations or penalties tied to the December 17, 2024 finding are no longer applicable in those counties.
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