Notice of Lodging of Proposed Consent Decree Under the Clean Air Act
Published Date: 1/30/2026
Notice
Summary
The government is updating a deal with Birla Carbon U.S.A. (formerly Columbian Chemical Company) to clean up air pollution at their factories in Louisiana and Kansas. They’re changing deadlines for installing pollution control gear and meeting limits on harmful emissions like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. People have 30 days to share their thoughts before the new rules take effect.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Deadlines to Install Pollution Controls Changed
The proposed amendment revises the Consent Decree deadlines for Birla Carbon U.S.A. (formerly Columbian Chemical Company) to install and begin continuously operating certain air pollution control equipment at its carbon black manufacturing facilities in North Bend, Louisiana, and Hickok, Kansas.
Emissions Limits Deadline Revisions
The proposed Consent Decree amendment revises the deadlines for Birla Carbon U.S.A. to achieve and continuously maintain specified limits on emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter (PM) from its facilities.
30-Day Public Comment Opportunity
The Department of Justice opened a public comment period on the proposed Consent Decree amendment; comments must be submitted no later than thirty (30) days after the publication date of this notice (publication date: January 30, 2026).
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