EPA Approves Cleaner Rules for California Cement Kilns
Published Date: 4/16/2026
Rule
Summary
The EPA just gave a thumbs-up to new rules that cut pollution from Portland cement kilns in Eastern Kern, California. This means cleaner air for local communities starting May 18, 2026, with businesses following updated limits on nitrogen oxide emissions. It’s a win for health and the environment without extra costs for companies.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Rule 425.3 Becomes Federally Enforceable
The EPA approved Eastern Kern Air Pollution Control District Rule 425.3 (Portland Cement Kilns, amended November 13, 2024) into the California State Implementation Plan and made it federally enforceable as of May 18, 2026. The rule regulates oxides of nitrogen (NOX) from Portland cement kilns and replaces the prior version in the SIP.
Startup/Shutdown Exemptions Replaced
The November 13, 2024 amendment to Rule 425.3 removes exemptions that previously applied during startup and shutdown periods and instead sets alternative NOX emission limits for those periods. This amended rule was submitted December 12, 2024 and approved into the SIP effective May 18, 2026.
Breakdown Exemption Removed; Clocks Ended
The amended rule removes the exemption during breakdown conditions and, by approving the November 13, 2024 version, the EPA resolved deficiencies that led to a June 5, 2023 limited disapproval. Approving the rule also permanently terminates all sanctions clocks and Federal Implementation Plan (FIP) clocks triggered by the June 5, 2023 limited disapproval action.
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