EPA Greenlights Delaware's Factory Startup Pollution Rules
Published Date: 4/30/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The EPA is proposing to approve Delaware’s updated rules for handling extra pollution during startup, shutdown, and malfunction times at factories and power plants. These changes fix earlier problems and help Delaware meet clean air goals without causing new delays or costs. People and businesses in Delaware should know comments on this plan are open until June 1, 2026.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Fuel-burning plants must meet limits always
Delaware removed a SIP provision that could let large fuel-burning equipment skip limits during startup and shutdown. If approved, the existing limit of 0.3 lb/MMBtu as a maximum two-hour average for equipment with heat input ≥ 1 MMBtu/hr will apply at all times to commercial and industrial generators, engines, boilers, and turbines in Delaware.
Industrial processes must meet particulate limits
Delaware removed SIP language that could allow exemptions during startup and shutdown for industrial process operations. If approved, the existing particulate limit of 0.2 grains per standard cubic foot will apply at all times to industrial process equipment in Delaware.
Sulfur operations must meet SO2 limits always
Delaware removed SIP text that could permit startup/shutdown exemptions for sulfur compound operations. If approved, sulfuric acid manufacturing and sulfur recovery operations in Delaware must meet the stated limits at all times, for example 0.5 lb/ton for acid mist and a maximum SO2 rate of 2,000 ppm for sulfur recovery operations.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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