EPA Tightens NOx Rules at Minnesota Taconite Facility
Published Date: 6/8/2026
Rule
Summary
The EPA is updating pollution rules for U.S. Steel’s Keetac taconite plant in Minnesota to cut nitrogen oxide emissions from its furnace. New limits kick in over the next 3 to 5 years, with options to adjust based on real data. This means cleaner air for the community and clear deadlines for the company to follow.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
New NOX Limits and Deadlines
The EPA sets new nitrogen oxide (NOX) limits for the U.S. Steel Keetac Grate Kiln: 3.4 lbs NOX per MMBtu when burning only natural gas and 2.0 lbs NOX per MMBtu when burning any fuel other than only natural gas. Compliance is measured on a rolling 720-hour average; the rule is effective July 8, 2026, the natural-gas limit becomes enforceable July 8, 2029, and the non-natural-gas limit becomes enforceable July 8, 2031 (unless modified earlier).
Cofiring Limit Adjustment Option
Keetac may, within 52 months from the rule's effective date, request an adjustment to the cofiring (non-natural-gas) emission limit based on continuous emissions monitoring system (CEMS) data after installation. Any approved adjustment cannot exceed 2.5 lbs NOX/MMBtu (720-hour rolling average).
No Significant Small-Entity Impact
The EPA certifies this action will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities and will not impose requirements on small entities because it establishes emission limits for a single taconite source that is not owned by a small entity. The action is described as imposing no enforceable duties on states, local, tribal governments, or the private sector in a way that would affect small entities.
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