The policy in question concerns facilities that were once considered “major” emitters of hazardous pollution but have since taken steps to reduce their emissions.
Prior to the Trump administration, facilities that had at one point been considered “major” pollution sources would still have to meet stringent pollution requirements even if they reduced their emissions. This policy was known as “once in, always in.”
However, in 2020, the Trump administration allowed polluters that had cut their emissions to reclassify as smaller “area” polluters and follow less stringent pollution control and reporting requirements.
The Biden administration’s actions restored the pre-Trump requirements for facilities that are significant sources of seven types of harmful and persistent pollution.
It tackles pollutants such as mercury, which is a neurotoxin, as well as cancer-causing PCBs and dioxins.
But it leaves in place the Trump-era flexibility for other types of facilities.
Environmental and health advocates described the Biden administration’s action as a positive step, but many also called for a return to pre-Trump regulations.
Read more at TheHill.com.
