The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released the final version of its “good neighbor plan” rule to limit nitrogen oxide emissions from power plants and industrial sites in 23 states. The rule sets new requirements for cement and steel producers that industry groups say could further raise construction materials costs, although EPA walked back some more contentious provisions proposed last year.
Agency Administrator Michael Regan announced the final rule March 15, saying it would reduce NOx pollution by about 70,000 tons in the 2026 summer ozone season, with emissions for power plants in 2027 estimated to be half of the 2021 emission level.