EPA Finalizes "Good Neighbor Plan" Targeting Ozone-Creating NOx Emissions In 23 States

On March 15, 2023, EPA finalized its Good Neighbor Plan under the Clean Air Act ("CAA"), a rule designed to reduce smog-forming nitrogen oxide ("NOx") pollution from power plants and other industrial facilities in 23 upwind states that impact compliance with ambient air quality standards in downwind states. This rule will have a significant impact on power plants emissions in 22 states beginning in 2023, and will impose additional emission limits on certain industries, such as cement manufacturing, mining and solid waste combustion, in 20 states beginning in 2026.

Background

The CAA requires each state to submit State Implementation Plans ("SIPs") that contain rules, plans and programs that will lead to compliance with the National Ambient Air Quality Standards ("NAAQS"). In these SIPs, states are required to ensure that air pollution sources in the state do not contribute to nonattainment of the NAAQS in other states. This requirement is known as the "Good