EPA’s final rule falls short of proposed limits on air pollution from stationary combustion turbines
WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released weak standards for emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) from stationary combustion turbines. The final rule contradicts the Clean Air Act and EPA’s mission by failing to protect human health and the environment.
“EPA’s final rule is far weaker than what was proposed in 2024. For all but a limited subset of combustion turbines, it fails to limit NOx emissions to levels achievable using modern control technologies,” said Hayden Hashimoto, attorney at Clean Air Task Force. “While the proposal contained narrowly tailored exceptions to the most stringent standards, the final rule allows the exceptions to swallow the rule. Weak standards for these sources would allow greater pollution burdens on surrounding areas and communities for decades and are inconsistent with Clean Air Act requirements.”
NOx is a regulated criteria pollutant under the Clean Air Act, and a precursor to other criteria pollutants, specifically ground level-ozone (the main ingredient in smog) and particulate matter, which can cause respiratory issues, cardiovascular effects, and even premature death. In addition to affecting local air quality, smog and its precursors can travel great distances, and exposure to smog can aggravate diseases such as asthma and chronic bronchitis.
Hashimoto added:
“Modern pollution controls for these emissions, particularly selective catalytic reduction systems, are well-demonstrated and cost reasonable, as EPA recognized in the proposed rule. However, EPA has now taken a step backward on public health by finalizing weaker limits than it proposed. By finalizing standards that do not reflect the use of modern controls, the agency is ignoring its statutory responsibility and allowing significant and unnecessary increases in air pollution that threaten public health and the environment.”
Press Contact
Samantha Sadowski, Senior Communications Manager, U.S., ssadowski@catf.us, +1 202-440-1717
About Clean Air Task Force
Clean Air Task Force (CATF) is a global nonprofit organization working to safeguard against the worst impacts of climate change by catalyzing the rapid development and deployment of low-carbon energy and other climate-protecting technologies. With more than 25 years of internationally recognized expertise on climate policy and a fierce commitment to exploring all potential solutions, CATF is a pragmatic, non-ideological advocacy group with the bold ideas needed to address climate change. CATF has offices in Boston, Washington D.C., and Brussels, with staff working virtually around the world. Visit catf.us and follow @cleanaircatf.
