EPA has issued a final pollution rule for large incinerators that tightens limits from 2006 levels but is much less stringent than what was proposed under the Biden administration.
The rule for large municipal solid waste combustors had been part of the Biden administration’s environmental justice agenda, since many such incinerators are located in minority and low-income communities. The Trump administration has ended environmental justice considerations and issued a final rule that will not reduce toxic emissions as much as the 2024 proposal.
The ultimate effect of the rule change will be fewer emissions reductions and reduced industry compliance costs.
Background: The final rule follows two decades of legal and rulemaking efforts for incinerators that burn at least 250 tons of trash daily. Almost four million people live within 3 miles of the 57 facilities with a total of 152 incineration units, according to the proposal.
