“Chemical Industry Seeks Exemptions from Pollution Regulations”
Industry groups representing numerous chemical and petrochemical manufacturers are advocating for broad exemptions from federal mandates aimed at reducing emissions of harmful chemicals like mercury, arsenic, and benzene. The American Chemistry Council and the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers are making this request as the Trump administration provides an opportunity for industrial polluters to seek waivers from regulations enforced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA has established an online platform for regulated companies to apply for a two-year exemption under the Clean Air Act from various rules introduced during the Biden administration.
In a letter sent to the EPA on Monday, the chemistry council and the petrochemical group emphasized that regulation within the chemical industry ought to be grounded in sound scientific principles and a balanced assessment of risks and benefits. They expressed concerns that an EPA rule on air pollution from stationary sources fails to meet these criteria and imposes burdensome and costly requirements within an unrealistic timeframe.
The letter, obtained by the Associated Press, highlighted that the expenses associated with the rule’s risk-related provisions alone could surpass $50 billion, significantly exceeding the EPA’s initial estimate of $1.8 billion upon publication last year. Environmental organizations have criticized the administration’s offer to grant exemptions to industry players, labeling the newly established email address as a “polluters’ portal” that could enable numerous companies to bypass regulations designed to safeguard the environment and public health. These exemptions could potentially apply to nine EPA rules issued during the Biden administration, encompassing restrictions on mercury, ethylene oxide, and other hazardous air pollutants with severe health implications.
Mercury exposure, for instance, can lead to neurological damage, particularly in children, and pose risks of birth defects for fetuses exposed in utero. The Environmental Defense Fund accused chemical and petrochemical companies, including major players like ExxonMobil, Marathon Petroleum, Chevron, Dow, and DuPont, of leveraging their industry associations to secure presidential exemptions that compromise public health and safety. The group’s general counsel, Vickie Patton, criticized the EPA Administrator for creating a loophole that allows companies to evade crucial air pollution limitations, potentially endangering communities.
The Environmental Defense Fund has submitted a Freedom of Information Act request for all records pertaining to the EPA portal, including the identities of entities seeking exemptions. The organization has vowed to pursue legal action if necessary to disclose these records to the public. This move by the EPA to offer exemptions represents one of multiple instances in which the agency, under the new administrator, has sought to relax enforcement of environmental regulations, including those governing pollution from coal-fired power plants.
Zeldin is advocating for significant cuts to spending at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) by up to 65%, along with reducing the agency’s staff. The EPA is also considering eliminating its scientific research office and attempting to revoke $20 billion in grants aimed at promoting clean energy, which were approved by the Biden administration. While presidential exemptions to EPA rules are uncommon, President Biden granted some last year, particularly in relation to tightening emission standards for ethylene oxide from medical equipment sterilization facilities.
The EPA has deferred questions regarding potential exemptions to the White House, clarifying that the authority for such actions lies with the president. White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers emphasized that no decisions have been finalized, but affirmed President Trump’s commitment to bolstering American energy independence, safeguarding national security interests, and ensuring environmental protection.
The chemical council expressed gratitude towards the current administration for offering a potential pathway to alleviate the stringent timelines imposed by the Biden administration. The council anticipates collaborating closely with the EPA to create science-based requirements that safeguard public health and safety without burdening domestic manufacturers excessively, which could jeopardize national security and American competitiveness.
