People Inhabiting Near Steel Plants Petition EPA for Review of Postponed Regulation on Harmful Air Pollution Emissions

In a recent turn of events, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has delayed the implementation of tighter restrictions on hazardous air pollution from steel manufacturing. This decision has sparked controversy, with concerns over public health and environmental justice at the forefront.

Kiley Bense, a reporter based in Pennsylvania, has been covering this issue extensively. Bense, who holds master's degrees in journalism and creative writing from Columbia University, has reported on the effects of the fracking boom in Pennsylvania, the expansion of the American plastics industry, and the intersection of climate change and culture. Her work has been published in renowned publications such as the New York Times, the Atlantic, Smithsonian Magazine, the Believer, and Sierra Magazine. Bense can be reached at kiley.bense@our website and on Twitter at @kiley.bsky.social.

The rule in question, originally scheduled for 2024, has been delayed for two years. The 2024 rule strengthened or set emissions limits and required fenceline monitoring for chromium, among other pollutants. The delay, according to the EPA, is due to "serious concerns that facilities will be unable to comply with the relevant requirements by the existing deadlines."

Allan Haline, a resident of Ogden Dunes, Indiana, testified that the EPA's delays in implementing tighter air pollution restrictions are "a tremendous environmental injustice." Haline, a physician, has personally witnessed the adverse health effects stemming from air pollution and was "appalled" by the delay. He implored the government to hold polluting steel mills accountable.

Valerie Denney, a member of Gary Advocates for Responsible Development, shared similar sentiments, urging the government to consider the impact on public health. Testimony at the hearing described billowing smoke, brown haze, and an overpowering stench as part of the daily experience of living near a steelmaking facility.

The Environmental Integrity Project recently found widespread compliance problems with the Clean Air Act at steel facilities across the country. Earthjustice, an attorney representing parties in the lawsuit against the EPA, alleges that the interim final rule issued by the EPA is illegal because the EPA is only supposed to bypass notice and comment procedures if there is a "real emergency."

Michael Long, the senior director of environmental affairs at Cleveland-Cliffs, which operates facilities in Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Michigan, said the delays would "not expose anyone to harm." However, Hilary Lewis, the steel director at Industrious Labs, disagreed, stating that the delay will result in air pollution emissions that "EPA has previously determined harms health and is avoidable for the next two years."

As the debate continues, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and health of communities living near steel manufacturing facilities. The outcome of this issue will have significant implications for the future of environmental regulations and public health.