WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration on Wednesday took a significant step toward overturning a federal regulation aimed at controlling emissions that affect neighboring states.
The plan, referred to as the 'good neighbor' rule, has been identified by Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin as a critical regulatory rollback among others targeted for review or elimination. This follows a 2024 Supreme Court decision that ruled the EPA could not enforce the rule that seeks to mitigate air pollution from coal-fired power plants and other industrial operations.
The EPA's proposal, announced Wednesday, allows eight states—Alabama, Arizona, Kentucky, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nevada, New Mexico, and Tennessee—to independently manage their ozone air pollution levels. Zeldin noted that, should this proposal be finalized, these states will operate without the constraints of a federally imposed 'Good Neighbor Plan.'
Previously, during President Biden's administration, the EPA had disapproved or indicated disapproval of the ozone plans proposed by these states, citing inadequate control measures against interstate air pollution.
Zeldin's comments described the current EPA's approach as one emphasizing 'cooperative federalism,' granting states the autonomy necessary to fulfill their air quality objectives without federal overreach.
“Today, we are taking an important step to undo a Biden administration rule that treated our state partners unfairly,” Zeldin said. “This plan will enable these states to pursue cleaner air solutions for their communities without the delays associated with federal guidelines.”
However, critics argue this approach rewards states for noncompliance, potentially exacerbating pollution issues. Environmentalists argue that states such as Indiana and Ohio, which are heavily industrialized, contribute to air quality problems in East Coast states like Connecticut and Delaware.
“Once again, Donald Trump and Lee Zeldin are choosing to protect aging, dirty and expensive coal plants over strong federal clean air protections,” stated Zachary Fabish, a lawyer from the Sierra Club. He warned that permitting states to skirt responsibility could lead to increased health risks for Americans and higher energy costs.
The EPA will open a public comment period for at least 30 days following the rule's publication in the Federal Register, inviting stakeholder feedback on the proposed changes.
