EPA Moves to Roll Back Good Neighbor Rule

The Trump administration's Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), led by Administrator Lee Zeldin, is advancing a plan to roll back the "Good Neighbor" rule, which limits smokestack emissions that affect air quality in downwind states. This proposal, announced on Wednesday, aims to approve state-specific plans for ozone air pollution from eight states: Alabama, Arizona, Kentucky, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nevada, New Mexico, and Tennessee. These states would no longer be required to adhere to federal standards imposed by the Biden administration, which had previously disapproved their plans for not sufficiently controlling ozone emissions.

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The Good Neighbor rule was established to mitigate air pollution that crosses state lines, particularly from coal-fired power plants and industrial sites. In 2024, the Supreme Court ruled that the EPA could not enforce this rule, prompting the current administration to reconsider its application. Zeldin emphasized that the rollback reflects a commitment to "cooperative federalism," allowing states to determine their own methods for achieving air quality goals.

EPA plan would begin rolling back 'good neighbor' rule on downwind pollution from smokestacks

Zeldin stated, “Today, we are taking an important step to undo a Biden administration rule that treated our state partners unfairly.” He argued that the new plan would enable states to advance cleaner air initiatives without the burden of federal mandates. Conversely, environmental groups criticized the proposal, claiming it rewards states for poor pollution management. Zachary Fabish, a lawyer for the Sierra Club, remarked, “Letting states off the hook while their pollution continues harming air quality in neighboring states is dangerous.”

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Critics argue that the EPA's decision undermines federal clean air protections and could exacerbate health issues related to air pollution. Fabish warned that the rollback would lead to increased sickness among Americans and higher energy costs. The Sierra Club and other environmental organizations contend that the proposal prioritizes the interests of industrial polluters over public health.

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While the EPA asserts that the eight states have adequate data to demonstrate compliance with National Ambient Air Quality Standards, environmental advocates argue that this data is insufficient to ensure that air quality will not deteriorate. The ongoing debate highlights a significant divide between state-level regulatory approaches and federal environmental standards.

EPA plan would begin rolling back 'good neighbor' rule on downwind pollution from smokestacks

The EPA plans to accept public comments for at least 30 days following the publication of the rule in the Federal Register. Additionally, the agency intends to address "interstate transport" obligations for other states still covered under the Biden-era Good Neighbor Plan, indicating that further regulatory changes may be forthcoming.

EPA plan would begin rolling back 'good neighbor' rule on downwind pollution from smokestacks

• “Today, we are taking an important step to undo a Biden administration rule that treated our state partners unfairly,” — Lee Zeldin, EPA Administrator

EPA plan would begin rolling back 'good neighbor' rule on downwind pollution from smokestacks

• “Letting states off the hook while their pollution continues harming air quality in neighboring states is dangerous,” — Zachary Fabish, Sierra Club Lawyer

EPA plan would begin rolling back 'good neighbor' rule on downwind pollution from smokestacks

• “EPA’s current leadership has abandoned EPA’s mission to protect human health and safety.” — Jeremy Symons, Former EPA Policy Adviser

‘Shameful’: Trump’s EPA accused of prioritizing big business over public health