EPA Proposes to Weaken Air Pollution Standards for Eight States

Tue Feb 03 2026 19:30:53 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The Trump administration's EPA aims to roll back strict air pollution regulations, allowing states like Alabama and Kentucky to set their own environmental standards. Critics are concerned about the impact on interstate air quality.

On Wednesday, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced proposals that would roll back the so-called 'good neighbor' rule aimed at limiting air pollution from states downwind of heavy industrial emissions. The plan would allow eight states, including Alabama and Kentucky, to self-regulate their ozone air quality standards instead of adhering to federal requirements. Critics argue this could lead to poorer air quality in neighboring states, exacerbating health issues and environmental concerns.

WASHINGTON (PulseWire) — In a significant policy shift, the Trump administration's Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced on Wednesday a proposal that would diminish strict regulations governing smokestack emissions affecting downwind states.

This new plan targets the so-called “good neighbor” rule, which has been under scrutiny and is set for reconsideration under EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. Following a 2024 Supreme Court ruling that restricted the enforcement capabilities of the EPA regarding this rule, the agency is now encouraging states to develop their own approaches towards managing ozone pollution.

The affected states involve Alabama, Arizona, Kentucky, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nevada, New Mexico, and Tennessee. Zeldin emphasized that this move benefits state autonomy, permitting them to craft solutions that better align with local conditions rather than conforming to federal mandates.

Previously, under President Biden’s administration, the EPA rejected ozone plans proposed by these states, citing insufficient measures to reduce cross-state air pollution.

“Today, we are taking an important step to undo a Biden administration rule that treated our state partners unfairly,” Zeldin stated. He highlighted the commitment to 'cooperative federalism', where states have more control over their air quality initiatives.

However, this proposal has drawn sharp criticism from environmental advocates who argue that it legitimizes pollution that crosses state lines, potentially harming air quality and public health in neighboring regions. Zachary Fabish, a Sierra Club lawyer, echoed concerns that this policy could allow heavy industrial states to continue harmful practices while neglecting the welfare of citizens living downwind.

The move has raised alarms about potential increases in pollution-related health risks and energy costs for consumers as those regulations are relaxed.

The EPA plans to publish the proposed rule in the Federal Register, at which point public comments will be welcomed for a 30-day period.