Quick Take
In February 2023, EPA found 21 states’ state implementation plans insufficient in protecting downwind states from interstate ozone, which is required before EPA can issue an interstate air pollution program federal implementation plan (FIP). On March 15, 2023, EPA published a pre-publication version of the final “Good Neighbor Plan Rule” FIP, which implements emission limits on power plants and industrial sources in 23 states and on June 5, 2023, EPA published the final rule in the Federal Register. States and industry have challenged this FIP as well. States and companies filed petitions challenging EPA’s rule rejecting states’ SIPs in regional circuit courts, and EPA has issued two interim final rules staying the FIP in the 12 states where SIPs have been stayed.
Read our summary of the rule here: 2023 Good Neighbor Plan and listen to our podcast on the extensive litigation history here: CleanLaw — The Good Neighbor Plan for Interstate Ozone Pollution.
Previous Administrations
Read MoreMay 12, 2005 EPA promulgates the Clean Air Interstate Rule to address interstate pollution that impairs downwind states’ ability to meet the NAAQS. Under the rule, affected states must reduce their emissions. They may choose to require facilities in their state to participate in EPA-administered cap and trade programs to meet the emissions reduction targets.
July 11, 2008 The D.C. Circuit invalidates the Clean Air Interstate Rule, finding that it did not adequately address interstate pollution’s impact on downwind air quality.
obama administration
Read MoreAug. 8, 2011 EPA promulgates the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR) to address the deficiencies in the Clean Air Interstate Rule that the D.C. Circuit identified in 2008. In CSAPR, EPA allocates emissions budgets for sulfur dioxide (SO2) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx) to each state. EPA then uses Federal Implementation Plans to implement the emissions reductions, again including regional trading programs.
April 29, 2014 The Supreme Court upholds CSAPR in EPA v. EME Homer City Generation. No. 12-1182 (Apr. 29, 2014).
Jan. 1, 2015 EPA begins implementing Phase 1 of CSAPR. Phase 2 is scheduled to begin Jan. 1, 2017. Emissions limits become stricter for some states in Phase 2.
Oct. 26, 2016 EPA publishes the 2016 CSAPR Update, which goes into effect Dec. 26, 2016. This rule promulgates Federal Implementation Plans (FIPs) for states that have not incorporated CSAPR into their State Implementation Plans (SIPs). It requires emissions reductions from power plants in the affected states. EPA also adjusts some of the Phase 2 NOx limits.
Nov. 22, 2016 Sixteen lawsuits are filed to challenge the Oct. 2016 CSAPR Update. The consolidated case is Wisconsin v. EPA, No. 16-406 (D.C. Cir.).
Jan. 19, 2017 New York, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Maryland file a motion to intervene in Wisconsin v. EPA in support of the 2016 CSAPR Update. No. 16-406 (D.C. Cir.).
Trump administration
Read MoreFeb. 24, 2017 President Trump signs the Regulatory Reform Executive Order directing EPA to “evaluate existing regulations… and make recommendations to the agency head regarding their repeal, replacement, or modification…). EPA may review CSAPR under that broad directive.
July 10, 2018 EPA issues a proposed determination that the CSAPR Update fully addresses upwind states’ “good neighbor” obligations for the 2008 NAAQS.
Aug. 31, 2018 EPA releases a memo to its regional offices with guidance on setting pollution thresholds for ozone levels in State Implementation Plans. The memo states that it may be appropriate to allocate a higher amount of ozone pollution to upwind states when evaluating downwind states’ SIPs. Specifically, the memo suggests using a 1-part-per-billion (ppb) contribution, which is higher than the 1 percent of the NAAQS threshold (0.70 ppb) set under the Obama administration in 2015. This change allows upwind states to contribute more ozone pollution to downwind states.
Dec. 6, 2018 EPA publishes a final rule announcing its determination that the 2016 CSAPR Update fully satisfies “good neighbor” obligations for the 2008 ground-level ozone NAAQS. This is known as the “Close-Out” Rule, because EPA will not require further emissions reductions from upwind states. EPA acknowledges that downwind states will not be able to meet the 2008 ozone NAAQS requirements until 2023 – two years after the NAAQS deadline.
January 30, 2019 A coalition of six states asks the D.C. Circuit to review the CSAPR Close-Out Rule. New York v. EPA, No. 19-1019 (D.C. Cir.). The lawsuit is brought by New York, Maryland, Connecticut, New Jersey, Massachusetts and Delaware, all downwind states to coal plants such as Homer City Generation in Pennsylvania. A coalition of environmental groups also file a petition for review. Downwinders at Risk v. EPA, No. 19-1020 (D.C. Cir).
Sep. 13, 2019 The D.C. Circuit largely upholds the 2016 CSAPR Update, except for a provision that allows upwind states to continue to pollute downwind states past the statutory deadline for downwind states to comply with the NAAQS. This portion of the rule is sent back to EPA for review. Wisconsin v. EPA, No. 16-1406 (D.C. Cir.).
Oct. 1, 2019 The D.C. Circuit rejects EPA’s CSAPR Close-Out Rule, finding that EPA has not implemented stringent enough rules to deal with cross-state air pollution affecting downwind states. New York v. EPA, No. 19-1019 (D.C. Cir.).
Oct. 28, 2019 The deadline passes for EPA to appeal the two D.C. Circuit decisions from Sep. and Oct. 2019 ordering the agency to revisit its Cross-State Air Pollution Rule update and the Close-Out Rule. This means EPA is accepting the decisions and will need to make changes to those rules. New York v. EPA, No. 19-1019 and Wisconsin v. EPA, No. 16-1406 (D.C. Cir.).
Oct. 29, 2019 New Jersey and Connecticut sue EPA for failing to meet its April 1, 2019 deadline to take action on Pennsylvania and Virginia for their failure to file Good Neighbor State Implementation Plans. Pennsylvania and Virginia are both upwind of New Jersey and Connecticut. New Jersey v. Wheeler, No. 1:19-cv-03247 (D.D.C).
Nov. 22, 2019 EPA releases a final rule finding that seven states (Maine, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, and Virginia) failed to submit complete state implementation plans to limit interstate pollution that affects downwind states’ ability to meet the 2015 ozone NAAQS. If EPA does not approve interstate transport state implementation plans for these states within two years of making this determination, EPA will be required to promulgate federal implementation plans.
Jan. 3, 2020 Following EPA’s actions in November, New Jersey, Connecticut, and New York voluntarily dismiss their lawsuit seeking to compel EPA to find that Pennsylvania and Virginia failed to submit Good Neighbor State Implementation Plans.
Jan. 16, 2020 New York and Connecticut sue EPA seeking to compel the agency to promulgate federal implementation plans for sources in five upwind states (Illinois, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia) whose state plans failed to fully comply with the Good Neighbor provision. New York v. Wheeler, No. 1:20-cv-00419 (S.D.N.Y).
Feb. 7, 2020 A coalition of environmental groups sues EPA seeking to compel the agency to adopt federal Good Neighbor plans for twenty upwind states. Downwinders at Risk v. Wheeler, No. 1:20-cv-00349 (D.D.C.).
Feb. 14, 2020 New York and Connecticut voluntarily dismiss their Jan. 16, 2020 lawsuit. New York v. Wheeler, No. 1:20-cv-00419 (S.D.N.Y).
Feb. 19, 2020 New Jersey, Connecticut, Delaware, New York, Massachusetts, and New York City file a lawsuit seeking to compel EPA to adopt federal Good Neighbor plans for seven upwind states (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia). New Jersey v. Wheeler, No. 20-cv-1425 (S.D.N.Y.). The lawsuit is similar to New York v. Wheeler, No. 1:20-cv-00419 (S.D.N.Y).
July 28, 2020 Judge Koeltl rules in favor of the states in New Jersey v. Wheeler, No. 20-cv-1425 (S.D.N.Y.). The court sets a March 15, 2021 deadline for EPA to finalize plans for upwind states that meet the Clean Air Act’s “good neighbor” requirements.
Sept. 15, 2020 EPA sends the proposed revisions to the CSAPR update rule to the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs for review. This proposal is in response to the D.C. Circuit’s ruling in Wisconsin v. EPA, No. 16-1406.
Oct. 30, 2020 EPA issues a proposed rule in response to the D.C. Circuit’s remand in Wisconsin v. EPA, No. 16-1406, to resolve 21 states’ outstanding interstate ozone transport obligations under the 2008 ozone NAAQS.
Oct. 30, 2020 The Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) files an opening brief in its suit to vacate EPA’s approval of Colorado’s ozone SIP, arguing that the plan underestimates pollution effects on downwind states Utah and Mexico. CBD also argues that EPA arbitrarily included emissions reductions from rules EPA has repealed or is attempting to repeal, including the Clean Power Plan. Center for Biological Diversity v. EPA, No. 20-09560 (10th Cir.).
Jan. 12, 2021 A coalition of northeastern states sues EPA over the agency’s failure to “timely act” within the required 12-month timeframe on upwind states’ plans to comply with the 2015 ozone NAAQS under the Clean Air Act’s Good Neighbor Provision. State of New York et al. v. Wheeler, No. 1:21-cv-252 (S.D.N.Y.).
biden administration
Read MoreApril 8, 2021 WildEarth Guardians sues EPA for not making a determination that Colorado failed to submit a plan to address air pollution in the Denver Metro/North Front Range area by an August 2020 deadline. The area is in “serious” nonattainment with the 2008 ozone NAAQS. WildEarth Guardians v. Regan, No. 21-994 (D. Colo.).
April 30, 2021 EPA publishes a final rule updating the CSAPR for the 2008 ozone NAAQS. The rule regulates the release of nitrogen oxides in twelve states, and allows emissions credit trading. The rule issues new or amended FIPs for New York and Pennsylvania, and accepts Texas’ FIP promulgated under the CSAPR Update as satisfying the 2008 ozone NAAQS requirements.
June 4, 2021 EPA publishes a final rule correcting the preamble to the CSAPR Update for the 2008 ozone NAAQS.
June 25, 2021 The Midwest Ozone Group files a petition for review of EPA’s 2021 CSAPR Update with the D.C. Circuit. Midwest Ozone Group v. EPA, No. 21-01146 (D.C. Cir.). Oral argument scheduled for May 13, 2022.
July 9, 2021 The District Court for the District of Columbia dismisses Downwinders at Risk v. Wheeler, No. 1:20-cv-00349 (D.D.C.) in light of EPA’s CSAPR Update rule published on April 30.
July 29, 2021 EPA publishes a notice of a proposed consent decree in State of New York, et al. v. Regan et al., No. 21 Civ. 252 (ALC) (S.D.N.Y.) with New York, Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, and New Jersey, and the City of New York which would establish deadlines for EPA to act under the good neighbor provision of the Act to either approve or disapprove portions of certain 2015 ozone NAAQS SIPs. Comments on the proposed consent decree are due by August 30, 2021.
Oct. 15, 2021 EPA releases a proposed consent decree in Downwinders at Risk v. Regan, which will require EPA to approve or disapprove six states’ 2015 ozone SIPs by April 30, 2022 or propose a FIP addressing the good neighbor obligations for such states by February 22, 2022, and a final FIP by December 15, 2022.
Jan. 25, 2022 The Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) under the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) starts its review of EPA’s proposal of a Federal Implementation Plan (FIP) to address interstate transport for the 2015 ozone standard.
Feb. 14, 2022 Downwind states filed a notice of intent to sue on EPA’s failure to implement a federal implementation plan for Pennsylvania and Virginia, even though it had been more than two years since the Trump administration’s finding that the states had not submitted adequate state implementation plans.
Mar. 11, 2022 EPA releases a proposal to address states’ obligation to eliminate significant contribution to nonattainment of the 2015 ozone standard. The proposal includes new requirements for EGUs under CSAPR as well as “dynamic adjustments of emissions budgets over time and backstop daily emissions rate limits for most coal-fired units” affected by the rule. EPA also proposes NOx emission limits for certain industrial sources including: reciprocating internal combustion engines for natural gas pipelines; cement kilns; iron and steel boilers and furnaces; furnaces in glass and glass product manufacturing; and certain large boilers in chemical manufacturing, petroleum and coal products manufacturing, and pulp, paper, and paperboard mills. Comments are due 30 days from publication in the Federal Register.
Mar. 29, 2022 Several NGOs file suit in the Northern District of California to compel EPA to to promulgate federal Good Neighbor plans for New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Utah, and Virginia for the 2015 ozone standard, which are states that were not included in the consent decree leading to the 2015 Ozone Good Neighbor Plan. The complaint recognizes that EPA has signed, but not finalized, proposed plans for Pennsylvania, Utah, and Virginia and has not proposed a plan for New Mexico. Sierra Club et al v. Environmental Protection Agency, No. 3:22-cv-01992 (N.D. Cal.).
Apr. 6, 2022 EPA publishes its proposed Good Neighbor Plan in the Federal Register.
Apr. 21, 2022 EPA holds a virtual public hearing on the proposed Good Neighbor Plan for 2015 Ozone NAAQS.
May 12, 2022 EPA extends the comment period in response requests for additional time to review the proposed rule. Comments are now due on June 21, 2022.
May 24, 2022 EPA proposes disapproving “good neighbor” interstate ozone transport SIPs by California, Utah, Nevada, and Wyoming. EPA is seeking to regulate these states for the first time under CSAPR. Comments are due by July, 25, 2022.
June 22, 2022 EPA publishes a notice that Alabama failed to submit a SIP sufficient to limit interstate emissions under the 2015 ozone NAAQS, which clears the way for EPA to include the state in CSAPR. EPA also publishes a proposed consent decree with WildEarth Guardians that would require EPA to determine whether the proposed good neighbor rule would apply to New Mexico. WildEarth Guardians v. Regan, No. 1:22-cv-174-RB-GBW (D.N.M.).
Aug. 17, 2022 Alabama sues EPA in the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, challenging EPA’s June 22, 2022 rule finding that Alabama’s SIP did not satisfy the CAA good neighbor provisions.
Aug. 26, 2022 EPA releases a final rule, revising certain administrative deadlines under CSAPR’s trading program. EPA makes clear it is not taking final action with respect to the remainder of the April 2022 proposed rule.
Sept. 28, 2022 The DC Circuit hears oral argument in Midwest Ozone Group v. EPA. No. 21-01146 (D.C. Cir.).
Nov. 3, 2022 EPA publishes a proposed consent decree in Sierra Club, et al. v. Regan, in which Sierra Club alleged that EPA failed to promulgate timely FIPs to address “Good Neighbor” requirements of the 2015 Ozone NAAQs. If approved in its proposed form, the EPA must issue FIPs for four states by the following deadlines: Pennsylvania, Utah, and Virginia by March 15, 2023, and New Mexico by June 1, 2024. Sierra Club, et al. v. Regan, No. 3:22–cv–01992–JD (N.D. Cal.).
Jan. 24, 2023 The Northern District of California approves the Nov. 3, 2022 proposed consent decree between the parties in Sierra Club et al v. Environmental Protection Agency, which establishes FIP deadlines for the four states. Sierra Club, et al. v. Regan, No. 3:22–cv–01992–JD (N.D. Cal.).
Feb. 13, 2023 The EPA disapproves of 21 states’ “Good Neighbor” SIPs, which were submitted pursuant to the “interstate transport” or “good neighbor” provisions of the 2015 NAAQS. If these states are unable to obtain EPA approval on updated SIPs in the next two years, they will be subject to an FIP.
Feb. 16, 2023 In the few days following EPA’s disapproval of 21 SIPs, Utah, Texas, and Arkansas sue EPA over EPA’s rejection of their SIPs. State of Utah v. EPA, No. 23-09509 (10th Cir. Feb 13, 2023); State of Texas v. EPA, No. 23-60069 (5th Cir. Feb 14, 2023); State of Arkansas v. EPA, No. 23-01320 (8th Cir. Feb 16, 2023).
Mar. 2, 2023 The State of Oklahoma challenges EPA’s rejection of the Oklahoma SIP. Oklahoma v. EPA, Docket No. 23-9514 (10th Cir. Mar. 2, 2023).
Mar. 3, 2023 The DC Circuit upholds the 2021 CSAPR Update for the 2008 Ozone NAAQS, rejecting Midwest Ozone Group’s argument that EPA’s technical basis for rule was arbitrary and capricious. Midwest Ozone Group v. EPA. No. 21-01146 (D.C. Cir.).
Mar. 7, 2023 State of Utah files a motion for stay of the Final Rule disapproving the state SIP. State of Utah v. EPA, No. 23-09509 (10th Cir. Feb 13, 2023).
Mar. 15, 2023 EPA published the final Good Neighbor Plan Rule, which implements NOx limits on power plants and industrial sources (for the first time) in 23 states. The Rule carries forward previous interstate air pollution program cap-and-trade programs for power plants, with several revisions including dynamic budgets and annual recalibration of the allowance bank. It also includes backstop emissions rates and flexibilities to ensure states meet the 2015 ozone NAAQS attainment deadlines, without compromising electric grid reliability. For more information on this rule, you can read our summary of the rule here: 2023 Good Neighbor Plan.
Mar. 13, 2023 Kentucky challenges EPA’s rejection of the Kentucky SIP. Kentucky v. EPA, Docket No. 23-3216 (6th Cir. Mar. 13, 2023).
Mar. 16, 2023 Mississippi challenges EPA’s rejection of the Mississippi SIP. The Fifth Circuit consolidates the Mississippi proceeding under the Texas proceeding. State of Texas v. EPA, et al. v. EPA, Docket No. 23-60069 (5th Cir. Feb. 14, 2023).
Mar. 17, 2023 The Commonwealth of Kentucky challenges EPA’s rejection of the Kentucky SIP. Kentucky v. EPA, Docket No. 23-3225 (6th Cir. Mar. 17, 2023).
Mar. 20, 2023 The State of Louisiana files a petition for review of EPA’s rule disapproving Louisiana’s SIP in the Fifth Circuit. Texas, et al. v. EPA, Docket No. 23-60069 (5th Cir. Feb. 14, 2023).
Apr. 13, 2023 Missouri challenges EPA’s rejection of the Missouri SIP. Missouri v. EPA, Docket No. 23-1719 (8th Cir. Apr. 13, 2023). Alabama challenges EPA’s rejection of the Alabama SIP. Alabama v. EPA, Docket No. 23-11173, (11th Cir. Apr. 13, 2023). In another response to EPA’s March rejection of proposed SIPs, the states of Utah, Nevada, and Oklahoma, and industry backers file protective suits in the D.C. Circuit Court, and the DC Circuit consolidates the cases under State of Utah v. EPA, No. 23-1102 (D.C. Cir. Apr. 13, 2023). While Utah maintains that the regional appeals court is the best venue for its case, it is also filing in the DC Circuit Court to preserve its appeal rights in the instance that the Tenth Circuit venue is deemed improper.
Apr. 14, 2023 Power producers in Minnesota challenge EPA’s rejection of the Minnesota SIP. Allete, Inc. v. EPA, Docket No. 23-1775 (8th Cir. Apr. 14, 2023). West Virginia challenges EPA’s rejection of the West Virginia SIP. West Virginia v. EPA, Docket No. 23-1418 (4th Cir. Apr. 14, 2023). Nevada Cement Company challenges EPA’s rejection of the Nevada SIP. Nevada Cement Co. v. EPA, Docket No. 23-682 (9th Cir. Apr. 14, 2023).
Apr. 17, 2023 Following the DC Circuit Court’s March 3 opinion rejecting Midwest Ozone Group’s challenge to EPA’s CSAPR revision, Midwest Ozone Group files a petition for a rehearing. Midwest Ozone Group v. EPA, et al, Docket No. 21-01146 (D.C. Cir. Jun. 25, 2021).
Apr. 25, 2023 The DC Circuit rejects Midwest Ozone Group’s petition for rehearing en banc. Midwest Ozone Group v. EPA, et al, Docket No. 21-01146 (D.C. Cir. Jun. 25, 2021).
Apr. 25, 2023 The Eighth Circuit denies EPA’s motion to dismiss or move the Arkansas litigation to the D.C. Circuit. State of Arkansas v. EPA, No. 23-01320 (8th Cir. Feb 16, 2023).
May 1, 2023 The Fifth Circuit rejects EPA’s motion to transfer the case to the DC Circuit and grants the states’ motions to stay EPA’s final rule rejecting the SIPs submitted by Texas and Louisiana. Texas, et al. v. EPA, Docket No. 23-60069 (5th Cir. Feb. 14, 2023).
May 25, 2023 The 8th Circuit grants Arkansas’ request to stay EPA’s rejection of the state’s implementation plan. State of Arkansas v. EPA, No. 23-01320 (8th Cir. Feb 16, 2023).
May 31, 2023 The 6th Circuit grants Kentucky’s request for a temporary “administrative stay” of EPA’s rule disapproving Kentucky’s SIP, while the court reviews Kentucky’s motion to stay enforcement. Kentucky v. EPA, Docket No. 23-3216 (6th Cir. Mar. 13, 2023).
June 5, 2023 EPA published the final Good Neighbor Plan rule in the Federal Register. On the same day, Texas and several companies file petitions challenging the rule in the 5th Circuit. State of Texas, et al., v. EPA, No. 23-60300 (5th Cir. Jun. 5, 2023).
June 6, 2023 Tulsa Cement files a petition challenging EPA’s Good Neighbor Plan in the 10th Circuit. Tulsa Cement d/b/a/ Central Plains Cement Co. LLC v. EPA, No. 23-9551 (10th Cir. Jun. 6, 2023). Nevada Cement company files a petition challenging the Good Neighbor Plan in the 9th Circuit. Nevada Cement Company v. EPA, No. 23-1098 (9th Cir. Jun. 6, 2023).
June 1, 2023 EPA’s Principal Deputy Assistant Administrator of the Office of Air and Radiation, Joe Goffman, publishes a memo with a notice of forthcoming EPA action to address the judicial stay orders in regional courts.
June 20, 2023 The State of Utah files a complaint against EPA challenging the Good Neighbor Plan Rule in the D.C. Circuit. Utah v. EPA, No. 23-1157 (D.C. Cir. June 20, 2023).
June 29, 2023 EPA issues an Interim Final Rule Amending the Good Neighbor Plan in response to regional court stay orders in Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Texas.
July 3, 2023 The 9th Circuit stays Nevada’s SIP disapproval. Nevada Cement Co. v. EPA, No. 23-682 (9th Cir. Jun. 6, 2023).
July 5, 2023 The 8th Circuit stays Minnesota’s SIP disapproval. Allete, Inc. v. EPA, No. 23-1776 (8th Cir. Apr. 14, 2023).
July 24, 2023 Kentucky challenges the Good Neighbor Plan Rule in the 6th Circuit. Kentucky, et al. v. EPA, No. 23-3605 (6th Cir. July 24, 2023).
July 31, 2023 The 10th Circuit stays Utah’s and Oklahoma’s SIP denials. Utah v. EPA, No. 23-09509 (10th Cir. Feb 13, 2023); Oklahoma v. EPA, No. 23-9514 (10th Cir. Mar. 2, 2023).
Aug. 2, 2023 EPA published a Notice of Forthcoming EPA Action to Address Additional Judicial Stay Orders in Minnesota, Nevada, Oklahoma, and Utah. Arkansas challenges the Good Neighbor Plan Rule in the 8th Circuit. Arkansas, et al. v. EPA, No. 23-2769 (8th Cir. Aug. 2, 2023).
Aug. 3, 2023 Energy Transfer LP challenges the Good Neighbor Plan Rule in the 7th Circuit. Energy Transfer LP v. EPA, No. 23-2510 (7th Cir. Aug. 3, 2023).
Aug. 4, 2023 Alabama challenges the Good Neighbor Plan Rule in the 11th Circuit. Alabama, et al. v. EPA, No. 23-12528 (Aug. 4, 2023).
Aug. 14, 2023 EPA proposes to approve Wyoming’s 2015 ozone Interstate Air Transport plan, which means Wyoming would not be subject to Good Neighbor Plan FIP requirements. Comments are due Sept. 13, 2023.
Sept. 25, 2023 The DC Circuit rejected petitioners’ motion to stay the Good Neighbor Plan rule pending court review. Utah v. EPA, No. 23-1157 (D.C. Cir. June 20, 2023).
Sept. 29, 2023 EPA issued its second interim final rule responding to judicial stays of EPA’s SIP disapprovals by staying implementation of the Good Neighbor Plan FIP in Alabama, Minnesota, Nevada, Oklahoma, Utah, and West Virginia. The rule ensures that sources in these states will be subject to previously established interstate air pollution reduction requirements.
Oct. 18, 2023 EPA posted a new webpage to help Industrial Sources comply with the Good Neighbor Plan requirements.
Oct. 18, 2023 Ohio, Indiana, and West Virginia and industry filed emergency applications for a stay of the Good Neighbor Plan rule with the Supreme Court. Ohio, et al. v. EPA, Docket No. 23-1183 (Oct. 18, 2023); American Forest & Paper Association, et al. v. EPA, Docket No 23-1191 (Oct. 18, 2023); Kinder Morgan, Inc., et al. v. EPA, Docket No 23-1190 (Oct. 18, 2023).
Oct. 27, 2023 OMB receives EPA’s proposed rule for “Supplemental Air Plan Actions: Interstate Transport of Air Pollution for the 2015 8-hour Ozone NAAQS and Supplemental Federal “Good Neighbor Plan” Requirements for the 2015 8-hour Ozone NAAQS .”
Nov. 6, 2023 The Seventh Circuit granted EPA’s motion to transfer the proceeding to the DC Circuit. Energy Transfer LP v. EPA, et al, Docket No. 23-02510 (7th Cir. Aug. 3, 2023)
Nov. 7, 2023 The DC Circuit filed an order to consolidate Energy Transfer L.P. v. EPA, et al, Docket No. 23-01306 (D.C. Cir. Nov. 6, 2023) and Energy Transfer L.P. v. EPA, et al, Docket No. 23-01307, (D.C. Cir. Nov. 6, 2023) with State of Utah v. EPA, et al, Docket No. 23-01157 (D.C. Cir. Jun. 20, 2023).
Nov. 9, 2023 Sixth Circuit Court granted motion to transfer Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet v. EPA, et al, Docket No. 23-3605 (6th Cir. Jul 24, 2023) to the DC Circuit.
Nov. 15, 2023 The DC Circuit consolidated the following cases: Commonwealth of Kentucky, Energy and Environment Cabinet v. EPA, et al, Docket No. 23-1314 (D.C. Cir. Nov. 09, 2023); Commonwealth of Kentucky v. EPA, et al, Docket No. 23-01315 (D.C. Cir. Nov. 09, 2023); Energy Transfer LP v. EPA, et al, Docket No. 23-01316 (D.C. Cir. Nov. 09, 2023); and Buckeye Power, Inc., et al v. EPA, et al, Docket No. 23-01317 (D.C. Cir. Nov. 09, 2023) with State of Utah v. EPA, et al, Docket No. 23-01157 (D.C. Cir. Jun. 20, 2023).
Nov. 30, 2023 EPA published the results of the Good Neighbor Plan’s first ozone season.
Dec. 4, 2023 Fifth Circuit Court will hear oral arguments on State of Texas v. EPA, the case in which Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi are requesting that the court reject EPA’s disapprovals of their respective state good neighbor plans. Oral Argument of State of Texas v. EPA was heard in front of before Judges Richman, Stewart, and Scholer, listen to the full recording here. Docket No. 23-60069 (5th Cir. Feb. 14, 2023)
Dec. 4, 2023 Amicus briefs were filed by MA, PA, DC, CT, IL, MD, NJ, NY, WI and Harris County, TX in State of Arkansas, et al v. EPA, et al, Docket No. 23-01320 (8th Cir. Feb 16, 2023).
Dec. 20, 2023 The Supreme Court deferred a request by challengers for an emergency stay to EPA’s SIP disapprovals, pending oral arguments for the four consolidated cases in February 2024. In its order, the Supreme Court noted that parties should be prepared to “address, among other issues related to the challenge based on the SIP disapprovals, whether the emissions controls imposed by the Rule are reasonable regardless of the number of States subject to the Rule.” Ohio, et al. v. EPA, Docket No. 23A349 (Dec. 20, 2023); American Forest & Paper Association, et al. v. EPA, Docket No. 23A351 (Dec. 20, 2023); Kinder Morgan, Inc., et al. v. EPA, Docket No. 23A350 (Dec. 20, 2023); United States Steel v. EPA, Docket No. 23A384 (Dec. 20, 2023).
Jan. 4, 2024 The Supreme Court scheduled oral arguments for the four consolidated cases challenging the EPA’s “good neighbor” rule for Wednesday, February 21, 2024. Ohio, et al. v. EPA, Docket No. 23A349 (Dec. 20, 2023); American Forest & Paper Association, et al. v. EPA, Docket No. 23A351 (Dec. 20, 2023); Kinder Morgan, Inc., et al. v. EPA, Docket No. 23A350 (Dec. 20, 2023); United States Steel v. EPA, Docket No. 23A384 (Dec. 20, 2023).
Jan. 10, 2024 The Fourth Circuit denied the EPA’s preliminary motion to transfer or dismiss West Virginia’s petition in State of West Virginia v. EPA. The court granted West Virginia’s motion to stay pending the outcome of its petition for review. Read the full opinion here. Docket No. 23-01418 (4th Cir. Apr 14, 2023).
Jan. 24, 2024 EPA proposed adding five states to the Good Neighbor Plan, a move that would bring Arizona, Iowa, Kansas, New Mexico and Tennessee under the FIP. The proposal will be subject to a 45 day comment period once it is published. Read the full proposed rule to bring five new states under the Good Neighbor Plan here.
Feb. 16, 2024 The Tenth Circuit granted in part a motion for transfer of Utah v. EPA to the DC Circuit Court. State of Utah v. EPA, et al, Docket No. 23-09509 (10th Cir. Feb 13, 2023)
Feb. 21, 2024 The Supreme Court heard oral argument for the four consolidated cases challenging the EPA’s “good neighbor” rule. Listen to the recording and find the transcript here. Ohio, et al. v. EPA, Docket No. 23A349 (Dec. 20, 2023); American Forest & Paper Association, et al. v. EPA, Docket No. 23A351 (Dec. 20, 2023); Kinder Morgan, Inc., et al. v. EPA, Docket No. 23A350 (Dec. 20, 2023); United States Steel v. EPA, Docket No. 23A384 (Dec. 20, 2023).
Mar. 11, 2024 The Sixth Circuit will hear oral arguments on May 8th, 2024 for Kentucky v. EPA, et al., the case in which Kentucky is requesting a motion to stay enforcement of EPA’s rule disapproving Kentucky’s SIP. Docket No. 23-03216 (6th Cir. Mar 13, 2023).
Mar. 28, 2024 EPA partially denied four petitions for reconsideration and associated requests for administrative stay of the Federal Good Neighbor Plan. The petitions were submitted by the United States Steel Corporation, the Minnesota Good Neighbor Coalition, the State of Arkansas, and Hybar LLC. Read EPA’s response here.
Mar. 29, 2024 EPA requested a petition for rehearing en banc of the Fourth Circuit’s denial of EPA’s preliminary motion to transfer or dismiss West Virginia’s petition in State of West Virginia v. EPA. Docket No. 23-01418 (4th Cir. Apr 14, 2023).