EPA Approves West Virginia’s Regional Haze State Implementation Plan Utilizing New Commonsense Approach
WASHINGTON – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin announced the approval of West Virginia’s Regional Haze (RH) State Implementation Plan (SIP). The RH Rule, under the Clean Air Act, calls for state and federal agencies to work together to improve visibility in 156 national parks and wilderness areas such as the Shenendoah and West Virginia’s own Otter Creek and Dolly Sods. EPA determined that West Virginia has completed all the required analyses under the Clean Air Act to meet the statutory and regulatory requirements for the second planning period of the RH Program.
“Today’s announcement is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together, restore commonsense to our regulations, and remove bureaucratic red tape that hinders, rather than empowers our state environmental partners. Gone are the days burying our states in administrative nonsense. The Great American Comeback is powered by streamlining – not sidelining our partners,” said EPA Administrator Zeldin.
“We’re proud to approve West Virginia’s plan to reduce regional haze and protect the air we all share without burdening the state with unnecessary federal red tape. Clean air is essential not only for public health but also for sustaining local economies and drawing visitors to West Virginia’s breathtaking parks, mountains, and communities. This milestone reflects what’s possible when we restore sensible regulation and work alongside our state partners to protect what makes this region so special,” said EPA Regional Administrator Van Blarcom-Lackey.
The RH program has been weaponized by groups to destroy coal power plants without recognizing the significant improvement in visibility states have accomplished throughout the years. Each state’s RH plan must contain a long-term strategy for making reasonable progress toward meeting the goal of remedying any existing and preventing any future human-made visibility impairments in protected areas. Under its new policy, EPA has found that West Virginia is already exceeding its timeline to improve visibility conditions and has met all statutory and regulatory requirements.
"For too long, federal overreach has threatened affordable energy and burdened states with costly, one-size-fits-all mandates. West Virginia has shown that it’s possible to make real gains in air quality and visibility while protecting the jobs and industries that sustain our communities. I commend Administrator Zeldin for advancing a more reasonable, science-based approach that empowers state partners and puts practicality ahead of politics,” said Governor Patrick Morrisey.
“Under the leadership of President Trump and Administrator Zeldin, the EPA is standing by their commitment to work with states to meet their environmental goals. West Virginia’s economy and environment are unique, requiring specific energy and environmental solutions. By working with the state on an approach tailored to fit the needs of our communities, West Virginia will continue to improve visibility and environmental outcomes while maintaining reliable and affordable energy generation for our state and our neighbors,” said Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee.
“The EPA has struck a perfect balance when it comes to protecting our environment and working with the coal industry. The times of seeing EPA bureaucrats stifle our energy industry in the name of progressive climate action are over. It is very encouraging to see this Administration take a different route, because Administrator Zeldin and I both know American Energy Dominance runs through West Virginia,” said Senator Jim Justice (R-WV).
“In southern West Virginia, we know that you can maintain a healthy industry while also maintaining beautiful natural scenery. I applaud Administrator Zeldin for the approval of West Virginia’s Regional Haze State Implementation Plan and look forward to continuing to work together with the Environmental Protection Agency to cut red tape while maintaining what makes West Virginia wild and wonderful,” said Representative Carol Miller (R-WV-01).
Announced in March, EPA reviewed its implementation of the Clean Air Act’s Regional Haze Program to ensure it is aligned with the Congressional intent of the regulation, is based on current scientific information, and reflects recent improvements in air quality. This final action represents a practical approach to the Clean Air Act, ensuring clean air for all Americans and supporting state flexibility.
Background
On March 12, in the greatest and most consequential day of deregulation in U.S. history, Administrator Zeldin announced EPA was restructuring implementation of the Clean Air Act’s Regional Haze Program. The way EPA has historically implemented this program has imposed significant costs on power plants and other sectors, calling into question the supply of affordable energy for American families.