EPA Finalizes 2024 Hazardous Air Pollution Rule
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized its 2024 hazardous air pollution rule, setting new emission control and monitoring requirements for facilities like U.S. Steel’s Clairton Coke Works. This decision comes just months after the agency had delayed implementation and considered revising the rule following pushback from the steel and coke industries.
The final rule mandates that fenceline monitoring for benzene begin this year, with tighter emission limits set to take effect in January 2026. Previously, the EPA had postponed implementation until 2027 due to concerns that companies might struggle to meet the new requirements without additional, potentially unavailable or impractical controls.
Industry leaders, including U.S. Steel, had raised concerns about the high costs of installing new pollution controls and questioned whether the measures would reliably achieve compliance. Despite these concerns, the EPA determined that companies would not face significant immediate compliance challenges, prompting the agency to move forward with the rule.
U.S. Steel, which previously requested a presidential exemption from the rule, has indicated that its request remains under review. The company maintains that any regulations should be grounded in law, science, and proven technology while considering implementation costs and broader impacts. In the meantime, U.S. Steel is actively planning to align with the requirements and remains engaged with the EPA regarding potential revisions or ongoing discussions.
Moving forward, the industry may face new compliance costs, stricter monitoring, and greater accountability for air quality impacts. For communities near these facilities, the rule promises enhanced oversight of harmful emissions, including benzene, which is known to cause leukemia, multiple myeloma, and Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
If you or a loved one has experienced health issues related to benzene exposure, you don’t have to face these challenges alone. We understand the complexities of benzene-related claims and are committed to helping families seek justice and compensation. Contact Goldberg, Persky & White, P.C. today for a free case review.
