EPA Speeds Up Clean Air Permit Reviews for Large Polluters

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced it will accelerate the process for large polluters to obtain clean air permits, the latest move by the Trump administration to ease regulatory burdens on power plants and industry. The EPA issued new guidance clarifying it does not need to use the full 45-day review period allowed under the Clean Air Act for so-called Title V permits, which set emissions limits for big industrial facilities such as power plants, refineries, and smelters.

Aaron Szabo, the EPA's assistant administrator for air, said the Clean Air Act has been used to "slow walk projects beneficial to our communities" and argued the agency can protect health and the environment while maintaining an efficient permitting process. The change is part of a broader Trump administration effort to roll back environmental regulations on emissions and waterway protections to cut industry costs and boost energy production.

Environmental groups and some state officials have criticized the moves, warning they could weaken long-standing protections for air, water, and public health.