Ten AGs Opposed Repeal of ‘Once In, Always In’ Policy for Major Sources of Hazardous Air Pollutants

SEPTEMBER 24, 2019

California Attorney General Xavier Becerra led a coalition of 10 state attorneys general in filing comments opposing the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposal to repeal a policy known as “Once in, Always in,” under which facilities deemed to be major sources of hazardous air pollutants cannot backslide, and must keep toxic pollution controls in place even if the facilities’ overall emissions fall below major source thresholds. The attorneys general warned that the EPA’s proposal relies on “a flawed, incomplete, qualitative analysis that underestimates the emissions impact” of the proposed rule. The comments also noted that the EPA failed to comply with executive orders that require additional evaluation of potential harm to children, people of color and low-income communities.