National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Polyether Polyols Production Industry: Removal of Affirmative Defense

Key Points

• 1Polyether polyols are chemicals used to make foam products like insulation and cushions; factories that produce them must now strictly limit dangerous air emissions
• 2The EPA previously allowed companies to claim they weren't responsible for pollution caused by broken equipment or malfunctions—this legal exception is now eliminated
• 3Factories can no longer use equipment failures as a reason to avoid fines when they release too much hazardous air pollution into the atmosphere
• 4This rule applies to manufacturing plants across the country that produce polyether polyols, pushing them to better maintain equipment and prevent pollution
• 5The change encourages companies to invest in better maintenance and pollution control to avoid penalties, which should improve air quality in communities near these factories

Key Dates