From 2011 to 2013, the US EPA plans to tackle air pollution from the largest sources, especially coal-fired utilities & the cement, glass & acid sectors, the agency said 23 Feb 2010. The Clean Air Act requires large industrial facilities to install modern pollution controls whenever they build new plants or significantly upgrade existing facilities. But many industries have not complied with those rules, the EPA said. "In recent years EPA has made considerable progress in reducing this excessive pollution by bringing enforcement actions against large refineries, coal-fired power plants, cement, sulfuric acid & nitric acid, & glass manufacturing facilities", the agency said. "However, more work remains to be done to bring these sectors into compliance with the Clean Air Act & to protect communities burdened with harmful air pollution." EPA also plans to focus on efforts to cut toxic air pollution by focusing on facilities that fail to comply with requirements for leak detection and restrictions on flaring. The agency also pledged to address excess emissions during startup, shutdown and malfunction events. The enforcement office will partner with air regulators on this effort and plans to emphasize problems affecting communities deemed disproportionately affected by pollution from multiple sources.
