SSM ‘SIP Call’ Ruling Raises Doubts Over EPA Policy, State Air Plans

A recent appellate court ruling largely scrapping the Obama-era rule that barred waivers for industry startup, shutdown and malfunction (SSM) events raises difficult questions about the future of EPA policy and states’ plans to meet federal air quality standards, with further appeals still possible and states uncertain how to respond in the interim. In its March 1 ruling in Environmental Committee of the Florida Electric Power Coordinating Group, Inc., v. EPA, et al. , a divided panel of the U.S...