Submit a comment to protect our air from harmful pollution!
In March, the EPA proposed a rule that would remove air emission regulations from plastics pyrolysis plants. Public comments on the proposed rule will be accepted until May 4, 2026. The Ohio Environmental Council is submitting technical comments on the proposed rule. Individuals are encouraged to submit personalized comments that speak from the perspective of your experience, your community, and how this rule would impact you, but you are welcome to use our comments for guidance and support.
This proposed rule presents a number of concerns that we elaborate on in our technical comments.
- The EPA has long recognized that pyrolysis units emit hazardous air pollutants that must be regulated to protect public health and safety. In 1990, Congress regulated pyrolysis as incinerators in a section of the Clean Air Act that addresses harmful emissions resulting from solid waste combustion. If the proposed rule goes into effect, it will leave pyrolysis units—and their harmful emissions—nearly completely unregulated.
- Pyrolysis units produce a number of hazardous chemicals that are harmful to human health and public safety: particulate matter, volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, hydrogen sulfide, dioxins, and others that can cause a range of negative human health impacts including cancer, respiratory and cardiovascular disease.
- The proposed regulatory change has lacked transparency, undermining meaningful public engagement.
- Ohioans would be particularly impacted by this rulemaking. Communities across the state are already experiencing negative impacts from pyrolysis plants.
Comments on the proposed amendment will be accepted until May 9, 2026.
You may send comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2025-0068, by any of the following methods:
– Federal eRulemaking Portal: www.regulations.gov (our preferred method). Follow the online instructions for submitting comments.
– Email: a-and-r-docket@epa.gov. Include Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2025-0068 in the subject line of the message.
– Mail: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, EPA Docket Center, Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2025-0068, Mail Code 28221T, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20460.
– Hand/Courier Delivery: EPA Docket Center, WJC West Building, Room 3334, 1301 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004. The Docket Center’s hours of operation are 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday (except Federal holidays).
Instructions: All submissions received must include the Docket ID No. for this rulemaking. Comments received may be posted without change to www.regulations.gov, including any personal information provided. For detailed instructions on sending comments and additional information on the rulemaking process, see the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this document.
