The United States has announced a two-year exemption for certain chemical manufacturing facilities from compliance with the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) HON Rule. This decision was made to support domestic chemical production and national security interests, as stated by President Donald J. Trump.
The HON Rule, which imposes new emissions-control requirements on the synthetic organic chemical manufacturing industry, has been criticized for its substantial burdens on manufacturers. The rule's testing and monitoring technologies are reportedly not practically available or safe to implement under current conditions. Compliance would require significant investments or shutdowns without proven pathways.
President Trump declared, "It is in the national security interests of the United States to issue this Exemption," citing technological limitations and potential impacts on supply chains and military readiness.
The exemption applies to facilities listed in Annex I of the proclamation, allowing them to adhere to pre-HON Rule standards during this period.
