The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved Tennessee's Second Planning Period Regional Haze Plan, confirming that the state meets all statutory and regulatory requirements under the Clean Air Act (CAA) and the Regional Haze Rule (RHR). This plan aims to enhance visibility in protected areas such as Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock National Wilderness Area, as well as other regions affected by emissions from Tennessee.
EPA Regional Administrator Kevin McOmber said, "EPA and Tennessee worked together on this plan, and this final action is an example of the environmental wins EPA and states are achieving through cooperative federalism." He emphasized the importance of collaboration between agencies to achieve outcomes like clean air while allowing states flexibility to address their communities' needs.
Tennessee Senator Steve Southerland expressed gratitude for the efforts made by state environmental partners and the EPA in protecting air quality in the Great Smoky Mountains. David Salyers, Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, also appreciated EPA's approval, noting that it confirms Tennessee's commitment to maintaining clean air.
The EPA's approval indicates that Tennessee is ahead of schedule in improving visibility conditions. The plan projects a reduction in sulfur dioxide emissions by 87% and nitrogen oxide emissions by 61% from 2011 to 2028. Earlier this year, the EPA issued an advance notice of proposed rulemaking for the third planning period of the regional haze plan. This seeks public input to guide potential regulatory changes in line with current scientific data and recent air quality improvements. The notice aligns with cooperative federalism principles under the Powering the Great American Comeback initiative.
