The EPA on Nov. 28 withdrew its direct final rule (DFR) that would have extended by six years the deadline for utilities to submit a notice of plan participation (NOPP) to permanently cease coal combustion under the 2024 Steam Electric Effluent Limitation Guidelines rule.
Adverse public comments prompted the withdrawal, APPA noted.
On the same day, EPA published the DFR. The agency published a companion proposal seeking feedback on the compliance extension and other substantive issues.
EPA will now address these topics and the NOPP deadline extension in a future final action.
APPA submitted comments supporting the companion proposal’s changes.
Additionally, APPA urged EPA to provide guidance to permitting authorities if the compliance deadline extensions are not finalized by the end of the year.
Given the withdrawal of the DFR, it is unlikely EPA will issue a final rule by December 31, 2025, APPA noted.
