In a striking appeal, two influential chemical industry groups—American Chemistry Council and the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers—have reached out to President Trump seeking a total exemption from new hazardous air pollution regulations. Instituted during the Biden administration, these rules would compel chemical plants to monitor and limit emissions of harmful pollutants, including ethylene oxide, a carcinogenic substance frequently used in antifreeze and plastics.

In their letter, dated March 31, the groups described the new requirements as financially burdensome, with costs potentially exceeding a staggering $50 billion, contrasting sharply with the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) own estimate of just $1.8 billion. The industry representatives emphasize that these regulations impose "significantly costly requirements on an unworkable timeline" that could jeopardize the future of their operations.

This request arose after the EPA indicated that companies might apply for waivers from major clean-air rules via email. The agency referenced a provision in the Clean Air Act permitting such exemptions under circumstances where necessary technology is unavailable, or for reasons of national security. The outcome of this appeal could impact air quality standards and the operational capabilities of chemical industries across the nation.