Concerns over new air emission limits proposed by the EPA took center stage at the Palm Beach County government meeting on February 14, 2024. Officials expressed strong objections to the EPA's failure to follow the Clean Air Act's required processes, particularly the lack of a thorough residual risk analysis. This analysis is crucial to demonstrate the necessity of lowering emissions to the proposed levels.

The discussion highlighted that the EPA's assumptions about minor modifications to air pollution control systems are flawed. Experts pointed out that changes, such as adding more lime to the system, could have cascading effects on the entire engineered system, potentially leading to costly modifications that have not been accounted for. The meeting underscored the risk that these new regulations could force existing facilities to shut down, increasing reliance on landfills and fossil fuels, while also raising greenhouse gas emissions.

Officials voiced their frustration over the EPA's rejection of two requests for an extension of the comment period, which they argued does not provide adequate time for meaningful evaluation of the proposed changes. They are preparing to formally request a 60-day extension to assess the impacts of the new air emission limits on local facilities.

The implications of these discussions are significant, as they could affect waste management practices, recycling rates, and overall environmental health in Palm Beach County. The urgency of the situation was clear, with officials emphasizing the need for a comprehensive evaluation to avoid unintended consequences from the new regulations.