South Carolina adopts federal rules for cross-state air pollution

South Carolina is updating its state plan to incorporate federal rules for reducing air pollution that crosses state lines. This means power plants in South Carolina will now follow the same federal emissions trading programs for nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide.

Air pollution does not respect state borders. For years, states have argued over who is responsible for pollution that drifts into their territory. These federal rules, known as the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule, aim to create a consistent standard across states. South Carolina's adoption means its power plants are now formally bound by these federal market-based programs, which assign a cost to pollution and allow companies to trade emissions allowances.