24 states sue EPA over air pollution limit

A group of 24 states with Republican attorneys general sued the Biden administration on Wednesday over a rule aimed at limiting deadly air pollution. 

The legal challenge did not outline the states’ reasons for suing, but a press release from Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman (R) argued that the rule could hamper economic development. 

“This rule will drive jobs and investment out of Kentucky and overseas, leaving employers and hardworking families to pay the price,” Coleman said in a statement. 

Under the rule, states will have to implement policies that improve air quality in parts of the country that do not meet the limit for soot pollution set by the rule. 

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) soot limits are slated to take effect in 2032. 

The EPA estimates that in that year, compliance costs could be $590 million. But it estimated that health benefits could be worth between $22 billion and $46 billion and include up to 4,500 lives saved. 

Exposure to soot pollution has been linked to premature death, heart attacks and decreased lung function.

In addition to Kentucky, the EPA was sued by West Virginia, Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah and Wyoming.

Business trade groups also challenged the EPA rule in court on Wednesday.

The Hill has reached out to the EPA for comment.