White House, EPA point to each other on Eastman belated exemption

Eastman Chemical Co. was granted a presidential exemption from air pollution rules despite applying more than a year after the deadline set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). When Six Rivers Media asked why the exemption was granted, the EPA said to ask the White House, and the White House said to ask the EPA. The Trump administration announced July 13 that it granted more petrochemical facilities exemptions from following a 2024 federal environmental policy that tightens regulations on toxic emissions. Eastman's Kingsport site was one of them. Eastman said it applied for the exemption in April. Requests for a presidential exemption were due by March 31, 2025, according to the EPA. The Clean Air Act allows the president to grant temporary exemptions from EPA rules based on the availability of certain technology and national security interests. Six Rivers Media asked the EPA if it reopened applications after the initial deadline. And, if it didn't, why Eastman's application was considered when it was submitted after the deadline, what reasoning the company shared for its application one year after the deadline closed and how many other companies applied for an exemption past the deadline. In response, the EPA press office cited the statute that authorizes the president to grant temporary exemptions and said "EPA played no role in the determinations set out in the statute and specifically vested in the President. Any questions about process and decisions should be directed to the White House." Six Rivers Media subsequently directed some of those questions to the White House press office via email, asking the administration if it reopened applications and why Eastman's application for its Kingsport site was considered and granted. The White House press office directed Six Rivers Media to the EPA for answers. Eastman did not respond in time for publication to questions about why the White House or EPA considered the company's belated application. Background: Eastman's site in Longview, Texas was already granted an exemption by the Trump administration from the same rule more than a year ago. At that time, Eastman told Six Rivers Media it did not apply for an exemption for its Kingsport site and still planned to comply with the rule by July 2027. Eastman said technology availability and the possibility of changing EPA standards were factors in its decision to request an extension in April. Jorgelina Manna-Rea is a Report for America corps member reporting on issues relating to the environment for Six Rivers Media.