"EPA, signaling at least a symbolic step back from the Obama administration's approach, will end federal implementation plans (FIPs) for four states promulgated in 2012 under the umbrella of the regional haze program.

To replace the FIPs, Missouri, South Carolina, Tennessee and West Virginia will soon get approval for state implementation plans, the agency said in a news release today.

'Current data show that state efforts have achieved considerable improvements in visibility throughout the country,' acting EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler said in the release. 'The heavy-handed approach of the previous administration resulted in the imposition of federal implementation plans and billions of dollars in costs that produced only minimal benefits.'"

Sean Reilly reports for Greenwire September 10, 2018. [2]