Protecting Communities from Hydrogen Cyanide Act of 2019

To direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to set a health-protective numerical emission limitation for hydrogen cyanide under section 112 of the Clean Air Act ( 42 U.S.C. 7412 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Protecting Communities from Hydrogen Cyanide Act of 2019 2. Protecting public health from hydrogen cyanide pollution Section 112(n) of the Clean Air Act ( 42 U.S.C. 7412(n) (8) Hydrogen cyanide (A) Numerical emission limitation The Administrator shall, by regulation— (i) set a numerical emission limitation for hydrogen cyanide from petroleum refineries; and (ii) require— (I) real-time fenceline air monitoring of emissions of hydrogen cyanide at each petroleum refinery and real-time online public reporting of such monitoring; (II) a community release alert system for residents exposed to emissions of hydrogen cyanide from a petroleum refinery; and (III) regular electronic reporting to the Administrator of all monitoring data related to emissions of hydrogen cyanide from each petroleum refinery. (B) Requirements In setting a numerical emission limitation under subparagraph (A), the Administrator shall— (i) require the maximum degree of reduction in emissions that the Administrator determines is achievable, in accordance with subsection (d); (ii) ensure an ample margin of safety to protect public health and prevent an adverse environmental effect; (iii) prevent adverse cumulative effects to fetal health, children’s health, and the health of vulnerable subpopulations; (iv) consider the effects and risks of exposure to hydrogen cyanide from multiple sources and in combination with exposure to other pollutants; and (v) consider the best available science, including as provided by the National Academy of Sciences. (C) Regulation (i) Initial regulation (I) Deadline The Administrator shall promulgate the initial regulation required under subparagraph (A) not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this paragraph. (II) Compliance date The compliance date for the initial regulation required under subparagraph (A) shall be not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this paragraph. (ii) Public hearings Before finalizing a regulation (or revision thereof) required under subparagraph (A), the Administrator shall hold at least 2 public hearings in communities exposed to air pollution from petroleum refineries. (D) Savings clause Nothing in this paragraph shall be interpreted to preclude or deny the right of the Administrator or any State or political subdivision thereof to adopt or enforce emission standards, monitoring, or other requirements that are more stringent than the requirements herein. .

Summary: Protecting Communities from Hydrogen Cyanide Act of 2019 This bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to limit hydrogen cyanide emissions. Specifically, the EPA must set an emission limitation for hydrogen cyanide from petroleum refineries and require the monitoring of hydrogen cyanide emissions. The bill also requires the implementation of public reporting and a community release alert system for residents exposed to emissions.