Clean Air and Building Infrastructure Improvement Act

H.R. 4214 would modify how the Clean Air Act handles preconstruction permits when the EPA establishes or revises air quality standards. Specifically, the bill would require the EPA Administrator to publish implementing regulations and guidance at the same time as new air quality standards, and would prevent those new standards from applying to construction permit applications until the guidance is finalized. The bill would also provide a transition period for the 2024 fine particulate matter standard. The legislation clarifies that these changes do not eliminate requirements for facilities to use the best available pollution control technology, nor do they prevent states and local governments from imposing stricter emissions rules than federal standards.

The bill has passed committee review and is now eligible for a floor vote in the House. Supporters argue the measure would streamline the permitting process and make infrastructure development more predictable, while critics contend it could delay implementation of updated air quality protections. The bill is part of a broader package of Clean Air Act permitting reforms being considered by Congress.