The EPA has finalized a new rule that tightens hazardous air pollutant standards for 219 major-source wood-products facilities, including plywood, composite wood, and kiln-dried lumber plants. The rule, effective July 6, 2026, targets pollutants like formaldehyde and methanol, and is expected to cut hazardous air pollutants by 721 tons and volatile organic compounds by 8,504 tons annually. Compliance costs are estimated at $121 million in capital and $53.5 million in yearly operating costs, averaging about $237,680 per facility. Existing facilities must comply by July 6, 2029, while new sources have a shorter timeline. The rule also reduces particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and carbon monoxide. This is a concrete step in industrial emissions policy that directly affects the wood products sector, with measurable pollution reductions and clear compliance deadlines.
