BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Two plans aimed at improving air quality in Louisiana were approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality said two State Implementation Plans to reduce sulfur dioxide emissions were OK'd. The first plan aims to reduce emissions at Cabot Corporation's carbon black plant in Evangeline Parish through emissions limits and controls.

LDEQ Secretary Courtney Burdette said the second approval was for a plan revision for sulfur dioxide transported on the interstate under a Clean Air Act provision, which makes sure that emissions from Louisiana sources don't make major contributions to interfere with National Ambient Air Quality Standard maintenance in nearby states.

“This is government partnership in action as you see industry, the State and the EPA coming together to deliver real benefits for our environment and the health of our communities," Burdette said. "I would also like to thank Governor Landry for his strong leadership in helping us navigate these processes and ensuring that Louisiana is open for business, but in a smart and environmentally sound way."

According to the EPA, the biggest source of sulfur dioxide in the air comes from the burning of fossil fuels at power plants and industrial facilities.

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