Christine Ho, christine.ho@sierraclub.org
Washington, D.C. - Today, the Environmental Protection Agency announced that it would once again delay enforcement of regional haze guidelines and give states a three year extension to submit plans to clean up harmful air pollution at national parks and improve public health.
Under the regional haze program, states must submit plans every 10 years outlining strategies to reduce pollution and increase visibility at national parks by implementing compliance schedules, monitoring strategies, and emission reduction technologies.
In December 2025, Sierra Club and 35 other environmental groups urged the EPA to maintain and strengthen the regional haze program.
In response, Sierra Club Senior Attorney Joshua Smith issued the following statement:
“Instead of working to protect our environment and the American people from toxic pollutants, Lee Zeldin is instead delaying plans to curb air pollution and letting fossil fuel companies emit more haze into our national parks.
“The pollutants that have lowered visibility at national parks not only dampen the experience of visiting these crown jewels, but are public health hazards and threaten the well being of visitors and nearby residents. It is critical that Lee Zeldin enforce the regional haze program so that our treasured national parks can return to their once-pristine state as soon as possible.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.