WASHINGTON (NEWSnet/AP) — More than 200 chemical plants nationwide will be required to reduce toxic emissions that are likely to cause cancer under a new rule issued Tuesday by the Environmental Protection Agency.

The rule will apply to 218 facilities across the United States — more than half in Texas or Louisiana.

The EPA says harmful pollutants such as ethylene oxide and chloroprene have serious health risks and disproportionately impact Black and brown communities.

Plants also are located in two dozen other states, including Ohio and other Midwest states, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York and throughout the South, the EPA said. The action updates several regulations on chemical plant emissions that have not been tightened in nearly two decades.

Environmental activists call this a critical step to slash pollution, reduce cancer risk and ensure cleaner air.

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