Search Results for keywords:"air quality management"

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released data on emission allowance allocations for the 2024 control periods as part of the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR) trading programs. The allowances from the new unit set-asides (NUSAs) have been calculated and are available on the EPA's website. Interested parties can object to these calculations by March 31, 2025; objections must include corrections and reasons for any proposed changes. These allocations help determine how pollution allowances are distributed among new and existing units across different states.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved a statement from Maryland's state government, declaring that there are no Sewage Sludge Incineration (SSI) units in Maryland. This approval follows the Clean Air Act guidelines, which require states to manage emissions from such units. Maryland certified in April 2020 that no SSI units exist within its borders, which means they do not need to submit a detailed plan for controlling emissions from them. This rule is effective as of March 11, 2021.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has submitted a request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to extend its information collection regarding the implementation of the 8-hour National Ambient Air Quality Standards for Ozone. This extension is needed to help states manage nonattainment areas for the 2008 and 2015 ozone standards by requiring plans that include solutions for improving air quality. Public comments on this proposal are being accepted until February 18, 2025. The proposal notes a reduction in the annual burden because fewer states now need to comply with the older standards.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is extending the deadline for public comments on a proposed rule concerning air quality management in the Bay Area, California. Originally, the comment period was supposed to end on December 30, 2024, but due to public requests, it has been extended to January 29, 2025. This extension allows more time for people to submit their opinions and feedback on the proposed rule. Comments should be submitted through the EPA's official website, and any questions or requests for additional information can be directed to Allison Kawasaki at EPA Region IX.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing an update to the Washington State Implementation Plan (SIP) to include new clean air regulations for Spokane County. These regulations were developed by the Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency (SRCAA), replacing or supplementing state rules to ensure better management of air quality locally. This proposal would make certain rules federally enforceable, and the EPA is asking for public comments by March 26, 2021. The changes won’t apply to Indian reservations or specific large facilities that fall under other jurisdictions.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve changes made by Delaware to its regulations on the Mobile Equipment Repair and Refinishing (MERR) rule. These changes align Delaware's rules with the Ozone Transport Commission's (OTC) updated standards for limiting volatile organic compounds (VOC) in vehicle refinishing products and methods. The updated rules aim to reduce VOC emissions, making Delaware's air quality management plan stronger and federally enforceable. Public comments on this proposal are invited before a final decision is made.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved Massachusetts' State Implementation Plan (SIP) submission, which meets most infrastructure requirements for the 2015 ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) under the Clean Air Act. However, EPA issued a finding of failure for certain parts related to the prevention of significant deterioration (PSD) program requirements. Despite this, the finding will not lead to sanctions or new federal requirements, as Massachusetts is already under a Federal Implementation Plan for PSD. The decision was based on Massachusetts demonstrating they have adequate resources and authority for SIP enforcement, even considering potential impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized a rule approving parts of a State Implementation Plan (SIP) from Kansas. This plan addresses the requirements for implementing, maintaining, and enforcing the 2015 Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standard under the Clean Air Act. The approved elements ensure adequate air quality management in Kansas and support the prevention of significant air quality deterioration. The EPA also clarified previous errors in the proposed rule regarding submission dates and content related to interstate pollution transport requirements.

On December 1, 2020, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) decided that the Kalispel Tribe in northeastern Washington can be treated like a state for certain non-regulatory parts of the Clean Air Act. This means they can access specific grants and participate in interstate air quality management without regulatory power. The EPA reviewed and approved the tribe's request, confirming that their jurisdiction covers their original reservation boundaries. Anyone wishing to challenge this decision in court has 60 days to file an appeal.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to update a rule related to the management of air quality in the Feather River Air Quality Management District in California. This proposed rule aims to regulate emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from surface preparation and clean-up operations, which contribute to air pollution and health issues like smog. The rule revision is meant to enhance the existing measures under the Clean Air Act by reducing VOC limits and adjusting requirements on labeling and recordkeeping. The public is invited to comment on this proposal until February 18, 2021, before the EPA takes final action.