Search Results for keywords:"air quality standards"

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is approving revisions to Connecticut's State Implementation Plan (SIP) concerning air quality standards. These updates confirm that Connecticut's plans meet federal requirements for controlling air pollution, specifically for reducing ozone levels in certain areas. The revisions involve checking new source review permits and ensuring accurate emission reporting from sources of pollution like nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds. The changes will take effect on May 22, 2025, and ensure compliance with the Clean Air Act.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking nominations for scientific experts to join the Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee (CASAC). This committee provides independent advice on air quality standards. The EPA is looking for candidates with expertise in fields such as air quality, environmental engineering, and toxicology. Nominations must be submitted by June 2, 2025, and those selected will serve as Special Government Employees for terms of two to three years.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized a rule for managing commercial and industrial solid waste incineration units (CISWI) that were built on or before June 4, 2010, and not updated since August 7, 2013. This rule applies to states without approved plans for reducing emissions from these units and entails adopting federal guidelines to decrease pollutants like lead, mercury, and sulfur dioxide. In addition, the rule introduces changes to testing, monitoring, and recording requirements, emphasizing reductions in emissions and the implementation of stricter operational practices to curb pollution. Units in Alaska that qualify as "small, remote incinerators" are exempt from certain standards until further regulations address this category.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a final rule establishing deadlines for states to submit revisions to their air quality plans when a region is reclassified as having worse ozone pollution. This rule specifies the requirements for new deadlines when areas are reclassified under the Clean Air Act, aiming to ensure consistent and timely submission of needed plans to improve air quality. The rule also simplifies the process by removing some past obligations that no longer apply once an area has been reclassified. These changes help to ensure that areas meet national air quality standards effectively.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved changes to New York's State Implementation Plan regarding air quality standards. These changes focus on Knowlton Technologies LLC in Watertown, New York. The plan includes setting limits on volatile organic compounds (VOC) emissions from two large methanol storage tanks to help meet ozone air quality standards. This ruling follows federal guidelines and does not introduce new requirements beyond state law.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has made an interim final decision to delay sanctions against the State of Alaska after it submitted a plan that meets Clean Air Act requirements related to air quality standards for fine particulate matter in Fairbanks North Star Borough. These sanctions were initially triggered due to the past disapproval of Alaska's air quality plan. The EPA's decision relies on a proposed approval of Alaska's revised plan and gives the public the opportunity to comment on this delay of sanctions. This action aims to avoid imposing penalties while the approval process for the revised plan is ongoing. The EPA is not requiring any new changes or imposing burdens as part of this action.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has revised the air quality standards for sulfur dioxide (SO₂) to better protect the environment. The previous standard had a three-hour measurement period, but now it is an annual average over three years, limited to 10 parts per billion (ppb). The EPA decided to keep the existing standards for nitrogen oxides and particulate matter the same. This update comes after reviewing scientific evidence and public feedback to ensure the standards protect public wellness without being too strict.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a final rule updating the materials incorporated by reference into the Georgia State Implementation Plan (SIP) to align with federal air quality standards. This update includes various changes to the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) tables, clarifying and revising several regulation explanations. The updates are effective from December 20, 2024, and affect how these materials can be accessed by the public at specified locations. EPA emphasized that this action is an administrative change that codifies existing state and federal regulations, and does not impose new regulatory impacts.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to change the designation of a certain area in Idaho from nonattainment to attainment status concerning air quality standards for fine particulate matter (PM2.5). This proposal would approve Idaho's plan to maintain air quality standards in this area through 2031, in line with the Clean Air Act. The plan includes improvements such as reducing emissions from wood smoke and ensuring continued monitoring of air quality. Public comments on this proposal are being accepted until March 19, 2021.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has made an interim final decision to pause and delay imposing sanctions on the Sacramento Metro area under the Clean Air Act. This decision is based on a preliminary finding that the area has met the 2008 standard for ozone levels by the specified deadline of December 31, 2024. The public can submit comments on this decision until April 21, 2025. If the final decision confirms the area's attainment of air quality standards, previous sanctions will be lifted.