Search Results for keywords:"air quality"

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve changes to the air quality management rules for Placer County, California, as part of the state's air quality plan. These changes target reducing pollutants like nitrogen oxides and particulate matter emitted from open burning activities, which can contribute to health and environmental issues. The rules, specific to agricultural and residential burning, have been crafted to meet federal clean air laws. The public has until March 22, 2021, to comment on this proposal, after which the EPA will decide on final approval, making these rules enforceable under federal law.

The document announces that final decisions have been made regarding the US 380 highway project in Texas by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and Federal agencies. These decisions include the issuance of licenses, permits, and approvals necessary for the project, which involves constructing a new 8- to 10-lane freeway with additional features. Any legal claims against these decisions must be made by June 12, 2025. The project has been evaluated under various federal environmental laws, ensuring compliance with regulations related to air quality, endangered species, water resources, and cultural sites.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking nominations for scientific experts to join the Science Advisory Board (SAB). The SAB provides scientific advice on various environmental topics to the Administrator of the EPA. Nominees should have expertise in areas such as air quality, health sciences, and economics, among others. All nominations must be submitted by June 2, 2025, and further details can be found on the SAB website.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved changes to Colorado's State Implementation Plan (SIP) regulations, which were submitted after the EPA identified issues in the state’s handling of extra emissions during startup, shutdown, and malfunction events. These changes remove certain provisions from the SIP, making them state-only, and align with federal requirements under the Clean Air Act. While the action aims to improve air quality, it does not require an environmental justice analysis. The rule takes effect on January 27, 2025.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve a revision to Pennsylvania's state implementation plan (SIP) to ensure that ozone levels in the Clearfield and Indiana Counties meet the 1997 8-hour ground-level ozone standard through 2029. This plan, submitted by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, includes steps to maintain air quality, such as regular monitoring, an emissions inventory, and a contingency plan to address potential violations. EPA is inviting public comments on this proposal, which aligns with the requirements of the Clean Air Act.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is hosting a virtual meeting via videoconference organized by the Office of Research and Development. It will be held on February 17-19, 2021, to review scientific methods and decisions focused on air quality and wildfires. The meeting is open to the public, but attendees must register in advance. Those interested can submit comments or request a draft agenda by February 16, 2021.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved a revision to the South Coast Air Quality Management District portion of the California State Implementation Plan (SIP) to reduce emissions of oxides of nitrogen (NOX) from on-road heavy-duty vehicles. This measure, named the South Coast Incentive Measure, includes commitments by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to achieve specified emission reductions, ensure project compliance, and submit annual reports. The plan is enforceable under the Clean Air Act, allowing citizens and the EPA to take action if CARB fails to meet its commitments. The rule will become effective on February 16, 2021.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved a change to Washington State's Implementation Plan concerning air quality. This revision, submitted on June 2, 2019, by the Washington Department of Ecology, moves the Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) program from actively addressing air quality issues to a backup measure in five counties. Effective March 22, 2021, this decision aligns with the Clean Air Act requirements and does not impose any new obligations beyond state law. The change affects areas like Clark, King, Pierce, Snohomish, and Spokane Counties and is part of ongoing measures to maintain air quality standards.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing new rules to limit emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOX) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) from five taconite facilities in Michigan and Minnesota. These rules are meant to improve air quality and visibility by following procedures outlined in a Federal Implementation Plan (FIP) and applying the best available control technologies. The proposal includes plans for public comments and hearings, and it aims to comply with environmental justice policies to not disproportionately affect communities with environmental concerns. The changes focus on refining previous emission estimates based on real-time data collected from these facilities.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized a rule to update the Federal Implementation Plan (FIP) for sulfur dioxide emissions from four sources in Billings and Laurel, Montana. This rule removes the previous allowance for exceeding emission limits during malfunctions, startups, and shutdowns, as it did not align with the Clean Air Act. The EPA conducted an environmental justice analysis and found no significant disparities in pollution burden around the affected facilities. This rule will take effect on February 18, 2025, and is intended to have a neutral to positive impact on local air quality.