Search Results for keywords:"air quality standards"

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has submitted an information collection request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval, seeking an extension for the "NSPS for Electric Utility Steam Generating Units." This extension is essential for compliance with air quality standards and involves periodic reporting and recordkeeping by electric utility steam generating unit operators. The EPA expects a decrease in the burden on these operators due to fewer respondents, as there are no new coal-fired boilers being added and some existing units are being phased out. Public comments on this request are invited until February 10, 2021.

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 approved a revision to Pennsylvania's state implementation plan (SIP), which ensures that the 1997 8-hour ozone national ambient air quality standards will be maintained in the Scranton-Wilkes-Barre area. This action follows Pennsylvania's submission of a second maintenance plan, which fulfills federal requirements for continued air quality management. The EPA received supportive comments on this plan and did not face any opposition. The revision does not impose new requirements but strengthens existing state measures to maintain air quality standards.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved a revision to West Virginia's state implementation plan (SIP) for maintaining air quality with respect to the 1997 8-hour ozone standard in the Charleston Area, covering Kanawha and Putnam Counties. This final rule follows a review of the plan submitted by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection and considers public comments on the proposed rule. EPA determined that West Virginia's plan meets required criteria and will help ensure continued compliance with national air quality standards. The rule becomes effective on March 25, 2021.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve parts of Alaska's state implementation plan to address air quality issues related to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in the Fairbanks North Star Borough. This plan responds to requirements set by the Clean Air Act after the area was classified as a "Serious" nonattainment area due to failing to meet air quality standards by the required date. The proposal includes approval of emission inventory updates and certain regulatory updates meant to limit emissions from sources like wood-fired heating devices. The EPA is inviting public comments on these proposed actions.

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.

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is planning to renew its information collection under the Paperwork Reduction Act, with a focus on pollution prevention and control in offshore oil and gas activities. The agency is seeking public comments on this information collection, which primarily concerns air quality standards compliance and the reporting of emissions. To streamline and improve this process, BOEM is introducing a new system, the OCS Air Quality System (OCS AQS), to replace outdated software. The public has until February 11, 2021, to submit comments, which will help BOEM minimize the reporting burden while ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.

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) 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 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is reversing its previous decision from November 2020 and reinstating Ohio's Air Nuisance Rule (ANR) into the State Implementation Plan (SIP). This change follows a ruling by the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit which highlighted errors in how the EPA handled the removal. The EPA has acknowledged that the ANR plays an important role in meeting clean air standards in Ohio and did not properly evaluate its significance in reducing pollution. This decision is meant to align with the Clean Air Act's goals of maintaining and enforcing national air quality standards.