Search Results for keywords:"Clean Air Act"

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is finalizing a rule to update the Arizona State Implementation Plan (SIP) regarding air quality in Maricopa County. This rule addresses the reduction of volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from storage and transfer activities of organic liquids and gasoline, ensuring compliance with the Clean Air Act. By approving Rules 350 and 351, the EPA confirms that the state has met previous requirements and demonstrates adherence to the 2008 8-hour ozone standards. No public comments were received, and the rule takes effect on January 8, 2025.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has made a decision regarding a petition involving a Clean Air Act operating permit for AdvanSix Resins and Chemicals LLC's Hopewell Plant in Virginia. The petition, submitted by several environmental groups, asked the EPA to object to the permit issued by Virginia's Department of Environmental Quality. On December 16, 2024, the EPA decided to partially grant and partially deny the petition, explaining their reasoning in an official order. Those wishing to challenge the denied portions of the decision have until May 12, 2025, to seek a judicial review in the appropriate U.S. Court of Appeals circuit.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a final rule extending the effective removal date of the 1-psi gasoline volatility waiver for Ohio and nine counties in South Dakota by one year, from April 28, 2025, to April 28, 2026. This decision comes in response to petitions from the governors of Ohio and South Dakota citing concerns over insufficient gasoline supply without the extension. Factors influencing this decision include infrastructure challenges in Ohio and a recent explosion at a key refinery in Wyoming affecting supply to South Dakota. The EPA's action ensures that gasoline remains available during the summer of 2025 while necessary adjustments are made.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to update and approve new administrative rules for Ohio's New Source Review (NSR) program, which is part of the Clean Air Act regulations. These updates, submitted by Ohio EPA, involve replacing older procedural rules with new rules that include updated processes for public notifications and definitions. The plan also involves removing outdated language from previous regulations. Overall, these changes aim to modernize administrative procedures and improve communication with the public while ensuring consistency with federal requirements.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve updates to Oregon’s Smoke Management Plan, which is part of the state's State Implementation Plan (SIP) for air quality. The revisions, submitted in 2014 and 2019, aim to control smoke emissions from prescribed burning, ensuring they meet Clean Air Act standards. These changes involve incorporating more recent data and methods to manage smoke, protecting public health and air quality without increasing fire authorizations. The EPA has determined that these updates comply with national air quality standards and improve upon previous smoke management rules.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve a change to Kansas’ air quality plan that removes a requirement for gas in the Kansas City area to have a specific Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) during summer months. Previously, Kansas City, Kansas had to use gasoline with an RVP of 7.0 psi, while the statewide and federal requirement is 9.0 psi. While the change might slightly increase emissions that contribute to ozone, the EPA believes it will not harm air quality because overall vehicle emissions are decreasing due to newer, cleaner cars. The decision will align Kansas City, Kansas with a consistent RVP requirement and is open for public comments.

The Department of Justice has proposed a change to a Consent Decree related to violations of the Clean Air Act by Ohio Fresh Eggs, LLC and its associated entities. The original decree required the company to reduce pollution from facilities housing egg-laying chickens. The proposed change aims to address continued violations by implementing alternative solutions approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and imposing penalties totaling $5,816,250. The public is invited to comment on this proposal within 30 days of its announcement, and the details can be reviewed on the Department of Justice's website.

On December 9, 2024, the Department of Justice proposed a Consent Decree to settle a lawsuit against Diesel Performance Parts, Inc. for violating the Clean Air Act by selling parts that disable vehicle emission controls. The settlement bans the company and its owner from engaging in activities related to these illegal parts and requires them to destroy remaining inventory, give up related intellectual property, and pay a $320,000 fine. The public can comment on this proposed agreement within 30 days of its announcement. If interested, the full decree is available for review on the Justice Department's website.

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) is proposing to approve a revision to the state implementation plan (SIP) submitted by the Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) for the District of Columbia. This revision addresses the Nonattainment New Source Review (NNSR) requirements related to the 2015 8-hour ozone standards for the Washington, DC-MD-VA Nonattainment Area. The EPA is seeking public comments on this proposal and has assured that the District’s plan meets all necessary air quality standards without adding extra regulations beyond what the state has implemented.