Search Results for keywords:"Clean Air Act"

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is planning to approve changes to Rhode Island's air pollution control rules, which focus on reducing volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from consumer products and certain coatings. These updates are part of the State Implementation Plan (SIP) that Rhode Island submitted. The new rules are based on model regulations by the Ozone Transport Commission and are more stringent compared to previous versions, aiming to further limit the VOC content in specified products. The EPA is currently seeking public comments on these proposed changes before making a final decision.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced final decisions on petitions challenging state operating permits for two power plants. The EPA Administrator denied petitions from the Sierra Club to object to the Clean Air Act title V operating permits for the Hunter Power Plant in Utah, and from Casey and Julie Voigt regarding the Coyote Station Power Plant in North Dakota. These decisions mean the EPA did not find enough reason to object to the permits despite claims about inadequate pollution controls and lack of compliance with federal standards. The EPA detailed its reasoning for these denials and directed a review of the Hunter Power Plant's 2020 permit.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve a revision to Connecticut's State Implementation Plan (SIP). This update introduces state regulations designed to limit emissions from major stationary sources, helping them stay below specific environmental thresholds. By adhering to these limits, eligible sources could avoid having to meet certain strict requirements usually imposed on larger pollution sources. The proposed rule is being evaluated to ensure it aligns with the Clean Air Act, and public comments are invited before a final decision is made.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing a rule to update standards for Primary Magnesium Refining, aimed at improving air quality and protecting public health and the environment. The proposed regulation will ensure that emissions of hazardous air pollutants, such as chlorine, are better controlled. The EPA is planning to eliminate exemptions previously allowed during startup, shutdown, and malfunction periods and include new work practice standards for malfunction events. Additionally, the proposal requires electronic reporting to streamline data handling and improve compliance.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has made available a collection of applicability determinations, alternative monitoring decisions, and regulatory interpretations related to various air quality standards and programs, such as NSPS, NESHAP, and others. These determinations help clarify whether specific facilities or equipment must follow certain EPA regulations, and they often involve evaluating requests for alternative monitoring methods or exemptions. A summary of 59 documents added to the Applicability Determination Index on October 22, 2020, includes topics like monitoring plans for emissions from industrial processes and compliance with air quality standards for specific facilities. These documents are available online for public access, and complete details can be found through the EPA's Clean Air Act Compliance Monitoring website.

The Department of Justice has announced that it lodged a proposed Consent Decree with the District Court of the Southern District of New York, involving a lawsuit against Toyota Motor Corporation and others. The case is about violations of emission-defect reporting regulations under the Clean Air Act. Under the proposed agreement, Toyota will pay $180 million and agree to injunctive relief. The public can comment on this agreement within 30 days of the notice publication by contacting the Assistant Attorney General and referring to the case details provided.

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) is proposing a mixed approval and disapproval of a revision to the Yolo-Solano Air Quality Management District's part of the California State Implementation Plan (SIP). This revision deals with emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from solvent cleaning and degreasing operations. While the proposed rule improves emission limits and recordkeeping, it has deficiencies concerning the exemption of certain solvent degreasing operations under specific national standards. The public can comment on this proposal until March 29, 2021.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a final rule that both approves and disapproves parts of Wyoming's revised Regional Haze Plan from 2022. This plan was meant to tackle air pollution affecting visibility in national parks and other protected areas. The EPA approved parts of the plan related to visibility conditions and monitoring strategies, but disapproved other parts, including long-term strategies and progress goals, because Wyoming did not adequately justify their choices and failed to include necessary emissions control measures. This rule will take effect on January 2, 2025.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved certain parts of Tennessee's plan to manage air quality in the Sullivan County area, specifically those related to controlling sulfur dioxide (SO₂) emissions. This decision follows the state’s efforts to meet federal standards set in 2010, which aim to limit air pollution from new and modified sources. While the EPA is not taking action on all submissions from Tennessee, they have concluded that the state has fulfilled key requirements, including providing a detailed emissions inventory and adhering to rules for reviewing new sources of pollution. This rule takes effect on March 31, 2021.