Search Results for keywords:"air quality standards"

The EPA has finalized a rule reclassifying parts of Cambria and Westmoreland Counties in Pennsylvania as "nonattainment" areas for sulfur dioxide (SO2) air quality standards set in 2010. This decision is based on air dispersion modeling that shows violations of the standards. These areas were previously classified as "attainment/unclassifiable" and "unclassifiable." With this new designation, Pennsylvania is required to create a plan to reduce SO2 levels to meet health and safety standards over the next few years.

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.

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 proposed to approve a State Implementation Plan (SIP) from Louisiana that aims to meet the air quality standards set by the Clean Air Act. Submitted on November 4, 2020, the plan addresses requirements to reduce emissions that affect visibility and pollution in neighboring states, fulfilling a previous shortcoming related to Prong 4, which involves visibility transport rules. With the approval of Louisiana's regional haze plan, the EPA believes the state now satisfies the necessary provisions for various pollutants, including ozone, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and particulate matter (PM2.5). The plan ensures that Louisiana's measures align with federal air quality standards and do not interfere with the air quality efforts of other states.

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.

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 submitted a request to extend the information collection for the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants, specifically focusing on shipbuilding and ship repair facilities' surface coating operations. This request, approved through February 2025, aims to ensure compliance with air quality standards by gathering data from affected facilities. Public comments are open until March 31, 2025, and can be submitted via www.regulations.gov or mail. The facilities involved in this process are required to provide initial notifications, performance tests, and periodic reports to ensure they meet the necessary standards.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve or conditionally approve a plan by the State of California to address air quality standards for ozone in Western Nevada County, California. This state implementation plan (SIP) includes strategies and measures to meet the federal standards for ozone pollution, focusing on emissions inventories, attainment demonstrations, and reasonable further progress. The EPA is also proposing conditional approval for contingency measures, with the expectation that the state will submit additional rules within one year. The overall goal is to ensure that Western Nevada County meets and maintains national ambient air quality standards for ozone to protect public health.

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) is proposing to approve a plan from Pennsylvania to maintain air quality standards for ozone in Tioga County under the Clean Air Act. This plan shows how the area has maintained safe ozone levels and includes measures to ensure it continues through 2027. The EPA is asking for public comments by March 10, 2021, and will consider these before making a final decision. This action is part of efforts to manage and improve air quality to protect public health.