Search Results for keywords:"Clean Air Act"

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved a change to the State Implementation Plan (SIP) submitted by Kentucky, which updates the status designations of areas within the state to align with federal standards for air quality. This update affects several National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and ensures that Kentucky's regulations are in line with the Clean Air Act. The changes impact designations for pollutants like ozone, particulate matter, and sulfur dioxide, confirming how these areas meet or do not meet federal air quality standards. The effective date of this rule is March 31, 2021.

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 new rules to reduce hazardous air pollutants from chemical manufacturing processes, particularly focusing on ethylene oxide (EtO) emissions. Under this proposal, the EPA aims to introduce stricter monitoring, reporting, and emission reduction standards for facilities using, producing, or emitting EtO. The proposed changes are expected to impact 280 facilities, reducing overall hazardous emissions by about 158 tons annually and EtO emissions by approximately 4.6 tons per year. These measures are intended to mitigate health risks, including cancer, for those living near these facilities.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a final rule establishing deadlines for states to submit revisions to their air quality plans when a region is reclassified as having worse ozone pollution. This rule specifies the requirements for new deadlines when areas are reclassified under the Clean Air Act, aiming to ensure consistent and timely submission of needed plans to improve air quality. The rule also simplifies the process by removing some past obligations that no longer apply once an area has been reclassified. These changes help to ensure that areas meet national air quality standards effectively.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is informing the public about its comments on Environmental Impact Statements (EISs) prepared by other Federal agencies. These comments are made public as required by the Clean Air Act and can be found on the EPA's website. The document provides details on new EIS filings received between March 10 and March 17, 2025, including drafts for projects in Texas and Wyoming with their respective comment periods. Nancy Abrams, Associate Director of the Office of Federal Activities, has signed the notice dated March 17, 2025.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing a change to Ohio's state plan for controlling air pollution. This change involves a specific part of Ohio law that allows an installation permit to be extended beyond its initial expiration if it is being appealed by someone other than the owner or operator. The extension period will be the original expiration date plus the time taken to resolve the appeal. The EPA has found that this proposal aligns with federal guidelines and does not have significant regulatory impacts.

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) is seeking public comments on a request made by Rohm and Haas Chemicals LLC, a subsidiary of The Dow Chemical Company, for an alternative method of controlling emissions for a new vinyl acetate storage tank at their plant in Kankakee, Illinois. This proposed method differs from standard emission control systems stipulated by existing regulations, relying instead on a vapor balancing system and pressure containment to reduce emissions. The EPA invites feedback on whether the alternative approach can effectively minimize emissions to a comparable level as current standards. Comments are due by March 25, 2021.

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 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized a rule stating that greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from electric utility generating units (EGUs) significantly contribute to air pollution that endangers public health and welfare. This determination is based on a framework where EGUs, due to their large emissions, surpass the established 3-percent threshold of total U.S. GHG emissions. While other factors could also influence this decision, the major emissions from EGUs alone justify regulation. The rule does not expect to impact energy supply, costs, or emissions notably.