Search Results for keywords:"air quality"

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized the approval of a change to the air quality plan for San Diego, California. This change involves removing a rule related to controlling emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from large wood product coating operations. The EPA determined this rule is no longer necessary under the Clean Air Act requirements, as it effectively revises the California State Implementation Plan (SIP) to reflect current needs. No public comments were received during the review period, so the EPA proceeded with approving this update.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to give the Coachella Valley in Riverside County, California, one more year to meet the air quality standards for ozone that were set in 1997. This proposal is based on a thorough evaluation of the air quality data and a request from the State of California. If accepted, this would extend the deadline from June 2024 to June 2025. The public is invited to comment on this proposal, especially concerning the exceptional events like wildfires, which affected the air quality data.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is hosting a virtual meeting via videoconference organized by the Office of Research and Development. It will be held on February 17-19, 2021, to review scientific methods and decisions focused on air quality and wildfires. The meeting is open to the public, but attendees must register in advance. Those interested can submit comments or request a draft agenda by February 16, 2021.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved a change to the Washington State Implementation Plan, removing a ban on small recreational fires in Thurston County. This ban, which was mistakenly added in 2013, covered fires using seasoned firewood or charcoal, commonly seen in backyards and campfires. The EPA confirmed that removing the ban won't harm air quality in the area. This update allows recreational fires in specific cities and surrounding areas within Thurston County, effective February 18, 2025.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized a rule to update the Federal Implementation Plan (FIP) for sulfur dioxide emissions from four sources in Billings and Laurel, Montana. This rule removes the previous allowance for exceeding emission limits during malfunctions, startups, and shutdowns, as it did not align with the Clean Air Act. The EPA conducted an environmental justice analysis and found no significant disparities in pollution burden around the affected facilities. This rule will take effect on February 18, 2025, and is intended to have a neutral to positive impact on local air quality.

The General Services Administration (GSA), along with other federal agencies, has released the final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed modernization of the Bridge of the Americas Land Port of Entry in El Paso, Texas. This modernization aims to improve the capacity and functionality of the port to accommodate future demand and enhance safety and security. Two action alternatives and a no-action alternative were considered, with potential impacts evaluated on various aspects, including socioeconomics, traffic, and air quality. The EIS outlines steps to mitigate any adverse effects identified.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a correction to a previous rule regarding Utah's State Implementation Plans (SIP) for the 2015 ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards. Initially, the EPA mistakenly stated that no comments were received during the public comment period. However, it turned out they had overlooked one electronically submitted comment. The EPA clarified that they had temporarily stopped accepting mailed comments because of COVID-19, but they maintained the requirement to consider public feedback through electronic means. This rule is now effective as of February 23, 2021.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is suggesting that the Sacramento Metro area in California has met the ozone air quality standards set in 2008 by the deadline of December 31, 2024. This decision is based on air quality data collected from 2022 to 2024. If this proposal is finalized, certain air quality contingency measures that were required in case of air quality standard violations would no longer be necessary. The EPA is currently seeking public comments on this proposal until April 21, 2025, before making a final decision.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved a revision to the South Coast Air Quality Management District portion of the California State Implementation Plan (SIP) to reduce emissions of oxides of nitrogen (NOX) from on-road heavy-duty vehicles. This measure, named the South Coast Incentive Measure, includes commitments by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to achieve specified emission reductions, ensure project compliance, and submit annual reports. The plan is enforceable under the Clean Air Act, allowing citizens and the EPA to take action if CARB fails to meet its commitments. The rule will become effective on February 16, 2021.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined that the Northern Wasatch Front area in Utah failed to meet the 2015 ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) by the set deadline. As a result, this area will be reclassified to "Serious" nonattainment status for ozone, requiring stricter controls to improve air quality. Utah must submit revised plans to meet these new requirements by August 3, 2027. This decision ensures that stricter measures will be put in place to reduce ozone pollution in the region.