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Pacific Southwest, Region 9

Serving: Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Pacific Islands, 147 Tribes

Air Actions, California

Recent Additions
Adequacy Review of SIP Submissions for Conformity

In EPA's adequacy review, the Agency determines whether the motor vehicle emissions budgets in the State Implementation Plan (SIP) are adequate for conformity purposes.

For more information on SIP submissions currently under EPA adequacy review and SIP submissions EPA has already found adequate, see the EPA's Office of Transportation and Air Quality Transportation Conformity Web Site.

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California-Wide and Multi-Area

Proposed Approval of California Fumigant VOC Regulations and Revisions to the California SIP Pesticide Element for San Joaquin Valley

On April 13, 2012, EPA proposed to approve pesticide measures submitted by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) to reduce volatile organic compound emissions from pesticides in five California ozone nonattainment areas: South Coast, Southeast Desert, Ventura, San Joaquin Valley, and Sacramento Metro. These measures include DPR’s field fumigant regulations and revisions to the California SIP pesticide elements. We are taking public comments for 30 days after the publication of our action in the Federal Register.

For further information, please contact Frances Wicher (Wicher.Frances@epa.gov), (415) 972-3957.

Final actions on California's Interstate Transport State Implementation Plan (SIP) for the 1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS and 1997 fine particulate (PM2.5) NAAQS

Clean Air Act section 110(a)(2)(D)(i) requires that the California SIP contain adequate provisions to prohibit emissions from adversely impacting downwind states. These "good neighbor" requirements address four specific elements: 1) significant contribution to nonattainment of the NAAQS, 2) interference with maintenance of the NAAQS, 3) interference with required measures for prevention of significant deterioration (PSD), and 4) interference with required measures to protect visibility. Over the period of May 9, 2011 to July 29, 2011, EPA finalized action on all four elements of the California Interstate Transport SIP for the 1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS and 1997 PM2.5 NAAQS. These actions were published as follows:

  • Limited approval and limited disapproval of element 3 (interference with PSD)
    • Proposed Rule (76 FR 31263, May 31, 2011)
    • Final Rule (76 FR 48002, August 8, 2011) – Limited approval and limited disapproval of element 3
    • Final Rule (76 FR 48006, August 8, 2011) – Limited PSD FIP for North Coast Unified Air Quality Management District
Final Approval of California's Regional Haze Plan

On May 9, 2011, EPA finalized action to approve a revision to the California State Implementation Plan (SIP).  We found that that the California Regional Haze Plan fulfilled the Clean Air Act requirement to make reasonable progress towards the national goal of achieving natural visibility conditions in the state's twenty-nine Class I areas.  Class I areas are national parks, national forests, wilderness areas, and national seashores where visibility is an important value. We provided a 30-day comment period with our March 15, 2011 proposal and received no comments on our proposed action.

Final Rule Granting Reclassification Requests for Four 8-hour Ozone Nonattainment Areas in California

On April 15, 2010, EPA's Region 9 Regional Administrator signed a final rule to grant requests from the State of California to reclassify four 8-hour ozone nonattainment areas as follows: San Joaquin Valley from "serious" to "extreme", South Coast Air Basin from "severe-17" to "extreme", and Sacramento Metro and Coachella Valley from "serious" to "severe-15". As part of this action, we are also reclassifying the tribal lands of 20 affected Tribes within these nonattainment areas, and are deferring the reclassification of tribal lands pertaining to the Morongo Band of Mission Indians and the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Mission Indians pending our final decisions on boundary change requests from each Tribe. These reclassifications set later attainment deadlines for each area while also requiring the State to meet more stringent requirements. While the State has already submitted most of the required revisions to the state implementation plan (SIP), this rule sets a schedule for the submission of the remaining SIP revisions. To view the proposed rule, please click the link below.

California SIP Revision: Carbon Monoxide Second Ten-Year Maintenance Plan Approval (November, 2005): Includes motor vehicle emissions budgets (MVEBs) that will become effective 60 days after publication in the Federal Register.

Title V Air Permits in California: includes EPA’s final rule that returned the operating permits program to 34 California districts, Settlement Agreement between EPA and California citizen and environmental groups, and EPA's final rule to partially withdraw approval of California's operating permits program.

California New Source Review: Call for Revision to State Law to remove exemption for major agricultural stationary sources

Baja

Air Quality Plans in Baja, California: with Program to Improve Air Quality in Tijuana-Rosarita 2002-2005 and Program to Improve Air Quality in Mexicali 2002-2005

Imperial Valley

Imperial County Actions (Ozone and Particulate Matter Air Quality Plans)

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Inyo

Final Action on Coso Junction Planning Area 2010 PM-10 Maintenance Plan & the State of California’s Redesignation Request
On July 29, 2010, in a final rulemaking action, we redesignated the Coso Junction Planning Area (CJPA) to attainment for the PM-10 National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) and approved the PM-10 maintenance plan for the area, as requested by the State of California. The primary cause of the PM-10 problem in the CJPA has been windblown dust emissions from Owens Lake. With jurisdiction over the Owens Lake area and the CJPA, the Great Basin Unified Air Pollution Control District (GBUAPCD) has adopted significant controls for Owens Lake dust and we are approving them as part of the CJPA’s maintenance plan. We provided a 30-day comment period for our June 24, 2010 proposal and received no comments.

Proposed Action on Coso Junction Planning Area 2010 PM-10 Maintenance Plan & the State of California’s Redesignation Request
On June 24, 2010, we proposed that the Great Basin Unified Air Pollution Control District (GBUAPCD) fulfilled The Clean Air Act (CAA) requirements for redesignations and maintenance plans for the Coso Junction Planning Area (CJPA). Consequently, as requested by the State of California, we are proposing to redesignate the CJPA to attainment of the PM-10 National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS). Our proposal discusses how the CJPA has met the requirements for redesignation including attainment of the PM-10 NAAQS, permanent and enforceable emission reductions resulting in attainment of the standard, an accurate and up to date emissions inventory, commitments for ensuring continued attainment of the PM-10 NAAQS, and contingency measures. We are taking public comments on our proposal for 30 days after its publication within the Federal Register.

For our determination of attainment of the PM-10 NAAQS for the CJPA, please see our actions described below.

Final Determination of Attainment for the PM-10 Standard in the Coso Junction Planning Area
On May 13, 2010, we finalized our determination that the Coso Junction Nonattainment Area (CJNA) has attained the 24-hour National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter less than or equal to a nominal ten micrometers (PM-10) based on quality-assured and certified air quality data from 2006 through 2008.  In addition, air quality data for 2009 and preliminary data for 2010 show that the CJNA continues to attain the PM-10 NAAQS.  Also, we finalized our determination that certain Clean Air Act requirements are not applicable for as long as the CJNA continues to attain the PM-10 NAAQS.  Currently, we are obligated under a consent decree either to reclassify (or “bump-up”) the CJNA from “moderate” to “serious”, or to redesignate the area to attainment for PM-10 by July 31, 2010. 

Proposed Determination of Attainment for the PM-10 Standard in the Coso Junction Planning Area
On March 23, 2010, we proposed to determine that the Coso Junction Nonattainment Area (CJNA) has attained the 24-hour PM-10 National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) based on quality-assured and certified air quality data from 2006 through 2008.  In addition, air quality data for 2009 and preliminary data for 2010 show that the CJNA continues to attain the NAAQS.  Also, we proposed to determination that certain Clean Air Act requirements are not applicable for as long as the CJNA continues to attain the PM-10 NAAQS.

Monterey Bay Region

On November 6, 2009, EPA's Regional Administrator signed a direct final rule to approve the Monterey Bay Region's Maintenance Plan for Ozone. The plan, prepared by Monterey Bay Unified Air Pollution Control District and California Air Resources Board, shows the area will continue to maintain the 8-hour ozone standard through the year 2014.

Owens Valley

Owens Valley Particulate Matter (PM-10) Pollution

Sacramento Metro Area

Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans;
California; Revisions to the California State Implementation Plan Pesticide Element
Sacramento 1-Hour Ozone Clean Air Act Section 185 Termination

On May 9, 2011, EPA proposed to determine that California is no longer required to implement or submit a Clean Air Act (CAA) Section 185 fee program for 1-hour ozone as a revision to the State Implementation Plan (SIP) for the Sacramento Metro 1-hour ozone nonattainment area (Sacramento Metro Area). EPA has also taken an “interim final” action to stop sanctions from applying to the Sacramento Metro Area. Portions of the area were subject to sanctions because EPA previously determined that the State of California had not submitted a Section 185 SIP for those portions of the area. EPA is holding a 30-day public comment period starting on May 18, 2011, the date of publication of our proposal and interim final notices in the Federal Register.

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San Francisco Bay Area

San Francisco Bay Area Ozone actions: with Finding that the San Francisco Bay Area has attained the 1-hour Ozone Standard, Approval of Elements of the 2001 Ozone Attainment Plan, and Interim Final Determination to Stay and Defer the Imposition of Offset and Highway Sanctions

San Francisco Bay Area refinery Title V Permits

Settlement Agreement with Communities for a Better Environment and Our Children’s Earth Foundation regarding EPA's approval of the Bay Area Air Quality Management District's Title V Program

San Joaquin Valley

Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans;
California; Revisions to the California State Implementation Plan Pesticide Element
Final Action on San Joaquin Valley 2008 PM2.5 Plan

On September 30, 2011, EPA approved nearly all elements of the San Joaquin Valley 2008 PM2.5 plan. Today's final action will become effective 60 days from the date of publication in the Federal Register.

For further information, please contact Frances Wicher (Wicher.Frances@epa.gov), (415) 972-3957.

Final Approval of San Joaquin Valley 8-hour Ozone Attainment Plan

On December 15, 2011, EPA approved California's plan to attain the 1997 8-hour ozone national ambient air quality standard of 0.08 ppm in the San Joaquin Valley extreme ozone nonattainment area. The plan consists of the SJV Air Pollution Control District's 2007 Ozone Plan and related portions of the California Air Resources Board's 2007 State Strategy. We proposed this action on September 7, 2011.

Proposed Approval of San Joaquin Valley 8-hour Ozone Attainment Plan

On September 7, 2011, EPA proposed to approve the 8-hour ozone attainment plan for San Joaquin Valley. The public is invited to comment for 30 days after the publication of this action in the Federal Register.

Final Determination of Failure to Attain the 1-hour Ozone Standard for San Joaquin Valley, South Coast and Southeast Desert

On December 16, 2011 EPA finalized its determination that the South Coast, San Joaquin Valley and the Southeast Desert 1-hour ozone nonattainment areas have failed to attain the 1-hour ozone standard by their applicable attainment date. Today's final action includes response to public comments.

Proposed Determination of Failure to Attain the 1-hour Ozone Standard for San Joaquin Valley, South Coast and Southeast Desert

On September 1, 2011 EPA proposed to find that the South Coast, San Joaquin Valley and the Southeast Desert 1-hour ozone nonattainment areas have failed to attain the 1-hour ozone standard by their applicable attainment date. EPA is required to make these determinations to ensure implementation of certain 1-hour ozone requirements, such as contingency measures and section 185 major stationary source fee programs, which are given effect by such determinations. The public is invited to comment for 30 days after the publication of this action in the Federal Register.

Contact Information
Doris Lo (lo.doris@epa.gov)
(415) 972-3959

San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District Proposed Approval of Rule 3170 "Federally Mandated Ozone Nonattainment Fee" and Interim Final Rule to Defer Sanctions

On July 19, 2011, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed to approve San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District (SJV) Rule 3170, "Federally Mandated Ozone Nonattainment Fee" and its alternative equivalent program as meeting the Clean Air Act (CAA) Section 185 fee program requirements for the 1-hour ozone standard. EPA also issued an Interim Final Rule to defer imposing offset and highway sanctions in SJV. EPA will accept comment on both actions for 30 days after publication in the Federal Register (The comment period for each proposal closed August 29, 2011).

Contact Information

Lily Wong (wong.lily@epa.gov)
US EPA Region 9, Air Division
(415) 947-4114

Proposed Partial Approval/Partial Disapproval of San Joaquin Valley 2008 PM2.5 Plan

On June 29, 2011, EPA proposed action on the San Joaquin Valley 2008 PM2.5 plan. EPA is providing a 30 day public comment period from the date of publication in the Federal Register.

Related Action: In-Use Heavy-Duty Diesel-Fueled Truck and Bus Regulation, Drayage Truck Regulation and Ocean-Going Vessels Clean Fuels Regulation

On November 8, 2010, EPA's Regional Administrator signed a proposed rule to approve in part and disapprove in part the San Joaquin Valley 2008 PM2.5 plan. The parts of the plan; prepared by the San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District and the California Air Resources Board that we proposed to approve; strengthen the SIP. The portions of the plan we proposed to disapprove; do not meet the requirements of the Clean Air Act and EPA regulations. We are taking public comments for 60 days after the publication of our action in the Federal Register.

San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District: Revisions to the California State Implementation Plan

San Joaquin Valley Particulate Matter (PM-10) Pollution

San Joaquin Valley New Source Review Rules

San Joaquin Valley Ozone

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South Coast

Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans;
California; Revisions to the California State Implementation Plan Pesticide Element
Notice of Proposed Approval of South Coast Rule 317 – CAA Section 185 Nonattainment Fee Program

On January 4, 2012, the U.S. EPA proposed to approve South Coast Air Quality Management District's Rule 317, "Clean Air Act Non-Attainment Fee" as meeting the Clean Air Act (CAA) Section 185 fee program requirements for the 1-hour ozone standard.

Final Action on South Coast 2007 PM2.5 Plan

On September 30, 2011, EPA approved nearly all elements of the South Coast 2007 PM2.5 plan. Today's final action will become effective 60 days from the date of publication in the Federal Register.

For further information, please contact Wienke Tax (Tax.Wienke@epa.gov), (415) 947-4192.

Final Approval of South Coast 8-hour Ozone Attainment Plan

On December 15, 2011, EPA approved California's plan to attain the 1997 8-hour ozone national ambient air quality standard of 0.08 ppm in the South Coast extreme ozone nonattainment area. The plan consists of the ozone-related portions of the South Coast Air Quality Management District's 2007 Air Quality Management Plan and related portions of the California Air Resources Board's 2007 State Strategy. We proposed this action on September 7, 2011.

Proposed Approval of South Coast 8-hour Ozone Attainment Plan

On September 7, 2011 EPA proposed to approve the 8-hour ozone attainment plan for the South Coast. The public is invited to comment for 30 days after the publication of this action in the Federal Register.

Final Determinations of Failure to Attain the 1-hour Ozone Standard for San Joaquin Valley, South Coast and Southeast Desert

On December 16, 2011 EPA finalized its determination that the South Coast, San Joaquin Valley and the Southeast Desert 1-hour ozone nonattainment areas have failed to attain the 1-hour ozone standard by their applicable attainment date. Today's final action includes response to public comments.

Proposed Determinations of Failure to Attain the 1-hour Ozone Standard for San Joaquin Valley, South Coast and Southeast Desert

On September 1, 2011 EPA proposed to find that the South Coast, San Joaquin Valley and the Southeast Desert 1-hour ozone nonattainment areas have failed to attain the 1-hour ozone standard by their applicable attainment date. EPA is required to make these determinations to ensure implementation of certain 1-hour ozone requirements, such as contingency measures and section 185 major stationary source fee programs, which are given effect by such determinations. The public is invited to comment for 30 days after the publication of this action in the Federal Register.

Contact Information
Doris Lo (lo.doris@epa.gov)
(415) 972-3959

Proposed Partial Approval/ Partial Disapproval of South Coast 2007 PM2.5 Plan

On June 29, 2011, EPA proposed action on the South Coast 2007 PM2.5 plan. EPA is providing a 30 day public comment period from the date of publication in the Federal Register.

Related Action: In-Use Heavy-Duty Diesel-Fueled Truck and Bus Regulation, Drayage Truck Regulation and Ocean-Going Vessels Clean Fuels Regulation

On November 8, 2010, EPA's Regional Administrator signed a proposed rule to approve in part and disapprove in part the South Coast 2007 PM2.5 plan. The parts of the plan; prepared by the South Coast Air Quality Management District and the California Air Resources Board that we proposed to approve; strengthen the SIP. The portions of the plan we proposed to disapprove; do not meet the requirements of the Clean Air Act and EPA. We are taking public comments for 60 days after the publication of our action in the Federal Register.

Final Rule for South Coast 2003 1-Hour Ozone Plan and NO2 Maintenance Plan
On January 15, 2009, EPA's Regional Administrator signed a final rule to approve in part and disapprove in part the South Coast 2003 1-hour ozone plan and the NO2 maintenance plan. The parts of the plan, prepared by the South Coast Air Quality Management District and the California Air Resources Board, that we approved strengthen the SIP. The disapproved portions of the plan were not required by the Clean Air Act, and our disapprovals do not start sanctions clocks. We received comments from the Center on Race, Poverty, and the Environment and the Natural Resources Defense Council during the 30-day comment period. We responded to the comments in our final rule.

Proposed Approval of South Coast 2003 1-Hour Ozone Plan and NO2 Maintenance Plan
On October 15, 2008, EPA's Regional Administrator signed a proposed rule to approve in part and disapprove in part the South Coast 2003 1-hour ozone plan and the NO2 maintenance plan. The parts of the plan, prepared by the South Coast Air Quality Management District and the California Air Resources Board, that we proposed to approve strengthen the SIP. The portions of the plan we proposed to disapprove were not required by the Clean Air Act, and our disapprovals do not start sanctions clocks. We are taking public comments for 30 days after the publication of our action in the Federal Register.

Final Approval of South Coast Carbon Monoxide Maintenance Plan and Redesignation Request
On April 24, 2007, EPA’s Regional Administrator signed a final rule to approve the South Coast Maintenance Plan and Redesignation Request for Carbon Monoxide. The plan, prepared by the South Coast Air Quality Management District and the California Air Resources Board, shows that the area will have in place the controls necessary to maintain the carbon monoxide standard through the year 2020.

Proposed Approval of South Coast Carbon Monoxide Maintenance Plan and Redesignation Request
On February 6, 2007, EPA’s Regional Administrator signed a proposed rule to approve the South Coast Maintenance Plan and Redesignation Request for Carbon Monoxide. The plan, prepared by the South Coast Air Quality Management District and the California Air Resources Board, shows that the area achieved the CO standard in 2002, and will have in place the controls necessary to maintain the carbon monoxide standard through the year 2020.

Final Approval of South Coast and Coachella Particulate Matter Plan
On September 16, 2005, EPA’s Regional Administrator signed a final rule to approve the South Coast and Coachella Valley Attainment Demonstration Plan for particulate matter. The plan, prepared by the South Coast Air Quality Management District and the California Air Resources Board, shows that the area will have in place the controls necessary to meet the particulate matter standard by the area’s Clean Air Act deadline of 2006. The plan also addresses the Clean Air Act’s requirements for emission inventories, rate of progress, control measures, and contingency measures.

Proposed Approval of South Coast and Coachella Particulate Matter Plan
On July 17, 2005, EPA’s Regional Administrator signed a proposal to approve the South Coast and Coachella Valley Attainment Demonstration Plan for particulate matter. The plan, prepared by the South Coast Air Quality Management District and the California Air Resources Board, shows that the area will have in place the controls necessary to meet the particulate matter standard by the area’s Clean Air Act deadline of 2006. The plan also addresses the Clean Air Act’s requirements for emission inventories, rate of progress, control measures, and contingency measures.

Past South Coast Actions
EPA's Evaluation of the Regional Clean Air Incentives Market (RECLAIM) Program in the South Coast Air Quality Management District – Includes evaluation summary and the full report (November, 2002)

Contact Information

Wienke Tax (tax.wienke@epa.gov)
US EPA Region 9, Air Planning Office
(415) 947-4192

Southeast Desert

Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans;
California; Revisions to the California State Implementation Plan Pesticide Element
Final Determinations of Failure to Attain the 1-hour Ozone Standard for San Joaquin Valley, South Coast and Southeast Desert

On December 16, 2011 EPA finalized its determination that the South Coast, San Joaquin Valley and the Southeast Desert 1-hour ozone nonattainment areas have failed to attain the 1-hour ozone standard by their applicable attainment date. Today's final action includes response to public comments.

Proposed Determinations of Failure to Attain the 1-hour Ozone Standard for San Joaquin Valley, South Coast and Southeast Desert

On September 1, 2011 EPA proposed to find that the South Coast, San Joaquin Valley and the Southeast Desert 1-hour ozone nonattainment areas have failed to attain the 1-hour ozone standard by their applicable attainment date. EPA is required to make these determinations to ensure implementation of certain 1-hour ozone requirements, such as contingency measures and section 185 major stationary source fee programs, which are given effect by such determinations. The public is invited to comment for 30 days after the publication of this action in the Federal Register.

Contact Information
Doris Lo (lo.doris@epa.gov)
(415) 972-3959

Ventura County

Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans;
California; Revisions to the California State Implementation Plan Pesticide Element

On May 27, 2009, the EPA took final action on a request from California to find that the Ventura County, California area attained the revoked 1-hour ozone standard by its attainment date. The action took effect on July 27, 2009.

On May 20, 2008, EPA took final action to grant the request from California Air Resources Board (CARB) to reclassify Ventura County's 8-hour ozone non-attainment area from "moderate" to "serious". This reclassification was effective June 19, 2008.

On July 3, 2008, EPA signed a final rule that approves revisions to the California State Implementation Plan for Ventura County for 1-hour ozone. This proposed revision would revise a control measure related to emissions of volatile organic compounds in Ventura County caused by the use of pesticides.

On April 15, 2008, EPA signed a proposal that approves revisions to the California State Implementation Plan for Ventura County for 1-hour ozone. This proposed revision would revise a control measure related to emissions of volatile organic compounds in Ventura County caused by the use of pesticides.

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