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EPA PROPOSES TWO RULES TO REDUCE SMOG IN EASTERN U.S.
Release Date: 02/15/2002
Contact Information:
FOR RELEASE: FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2002
EPA PROPOSES TWO RULES TO REDUCE SMOG IN EASTERN U.S.
Dave Ryan 202-564-7827 / ryan.dave@epa.gov
Dave Ryan 202-564-7827 / ryan.dave@epa.gov
EPA has proposed two separate but related rules to continue efforts to reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) across the eastern United States. Nitrogen oxides are a primary ingredient in the formation of ground-level ozone pollution (smog). Facilities that emit NOx in upwind states can contribute to ozone formation in downwind states. Today’s proposals respond to recent decisions by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia relating to a Sept. 1998 EPA regulation (called the NOx SIP call rule) aimed at reducing unhealthy air in the eastern half of the country. One of today’s actions (known as phase II of the NOx SIP call) proposes dates for 19 eastern states and the District of Columbia to submit to EPA all or portions of their plans for reducing air emissions of NOx. Additionally, the proposal provides definitions, levels of emission controls, geographic boundaries, revisions to statewide emissions budgets and dates for facilities to comply with EPA’s NOx SIP call. The second action would remove a portion of the state of Michigan from requirements of another ozone reduction rule (the Section 126 Rule) to maintain consistency with the requirements of the NOx SIP call rule. When fully implemented, these two proposals will help states meet the national one-hour air quality standard for ozone, improving air quality for more than 100 million people. When inhaled – even at very low levels – ground-level ozone can cause acute respiratory problems, aggravate asthma, reduce lung capacity, inflame lung tissue and impair the body’s immune system. For further technical information on the Phase II NOx SIP call, call Jan King of EPA’s Office of Air Quality Planning & Standards at 919-541-5665. For further technical information on the Section 126 Rule, call Carla Oldham, also with EPA’s Office of Air Quality Planning & Standards at 919-541-3347.
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