|
 |
|
|
Clean Air Rules of 2004
The actions described here are part of the suite of inter-related
rules collectively known as the
Clean Air Rules of 2004. These rules address ozone and fine particle
pollution, nonroad diesel emissions, and power plant emissions of
sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and mercury. |
|
|
A designation is the term EPA uses to describe the air quality in
a given area for any of six common pollutants known as criteria pollutants.
Those pollutants include fine particle matter,
which is unhealthy to breathe and has been associated with premature mortality
and other serious health effects. Fine particles are those less than 2.5
micrometers in diameter and are also referred to as PM2.5.
In mid-February 2004, states and tribes recommended PM 2.5 designations to EPA for areas to be designated as "nonattainment". Nonattainment areas are those areas with air quality levels exceeding the standards, plus nearby areas contributing to such violations. EPA revised these recommendations and responded to the states and tribes on June 28 and 29. By the end of 2004, EPA will finalize the designations for the PM2.5 standards. Once nonattainment designations take effect, the state and local governments have three years to develop implementation plans designed to meet the standards by reducing air pollutant emissions contributing to fine particle concentrations.
This Web site contains the following information:
State Recommendations: This section provides links to the state recommendation letters, maps showing the counties the states
recommended as nonattainment, and EPA response letters.
Tribal Recommendations: This section provides links
to the tribal recommendation letters, maps showing the areas the tribes recommended as nonattainment, and EPA response letters.
PM 2.5 Conditions: Links
to the AirNOW Web site with real-time information on PM2.5 conditions and web cameras around the country.
Air Quality Forecast: Links to the Air NOW Web site with PM2.5 air
quality forecasts for dozens of cities around the country.
Basic Information: Background on PM2.5 attainment issues and EPA
actions to address PM2.5 emission concerns.
Fine Particles & Health: Information about the health effects of fine
particles.
Policy Guidance: Links to EPA's April 2003 guidance on the
designations process for the fine particle standards, and related fact sheet.
Technical Data: Links to air quality technical data used to determine an
area's designation status.
Frequent Questions: Answers to common questions regarding
fine particles and the designations process.
Related Links: Related sites offering further information and assistance.
Glossary: Explanations of the technical terms and acronyms used
throughout the site.
|
|
