|
 |
|
|
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 ground-level ozone, which is unhealthy to breathe.
EPA designates an area as nonattainment if it has violated, or has
contributed to violations of the national 8-hour ozone standard over a three-year
period. EPA also may designate an area as attainment/unclassifiable,
if it has:1) monitored air quality data show that area is has not violated
the ozone standard over a three-year period; or if 2) there is not enough
information to determine the air quality in the area.
The designations process plays an important role in letting the public know
whether air quality in a given area is healthy. Once designations take effect,
they also become an important component of state, tribal and local governments'
efforts to control ground-level ozone.
|
|
This web site contains the following information:
State Designations: Provides a table of EPA's
final designations.
Tribal Designations: Provides a table of
EPA's final designations.
Reclassification:
Provides information pertaining to reclassification of areas
near the threshold of their classifications.
Ozone Conditions: Provides
regional ozone maps showing current (in season) and historical ozone conditions.
Air
Quality Forecast: Two-day air quality forecasts, including ozone,
for dozens of cities. (Some include web cam shots of real-time conditions)
Basic Information: Background on ozone
attainment issues and EPA actions to address ozone emission concerns.
Myths & Facts: Clears up common misconceptions
concerning
nonattainment and its impacts.
Ozone & Health: A
brochure about the health effects of ozone.
Policy Guidance: Fact sheets, letters and
memos relevant to the 8-hour Ozone Designation Process.
Ozone
Docket: To read comments submitted to the public docket about
the recommendations from States and Tribes, please visit the 8-hour ground-level
ozone designations docket, number OAR-2003-0083.
Technical Data: Links to air quality technical
data and technical support information relating to an area's designation
status.
Early Action Compacts:
Information on an alternative route to clean air.
Timeline: This timeline traces more than
30 years ozone regulation history.
Frequent Questions: Answers to common questions
regarding ozone 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.
|
|
