Search

EPA Finalizes New NAAQS for Ozone

Posted on 10/1/2015 by Roger Marks

Update 10/26/15: US EPA's new NAAQS for ozone was published to the Federal Register today, October 26. Read the new Final Rule here. 

On October 1, 2015, US EPA finalized its new National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for ozone, lowering the threshold to 70 parts per billion from 75 parts per billion.

The NAAQS for ozone sets the maximum amount of ground-level ozone (O3) that can be in the air for the air to be considered acceptable for human health. As time has passed and technology has improved, EPA has changed its onzone standard four times, generally lowering the acceptable level each time. Details on previous NAAQS changes can be found here.

Initially proposed in November, the new rule will have a significant effect on manufacturing, energy production, and industrial facilities nationwide that emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), the primary precursor to ground-level ozone. In regions where the amount of a criteria pollutant in the air exceeds EPA's standard—called “non-attainment” regions under the Clean Air Act—facilities are subject to more stringent reporting and pollution control measures, especially when planning new construction or expansion.

                                New EPA clean air act ozone rule

Ozone—a major component of smog—is one of six criteria pollutants for which EPA sets National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). EPA's decision to lower the ozone standard is based on conclusions of a regular review of its NAAQS standards that began in 2013.

The ozone NAAQS Final Rule has been dubbed the “most expensive regulation of all time” and is likely to face legal challenges from industry groups that believe EPA overstepped its mandate by lowering the ozone threshold.

A pre-publication version of the Final Rule is available here. 


New Clean Air Act Regulations Now Available

A new online course is now available to help environmental engineers, EHS managers, and compliance officers keep their facilities in compliance with the US EPA’s Clean Air Act programs. The Clean Air Act Regulations guides professionals through compliance with Title V permit requirements, emissions and pollution controls, annual greenhouse gas (GHG) reporting, Risk Management Planning (RMP) responsibilities, and more. 

Build the expertise needed to make informed on-the-job decisions that help your site control pollution and maintain compliance. Interactive, easy to use, and available 24/7, the new online course will help you get up to speed with new and changing EPA clean air rules and protect your facility from costly EPA enforcement. 

Tags: Act, Air, Clean, EPA, new rules

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

The price was reasonable, the time to complete the course was manageable, and the flexibility the online training allowed made it easy to complete.

Felicia Rutledge

Hazmat Shipping Professional

The instructor was very knowledgeable and provided pertinent information above and beyond the questions that were asked.

Johnny Barton

Logistics Coordinator

I tried other environmental training providers, but they were all sub-standard compared to Lion. I will not stray from Lion again!

Sara Sills

Environmental Specialist

I can't say enough how pleased I was with this course! Everything finally makes sense.

Kim Graham

Lab Manager

These are the best classes I attend each year. I always take something away and implement improvements at my sites.

Kim Racine

EH&S Manager

The instructor was energetic and made learning fun compared to dry instructors from other training providers.

Andy D’Amato

International Trade Compliance Manager

More thorough than a class I attended last year through another company.

Troy Yonkers

HSES Representative

I have attended other training providers, but Lion is best. Lion is king of the hazmat jungle!!!

Henry Watkins

Hazardous Waste Technician

The course was very informative and presented in a way that was easily understood and remembered. I would recommend this course.

Jeffrey Tierno

Hazmat Shipping Professional

Best instructor ever! I was going to take my DOT training w/a different provider, but based on this presentation, I will also be doing my DOT training w/Lion!

Donna Moot

Hazardous Waste Professional

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Your hazmat paperwork is the first thing a DOT inspector will ask for during an inspection. From hazmat training records to special permits, make sure your hazmat documents are in order.

Latest Whitepaper

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.