Search

The EPA’s Cross-State Air Pollution Rule

Posted on 8/10/2011 by James Griffin

On August 8, 2011, the Environmental Protection Agency published the final version of the new Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR) in the Federal Register (76 FR 48208). The new rule replaces EPA’s 2005 Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR).
 
In December of 2008, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit ordered EPA to revise CAIR in light of the Court’s concerns about “flaws” in the rule’s construction. CAIR was “remanded without vacatur,” meaning CAIR stayed in force until EPA could create a more acceptable rule that addressed the Court’s concerns while still meeting Clean Air Act requirements. Thus, CSAPR replaces CAIR.
 
The Cross-State Air Pollution Rule, like CAIR, is meant to address the problem of air pollution that is transported across state lines by weather patterns, thus contributing to ground-level ozone and fine particulate pollution in other states.
 
To aid in enacting CSAPR as quickly as possible, EPA is issuing Federal Implementation Plans (FIPs) that will affect emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx)from power plants in 27 “upwind” states in the eastern half of the United States:
 
  • Alabama
  • Arkansas
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Iowa
  • Kansas
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • Maryland
  • Michigan
  • Minnesota
  • Mississippi
  • Missouri
  • Nebraska
  • New Jersey
  • New York
  • North Carolina
  • Ohio
  • Pennsylvania
  • South Carolina
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Virginia
  • West Virginia
  • Wisconsin
 
EPA also issued a supplemental proposal for six states to make “ozone season” NOx reductions:
 
  • Iowa
  • Kansas
  • Michigan
  • Missouri
  • Oklahoma
  • Wisconsin
 
The addition of Oklahoma in this latter group would bring the total number of regulated states up to 28.
 
While the effective date for CSAPR is October 7, 2011, there are several compliance phases. Phase One kicks in on January 1, 2012 for SO2 and annual NOx reductions and on May 1, 2012 for “summertime” NOx reductions. Phase Two kicks in on January 1, 2014.
 
EPA’s prediction is that by 2014 CSAPR will reduce power plant emissions of SOx by 73% from 2005 levels, while NOx emissions from those sources will be reduced by 54%.
 
More details, including FAQs and illustrative maps, can be found at the EPA Office of Air and Radiation’s CSPAR info page.

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

Recent Posts

Compliance Topics

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

This is a very informative training compared to others. It covers everything I expect to learn and even a lot of new things.

Quatama Jackson

Waste Management Professional

My experience with Lion training, both online and in the classroom, is that they are far better organized and provide a better sequential explanation of the material.

Robert Roose

Manager, Dangerous Goods Transportation

Lion is at the top of the industry in compliance training. Course content and structure are updated frequently to make annual re-training enjoyable. I like that Lion has experts that I can contact for 1 year after the training.

Caroline Froning

Plant Chemist

Lion's information is very thorough and accurate. Presenter was very good.

Melissa Little

Regulatory Manager

I was recently offered an opportunity to take my training through another company, but I politely declined. I only attend Lion Technology workshops.

Stephanie Gilliam

Material Production/Logistics Manager

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

Andy D’Amato

International Trade Compliance Manager

Lion's course was superior to others I have taken in the past. Very clear in the presentation and the examples helped to explain the content presented.

George Bersik

Hazardous Waste Professional

I have over 26 years of environmental compliance experience, and it has been some time since I have attended an environmental regulations workshop. I attended this course as preparation for EHS Audits for my six plants, and it was exactly what I was looking for.

Frank Sizemore

Director of Regulatory Affairs

I really enjoyed this training. Even after years on both sides of the comprehension coin, I find myself still learning! The quality of the delivery exceeded much of the training I have received in the past.

Neil Ozonur

Safety Officer

Lion is easily and consistently the best option for compliance training. I've learned new information from every instructor I've had.

Rachel Mathis

EHS Specialist

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Shipping papers are a crucial part of safely shipping hazardous materials. See the top 5 mistakes shippers make on shipping papers, and how to avoid them.

Download
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.