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

This was the 1st instructor that has made the topic actually enjoyable and easy to follow and understand. Far better than the "other" training providers our company has attended!

Lori Hardy

Process & Resource Administrator

I think LION does an excellent job of any training they do. Materials provided are very useful to my day-to-day work activities.

Pamela Embody

EHS Specialist

The exercises in the DOT hazardous materials management course are especially helpful in evaluating your understanding of course information.

Morgan Bliss

Principal Industrial Hygienist

Excellent class, super instructor, very easy to follow. No rushing through material. Would like to take his class again.

Lawrence Patterson

EH&S Facility Maintenance & Security Manager

The instructor made the class very enjoyable and catered to the needs of our group.

Sarah Baker

Planner

I like the consistency of Lion workshops. The materials are well put together and instructors are top notch!

Kevin Pylka

Permitting, Compliance & Environmental Manager

Convenient; I can train when I want, where I want.

Barry Cook

Hazmat Shipping Professional

The instructor was very dedicated to providing a quality experience. She did her best to make sure students were really comprehending the information.

Stephanie Venn

Inventory Control Specialist

Convenient; I can train when I want, where I want.

Barry Cook

Hazmat Shipping Professional

The instructor was very very informative, helpful, understandable and pleasant. This course answered many questions I had, being new to this industry.

Frances Mona

Shipping Manager

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Get to know the top 5 changes to OSHA’s revised GHS Hazard Communication Standard at 29 CFR 1910.1200 and how the updates impacts employee safety at your facility.

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.