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

Andy D’Amato

International Trade Compliance Manager

The course is well thought out and organized in a way that leads to a clearer understanding of the total training.

David Baily

Hazmat Shipping Professional

Excellent job. Made what is very dry material interesting. Thoroughly explained all topics in easy-to-understand terms.

David Hertvik

Vice President

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

Lion courses are the standard to which all other workshops should strive for!

Brody Saleen

Registered Environmental Health Specialist

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 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

Amazing instructor; real-life examples. Lion training gets better every year!

Frank Papandrea

Environmental Manager

The instructor kept the class engaged and made learning fun. There was a lot of information to cover but time flew by. I will definitely use Lion in the future!

Chelsea Minguela

Hazmat Shipping Professional

This course went above my expectations from the moment I walked in the door. The instructor led us through two days packed with useful compliance information.

Rachel Stewart

Environmental Manager

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Just starting out with shipping lithium batteries? The four fundamental concepts in this guide are the place to start.

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.