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

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

Having the tutorial buttons for additional information was extremely beneficial.

Sharon Ziemek

EHS Manager

I love that the instructor emphasized the thought process behind the regs.

Rebecca Saxena

Corporate Product Stewardship Specialist

These are the best commercial course references I have seen (10+ years). Great job!

Ed Grzybowski

EHS & Facility Engineer

I had a positive experience utilizing this educational program. It was very informative, convenient, and rewarding from a career perspective.

John Gratacos

Logistics Manager

Energetic/enthusiastic! Made training enjoyable, understandable and fun!

Amanda Walsh

Hazardous Waste 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

I will never go anywhere, but to Lion Technology.

Dawn Swofford

EHS Technician

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 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 did an excellent job presenting a very dry subject; keeping everyone interested and making it enjoyable.

Marc Bugg

Hazardous Waste Professional

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Four key considerations to help you maximize the convenience and quality of your experience with online training.

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.