🌍Implications of New Air Quality Regulations for San Joaquin Valley
Air Plan Approval; California; San Joaquin Valley 1-Hour Ozone Area; Maintenance Plan and Redesignation Request
Summary
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve the "2023 Maintenance Plan and Redesignation Request for the Revoked 1-Hour Ozone Standard" ("San Joaquin Valley Maintenance Plan" or "Plan") as a revision to the state implementation plan (SIP) for the State of California. The San Joaquin Valley Maintenance Plan includes, among other elements, an emissions inventory consistent with attainment and contingency provisions. The EPA is also proposing to find that the State of California's request to redesignate the San Joaquin Valley area from nonattainment to attainment for the revoked 1979 1-hour national ambient air quality standard (NAAQS or "standard") for ozone ("1979 ozone NAAQS," "1-hour ozone NAAQS," or "1-hour ozone standard") meets all the Clean Air Act (CAA or "the Act") criteria for redesignation. Therefore, the EPA is proposing to terminate all anti-backsliding obligations for the San Joaquin Valley area for the revoked 1-hour ozone NAAQS.
Agencies
- Environmental Protection Agency
Business Impact
$$ - Med
The regulation outlines the approval process for the San Joaquin Valley's maintenance plan to meet air quality standards. It implies that businesses, particularly in industries linked to emissions, may need to comply with stricter environmental regulations and could benefit from initiatives aimed at reducing air pollutants. The proposed termination of anti-backsliding requirements offers potential operational flexibility for affected businesses.