🌫️EPA Finalizes Air Quality Standards for Washington Area
Air Plan Approval; District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia; Determination of Attainment by the Attainment Date and Clean Data Determination for the Washington, DC-MD-VA Nonattainment Area for the 2015 Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards
Summary
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is finalizing multiple actions related to the Washington, DC-MD-VA nonattainment area (the Washington Area or the Area) for the 2015 8-hour ozone national ambient air quality standards (2015 ozone NAAQS). First, the EPA is determining that the Washington Area attained the 2015 ozone NAAQS by the applicable attainment date of August 3, 2024. Second, the EPA is determining that the Washington Area has clean data under the EPA's Clean Data Policy. Lastly, the EPA is taking final action on an exceptional events request submitted by the District of Columbia (DC) on March 20, 2024, and concurred on by the EPA on July 17, 2024. This action addresses the EPA's obligation under Clean Air Act (CAA) sections 179(c) and 181(b)(2) to determine whether the Washington Area attained the 2015 ozone NAAQS by the August 3, 2024 attainment date and, as set forth in the EPA's Clean Data Policy, will suspend the obligation of DC, the State of Maryland (MD), and the Commonwealth of Virginia (VA) to submit certain attainment planning requirements for as long as the Washington Area continues to attain the 2015 ozone NAAQS. This action is being taken under the CAA.
Agencies
- Environmental Protection Agency
Business Impact
$$ - Med
The regulation establishes that the Washington DC-MD-VA area has attained compliance with the 2015 ozone NAAQS, thereby suspending certain planning SIPs and related requirements. This could alleviate compliance costs for businesses within the area. Business owners may benefit from fewer regulatory burdens, particularly related to environmental compliance measures.