🌬️North Carolina Air Quality Regulation
Air Plan Approval; North Carolina; Removal of Emissions Exemptions
Summary
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve separate but related State Implementation Plan (SIP) revisions submitted by the North Carolina Division of Air Quality (NCDAQ). First, EPA is proposing to approve a SIP revision submitted by NCDAQ on behalf of the State of North Carolina on October 27, 2023, to remove certain exemptions available at the discretion of a State official for emissions exceeding otherwise applicable SIP emission limitations. Second, EPA is proposing to approve a SIP revision submitted by NCDAQ on behalf of Mecklenburg County Air Quality (MCAQ or Mecklenburg County) on October 25, 2023, to remove a parallel local exemption analogous to the State's for emissions exceeding otherwise applicable SIP emission limitations. In addition, EPA is proposing to approve minor and administrative changes to certain regulatory provisions that have been revised by the State and Mecklenburg County since EPA's last approval of those provisions. EPA is proposing to approve these SIP revisions pursuant to the Clean Air Act (CAA or Act).
Agencies
- Environmental Protection Agency
Business Impact
$$$ - High
The proposed rule removes emissions exemptions that could affect compliance liabilities for businesses. As companies may now be subject to stricter enforcement of emission limits, the implications include potential increased operational costs and heightened regulatory oversight. Businesses must ensure compliance with updated SIP provisions related to excess emissions reporting and malfunctions.