Revised ambient air quality standard could require more
stringent control of fine particulate matter
emissions.
On December 14, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
finalized its rule tightening the National Ambient Air Quality
Standards (NAAQS) for fine particles emitted by a wide variety of
sources, including power plants, industrial facilities, and
gasoline and diesel engines. EPA is also making certain changes to
its Prevention of Significant Deterioration permitting program with
respect to the NAAQS revisions. The rule will become effective 60
days after its publication in the Federal Register, which
is expected to occur early in 2013. The rule is one of several
rules in recent years tightening the NAAQS for certain pollutants,
resulting in additional compliance planning for states and
potential clean air permitting complications for major new
construction projects.
