EPA Finalizes First-of-Its-Kind Air Quality Plan for Maricopa County, Arizona
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced on November 5 that it has taken a historic step by approving a first-of-its-kind air quality rule that will enable the building and expansion of manufacturing, power plants, and other critical industries without increasing emissions in Maricopa County, Arizona.
Known as "Rule 205," the Maricopa County Air Quality Department's regulation unlocks a new source of emission reduction credits (ERCs) for businesses to offset emissions, as required under the Clean Air Act (CAA). Mobile source owners and operators who permanently reduce nitrogen oxide or volatile organic compound emissions can trade those reductions as ERCs to stationary sources wishing to build or expand in the county's nonattainment area. Historically, ERCs have only been generated and traded between stationary sources.
Portions of Maricopa County are currently designated as "Moderate" nonattainment for the 2015 Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS), under which major stationary sources must obtain a preconstruction permit from the county and offset any increase in emissions. EPA found the new plan meets the statutory requirements of CAA section 173 and does not expect the rule to increase air emissions in the area.
"When states, that know their economies and environment best, come up with a creative way to grow their economies while working within environmental requirements, EPA should work with them to get it across the finish line. The Trump EPA is proud to approve this commonsense win for Maricopa County and businesses throughout the area," said EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Mike Martucci said Maricopa County developed a practical, market-based tool that allows businesses to build and expand while keeping Clean Air Act protections in place.
(Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency)
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：位于华盛顿的美国环保署总部 William J. Clinton 联邦大楼。Moreau1 摄，公共领域，经 Wikimedia Commons。 / Photo: EPA headquarters, the William J. Clinton Federal Building in Washington, D.C. Photo by Moreau1, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.
