EPA Proposes Approving Alaska's Request to Split Fairbanks and North Pole Air Quality Areas
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced in Fairbanks, Alaska, on November 13 that it proposes to approve Alaska's request to divide the Fairbanks North Star Borough nonattainment area for fine particulate matter (PM2.5) into two separate areas, Fairbanks and North Pole, each with its own designation under the National Ambient Air Quality Standards.
EPA said the change would not alter the federal PM2.5 standards themselves, but would acknowledge the distinct factors contributing to PM2.5 levels in the two areas. EPA is simultaneously proposing to find that the Fairbanks area, once split, has the data needed to be designated as meeting air quality standards. If finalized, the proposal would give four power plants in the region flexibility to keep providing reliable, affordable electricity while maintaining stringent clean air standards, and would ensure reliable power for military facilities.
EPA Region 10 Administrator Emma Pokon called the proposal a win for cooperative federalism and the environment. Jason Olds, director of the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation's Division of Air Quality, said air quality planning should address local conditions. If the proposal is finalized, Alaska will still need to submit a formal redesignation request and maintenance plan for Fairbanks before EPA can officially redesignate the area.
(Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency)
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：美国环境保护署总部大楼。照片：美国环境保护署，公共领域。 / Photo: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency headquarters. Photo: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, public domain.
