Air Plan Approval; Iowa; Interstate Transport Requirements for the 2010 Sulfur Dioxide Standard
Key claim: EPA proposes to approve Iowa’s air-quality plan as adequately preventing the state from significantly contributing to sulfur dioxide pollution problems in other states under the 2010 SO2 standard.
Abstract
(Proposed Rule · Environmental Protection Agency) The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve the State Implementation Plan (SIP) submission from Iowa addressing the Clean Air Act (CAA or Act) interstate transport requirements, also known as the “good neighbor” provision, for the 2010 1-hour primary sulfur dioxide (SO2) National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS). The good neighbor provision requires each State’s plan to contain adequate provisions prohibiting the interstate transport of air pollution in amounts that will contribute significantly to nonattainment, or interfere with maintenance, of a NAAQS in any other State. The EPA’s proposed approval of this rule revision is being done in accordance with the requirements of the CAA.
Why this matters
Interstate transport ‘good neighbor’ SIP approvals determine whether states must impose additional emission controls to prevent downwind pollution problems. EPA’s proposed approval signals Iowa avoids the compliance costs and permitting burdens of a Federal Implementation Plan or additional in-state SO2 controls for the 2010 SO2 standard, leaving the regulatory status quo in place for Iowa emitters.