Air Plan Approval; New York; Interstate Transport Requirements for the 2010 SO2 NAAQS
Key claim: EPA has approved New York’s air plan showing the state does not send enough sulfur dioxide across its borders to cause other states to violate or fail to maintain the 2010 one-hour SO2 air-quality standard.
Abstract
(Rule · Environmental Protection Agency) The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA or the Agency) is approving a State Implementation Plan (SIP) submitted by the State of New York for purpose of demonstrating that the State satisfies the interstate transport requirements, also known as the “good neighbor” provision of the Clean Air Act (CAA), for the 2010 1-hour sulfur dioxide (SO2) primary National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS). Under the good neighbor provision, each State’s implementation plan must contain adequate provisions prohibiting the interstate transport of air pollution in amounts that will either contribute significantly to nonattainment, or interfere with maintenance, of the NAAQS in any other State. This action is being taken in accordance with the requirements of the Clean Air Act.
Why this matters
Good-neighbor SIP approvals under CAA Section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) determine whether upwind states must impose additional SO2 controls to protect downwind air quality. Finalizing New York’s approval closes out one more state’s transport obligation for the 2010 1-hour SO2 standard without triggering new emission-reduction requirements, continuing a pattern of state-by-state approvals for this pollutant.