October 29, 2020
On October 15, 2020 the EPA announced it is proposing revisions to the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR) Update to address interstate air quality impacts for the 2008 ozone air quality standard of 0.075 parts per million. EPA’s proposed rule revision would reduce summertime emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) from power plants in 12 states that contribute to downwind ozone problems, improving air quality for millions of Americans.
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The proposal responds to the September 2019 ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit (Wisconsin v. EPA) by addressing the “significant contribution” of pollution that some states make to downwind states to help them meet and maintain compliance with the 2008 ozone standard.
Additional emissions reductions would be required at power plants in 12 states based on optimization of existing controls for the 2021 ozone season and installation or upgrade of low NOX burners for the 2022 ozone season. The proposed cuts in NOx emissions would lead to significant improvements in air quality beginning in the 2021 ozone season.
EPA estimates that the Revised CSAPR Update proposal would reduce NOx emissions from power plants in 12 states in the eastern United States by 17,000 tons in 2021 compared to projections without the rule. Due to this proposed rule and other changes already underway in the power sector, ozone season NOx emissions in these 12 states would be nearly 26,000 tons lower in 2021 than in 2019, a reduction of nearly 20 percent.
EPA will accept comments for 45 days after publication in the Federal Register and will hold a virtual public hearing two weeks after publication.
What this means to you
EPA is proposing revisions to the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR) Update to address interstate air quality impacts for the 2008 ozone air quality standard of 0.075 parts per million. EPA’s proposed rule revision would reduce summertime emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) from power plants in 12 states that contribute to downwind ozone problems, improving air quality for millions of Americans.
MIRATECH can help
Contact MIRATECH for stationary engine NOx emission control.