The US Environmental Protection Agency has released a proposed rule that clarifies the requirements of states to demonstrate non-attainment of air quality standards due to natural events. In particular, this will affect the Western States, where events such as dust storms and forest fires can lead to air pollution levels persistently exceeding the national ambient air quality standards.
Non-attainment may lead to states needing to set stringent air permit conditions to compensate for ambient conditions, thereby limiting production for operators. The rule has addressed some of the NSSGA’s initial concerns with non-attainment, and makes it easier for states to exclude air quality data that could lead mistakenly to non-attainment.
Adapted from press release by Rebecca Bowden Source: NSSGA