EPA Eyes Retaining Stricter 'Interference' Test For Next Air Transport Rule

摘要

As EPA crafts its next air transport rule it is leaning toward retaining a strict test for calculating whether upwind states' emissions "interfere" with downwind states' ability to maintain federal air standards, an informed source says, rather than an alternative test that could erroneously show more areas in compliance with the pollution limits. Using a test that results in more "attainment" areas would mean those parts of the United States could escape having to impose stricter pollution controls on industrial sources - controls that are often seen as an economic disincentive for companies weighing locations to build new plants. "Maintenance" areas in contrast must take steps to reduce pollution to stay in attainment, while "nonattainment" areas face strict pollution control requirements to reach attainment.