EPA NAAQS Enforcement Shows New Administration's Hard Line On States

摘要

EPA's finding that three states failed to submit timely state implementation plans (SIPs) for how they will comply with the agency's national ambient air quality standard (NAAQS) for particulate matter (PM) is an indication of a new hard line from the Obama administration on state NAAQS enforcement in contrast to the Bush EPA, state sources say.rnThe final findings - issued late last month - start a sanctions clock that could lead to a loss of highway funding for the three states: Georgia, Illinois and Pennsylvania. EPA's action is also in response to concerns that activists will pursue legal action against the agency if it fails to issue the findings as required by the Clean Air Act, the sources note.