EPA Finds that Pennsylvania Fails to Submit a Complete State Implementation Plan for Fine Particulates, for Allegheny County
(PHILADELPHIA — April 10, 2018) On April 6, 2018, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published a finding that the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has failed to submit a complete state implementation plan for fine particulates under the Clean Air Act. The finding relates to Allegheny County, Lebanon County, and Delaware County, which are designated as being in nonattainment with the air quality standard for fine particulates. States are required to prepare state implementation plans to meet air quality standards, and revise them when EPA lowers the standards. The deadline for submissions for these counties was October 15, 2016. EPA published the notice in response to litigation initiated by Center for Biological Diversity, Center for Environmental Health, and Clean Air Council in December 2017.
“While this is a long time coming, the Council thanks EPA for taking a step toward properly administering the requirements of the Clean Air Act,” said Christopher Ahlers, a Staff Attorney with the Council. “Fine particulates are harmful air pollutants produced by all types of combustion. They cause cardiovascular problems and premature mortality. Although EPA lowered the standard for fine particulates in 2012, the plan for Allegheny County lacks the required emissions inventory, control strategy, attainment demonstration, reasonable further progress, quantitative milestones, contingency measures, and nonattainment new source review elements. EPA’s finding places pressure on the Allegheny County Health Department to gather the basic information to prepare a plan to address the problem of fine particulates in Pittsburgh and neighboring communities, for the improvement of air quality for everyone.”
EPA’s finding can be found here: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2018/04/06/2018-06989/findings-of-failure-to-submit-state-implementation-plan-submissions-for-the-2012-fine-particulate.
About Clean Air Council
Clean Air Council is Pennsylvania’s oldest member-supported environmental nonprofit, fighting for everyone’s right to breathe clean air since 1967. Through research, public education and advocacy, the Council empowers citizens to fight for policies and practices that create healthier communities and a healthier environment. For more information about Clean Air Council, visit www.cleanair.org.
Contact: Christopher D. Ahlers, Clean Air Council – cahlers@cleanair.org, 215-567-4004, x 125
