The Air Committee targets its energy on air related issues such as NSR, global climate change and mercury deposition.
Air Committee's Strategic Priorities
The following group is an active subgroup of the Air Committee:
Recent News
Region 7 SIP Kaizen Event
In December 2009 and January 2010 the four states in Region 7 and EPA held a Kaizen event around the SIP process More information about the outcomes is found below.
Outline of the Current SIP Process
Preemption of State Cap and Trade Programs
While the latest version of the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009, recently passed by the U.S. House of Representatives, was clear of most preemptions, one remained regarding the operation of state cap and trade programs. In letters addressed to key members of Congress, ECOS has expressed its hope that this remaining preemption will be removed in the final version of the climate bill. ECOS highlighted its Spring 2009 Resolution,
Senate Preemption Letters (August 6, 2009)
Preserving State’s Rights to Regulate Greenhouse Gas Emissions
EPA's Schools Air Toxics Monitoring Initiative
U.S. EPA announced March 2 that it will partner with state and local governments to monitor 50 to 100 schools “located near large industrial facilities and in some urban areas” for air toxics. Monitoring will begin as soon as possible, in some cases within 30 days. The monitoring is expected to help the agency to determine what schools, particularly in low-income neighborhoods, are disproportionately exposed to hazardous air pollutants.
In identifying schools for monitoring, EPA will “consider USA Today’s results, our own more comprehensive analyses, and recommendations from our state, tribal and local partners.” EPA states that the pollutants to be monitored will vary by location, and will focus on chemicals that have the potential to cause cancer or other significant respiratory or neurological problems. Most of the monitoring will be conducted by state and local agencies under EPA guidance, according to EPA.
National Clean Diesel ARRA Funding
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009 includes $300 million for national and state programs under the Diesel Emission Reduction Act (DERA). Of the $300 million total, 30% ($88.2 million) will be in direct grants to states and 70% will be in competitive grants. The competitive announcements for the ARRA DERA funding will be available in early March. Below is a link to a list of National Clean Diesel Regional contacts. States are encouraged to contact your regional office with questions regarding state DERA grants under the new Economic Stimulus package.
DERA - Senate EPW Letter Requesting $550 Million for DERA in Stimulus Package (Dec. 22, 2008)
ECOS Recommendations to Obama Administration on Clean Air and Climate Programs (Dec. 15, 2008)