The two worst air quality zones in the U.S. - California’s San Joaquin Valley and South Coast - are being targeted by the EPA for dramatic ozone air quality plans. The EPA is proposing to approve the 8-hour ozone air quality plans in these locations.
These plans, known as State Implementation Plans, are the key to meeting the Clean Air Act standard of 0.08 parts per million of ozone as measured in 8-hour increments. The 8-hour standard is more protective of human health because it addresses the impacts of exposure over longer periods of time.
“California’s air quality has improved dramatically since the Clean Air Act was approved by Congress more than forty years ago,” says Jared Blumenfeld, EPA’s Regional Administrator for the Pacific Southwest. “Today the Golden State is making a commitment to use clean technologies to solve the air quality challenges faced in the San Joaquin Valley and South Coast.”
In both areas, statewide measures such as the in-use truck and off-road diesel rules, and smog-check improvements will further reduce air pollution. In the San Joaquin Valley, district rules will reduce pollution from open burning, boilers, composting, and livestock operations. In the South Coast, the marine vessel rules and district rules targeting pollution from solvents, lubricants and boilers will reduce ozone pollution.
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