News Releases from Region 06

EPA Approves New Mexicos Air Plan for Albuquerque-Bernalillo County

DALLAS - (Oct. 29, 2015) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved revisions to the Albuquerque/Bernalillo County, NM, State Implementation Plan (SIP), which ensures air quality standards are maintained by regulations of the Clean Air Act. The regulatory plan establishes emissions thresholds for new stationary sources of air pollution to get permits before starting construction.

The plan-New Source Review permitting-protects air quality when factories, industrial boilers and power plants are newly built or modified. The permitting program also assures that new or modified industries are as clean as possible. In addition, the program assures that advances in pollution control are concurrently evaluated with industrial expansion.

On Aug. 27, 2015, EPA proposed revisions to the SIP and did not receive any public comments. The revisions also allow for nonattainment areas to be consistent with federal requirements.

EPA establishes the basic requirements for a New Source Review (NSR) program in its federal regulations. States may develop unique NSR requirements and procedures tailored for their air quality needs as long as the program is at least as stringent as EPA's requirements. EPA must approve these programs in the SIP. Other states may be the delegated authority to issue permits on behalf of EPA and are often referred to as delegated states.

EPA will continue to work closely and promptly with states to help them develop, submit and approve necessary revisions to their air plans. Additionally, EPA will provide guidance and act as a resource for states as they make various decisions their state air plans.

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