News Releases from Region 06

EPA Approves New Mexicos Clean Air Plan

DALLAS - (Sept. 29, 2015) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently approved updates to New Mexico's clean air plan. New Mexico's plan meets federal requirements for implementation, maintenance and enforcement of the 2010 sulfur dioxide air standard.

The Clean Air Act requires states to have a plan that implements, maintains, and enforces national ambient air quality standards. When a federal air standard is changed, states must update their plan within three years of EPA issuing the new standard. New Mexico has updated its plan to meet the latest standard.

Sulfur dioxide (SO2) results from burning fossil fuels. Asthmatics exposed to short peaks of SO2 when exercising may have temporary breathing difficulty, such as shortness of breath. The current standards help prevent asthma attacks and other acute lung illnesses, such as respiratory infections. Asthmatics, the elderly, children and people with existing lung disease are the most at risk to health problems caused by the pollutant.

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