“Transport Rule” (aka CAIR Replacement Rule) Proposed by U.S. EPA

U.S. EPA has released a pre-publication version of the proposed Transport Rule and is proposing to limit the interstate transport of emissions of nitrogen oxides (NO_X) and sulfur dioxide (SO₂). Under this proposal U.S. EPA would both identify and limit emissions within 32 states in the Eastern United States that affect the ability of downwind states to attain and maintain compliance with the 1997 and 2006 fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and the 1997 ozone NAAQS. U.S. EPA is proposing to limit these emissions through Federal Implementation Plans (FIPs) that would regulate electric generating units (EGUs) in the 32 states. Emissions reductions will begin to take effect very quickly, in 2012, within one (1) year after the rule is finalized. This proposed rule would replace U.S. EPA’s 2005 Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR). This proposal is part of a series of rules that U.S. EPA plans to propose to further reduce NO_X and SO₂ emissions. Stay tuned for additional details in future editions of 4 The Record.