An Overview of EPA Policies
CSAPR, MATS, CWA 316(b), CCR, and NAAQS
Blair Beasley
RFF
Cross-State Air Pollution Rule
• Finalized July 2011
• Replaces the Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR)
• Regulates SO2 (annual) and NOX (annual and
seasonal) air pollution that crosses state lines
• Would have taken effect in 2012, with a second
phase of SO2 reductions beginning in 2014
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Cross-State Air Pollution Rule
Source: EPA
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Mercury and Air Toxics Standards
• Finalized December 2011
• Replaces the Clean Air Mercury Rule (CAMR)
• Regulates national emissions of mercury, heavy
metals, and acid gases from coal- and oil-fired
power plants
• Takes effect in 2015. Most plants will have until
2016 to comply.
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Clean Water Act 316 (b) Rule
• Proposed March 2011
• Replaces the Phase II and portions of Phase III
316(b) regulations that were remanded to the EPA
• Regulates cooling-water intake safeguards to
reduce injuries and deaths of fish and other
aquatic life at existing power plants and
manufacturing facilities
• Final rule is expected July 27, 2013
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Coal Combustion Residual Rule
• Proposed June 2010
• Regulates the disposal of coal ash produced by
coal-fired power plants
• EPA has proposed regulation under Subtitle C and
Subtitle D of the Resource Conservation and
Recovery Act
• Under Subtitle C, the rule would take at least 1-2
years to take effect. Under Subtitle D, the rule
would take effect 6 months after it was finalized
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SO2 and NOX NAAQS
• Updates to the NOx and SO2 National Ambient Air
Quality Standards (NAAQS) are not currently
proposed
• EPA sets NAAQS for 6 criteria pollutants: SO2,
NOx, ozone, particulate matter, carbon monoxide,
and lead
• EPA is required by law to review, and if
appropriate, revise standards every 5 years
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Thank you