EPA Changes Mind: Louisville Air Still Too Gross
Published Date: 1/3/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The EPA is saying no to Kentucky’s plan to declare the Kentucky part of the Louisville area as meeting clean air standards for ozone because the area still has pollution problems. This means the area stays on the watch list for ozone pollution, and Kentucky’s plan to keep pollution low isn’t approved yet. People have until February 3, 2025, to share their thoughts on this decision.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Kentucky Portion Denied Redesignation to Attainment
If you live in the Kentucky portion of the Louisville, KY‑IN ozone area, EPA is proposing to deny Kentucky's September 6, 2022 request to redesignate that Kentucky portion from nonattainment to attainment for the 2015 8‑hour ozone standard. EPA says the area's certified 2021–2023 design value is 0.072 parts per million (ppm), which exceeds the 2015 ozone standard of 0.070 ppm, and preliminary 2022–2024 data indicate a 0.075 ppm design value. EPA is also taking no action at this time on Kentucky's accompanying maintenance plan and the regional motor vehicle emissions budgets for NOX and VOC for 2019 and 2035; public comments are due by February 3, 2025.
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