San Joaquin Pollution Permits Get EPA Polish-Up
Published Date: 1/21/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The EPA is updating air pollution rules for the San Joaquin Valley to fix past problems and improve how new pollution sources get permits. This affects businesses and industries that want to build or change facilities that might pollute the air. You have until February 20, 2025, to share your thoughts before these changes become final, helping keep the air cleaner without costly penalties for the district.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
Risk of Federal Plan and Sanctions
The EPA is proposing a limited disapproval that, if finalized and not corrected, would require the EPA to issue a federal implementation plan (FIP) unless the State fixes the deficiencies within two years of the final action. The Clean Air Act offset sanction would apply 18 months after a final limited disapproval, and highway funding sanctions would follow 6 months after the offset sanction is imposed.
San Joaquin Valley NSR Permit Update
The EPA proposes to incorporate revised SJVUAPCD Rules 1020, 2020, and 2201 into the California SIP to update the New Source Review (NSR) permitting program for new and modified stationary sources in the San Joaquin Valley. If finalized, these rule revisions would replace the SIP versions and resolve earlier deficiencies identified in the EPA's July 10, 2023 action while remaining locally enforceable.
Three Specific Rule Fixes Required
The EPA identified three deficiencies the District must correct: Rule 1020's VOC definition omits the exempt compound HFO-1336mzz(E) (and EPA proposed adding HCFO-1224yd(Z) on November 12, 2024), Rule 2020 cites ASTM methods without revision/reissue dates, and Rule 2201 uses the term 'Emission Reduction Credit' without a definition in the submitted SIP. The District must fix these items and resubmit the rules for full approval.
Interim Deferral of Sanctions
The EPA is making an interim final determination to defer Clean Air Act section 179 sanctions tied to the prior limited disapproval while the Agency proposes to approve the District's SIP revisions. This deferral applies concurrently with the proposed action to incorporate the submitted rules into the SIP.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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