How do Early Action Compacts work in relation to nonattainment areas for the 8-hour ozone standard?
Although we are working to deliver air quality improvements to local areas, some areas want to move even faster than required by the Clean Air Act. EPA is working with communities to get clean air as soon as possible by entering into Early Action Compacts to reduce ground-level ozone pollution. Communities with Early Action Compacts will have plans in place to reduce air pollution at least two years earlier than required by the Clean Air Act. In December 2002, a number of states submitted compact agreements pledging to reduce emissions earlier than required for compliance with the 8-hour ozone standard. The states had to meet specific criteria and agreed to meet certain milestones. As long as Early Action Compact Areas meet these milestones, the effective date of ozone nonattainment designations will be deferred. Thirty-three communities in 14 states have volunteered to participate in an Early Action Compact. A rule outlining the details of this deferral was announced April 15, 2004 in
Related Questions
- For an MPO that is a newly designated urbanized area and designated nonattainment under the 8-hour ozone standard, do they need to have a conforming plan and TIP in place by June 15, 2005?
- How do Early Action Compacts work in relation to nonattainment areas for the 8-hour ozone standard?
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