How does EPAs 1998 NOx Transport rule relate to the 126 petitions EPA received from 8 Eastern states?
Section 126 of the Clean Air Act gives States the authority to petition EPA to require specific upwind facilities, located in other states, to reduce their emissions. Under the 126 petitions, EPA sets nitrogen oxides emission limits on sources, whereas under the Section 110 NOx SIP call EPA establishes nitrogen oxides emission budgets and then States have the flexibility to determine where they achieve the reductions. The goal of the petitions is the same as the goal of the EPA rulemaking: significant reductions in regional transport of ozone smog. EPA is working with all the involved States to provide a consistent approach to these various provisions.
