A Victory to Clean Up Haze
In November 2011, a coalition of clear air advocates and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) filed a consent decree in court that established firm, enforceable deadlines for action on plans to clean up haze pollution in 47 states. The decree, currently pending approval by the court, will require states and the EPA to issue enforceable plans in 2012 to curb haze-causing pollution from the nation’s biggest and oldest coal-fired power plants. These pollution reduction plans could help people breathe easier and enjoy clearer skies in the nation’s largest and most scenic national parks, wilderness areas, and wildlife refuges.
Clean Air Act’s Regional Haze Rule
The Regional Haze Rule obligates states and EPA to reduce and ultimately eliminate air pollution that impairs visibility in Class I areas (see below), in part by mandating state-of-the-art pollution controls for some of the oldest and most polluting facilities.
Regional haze results from small particles in the atmosphere. These particles create sooty air that reduces visibility, harms plants, fish, and animals, and is highly damaging to human health. Enforcement of this important program has been delayed for decades, but now states and EPA are required by Court order to finalize plans by November 2012. If states and EPA do their job well, which can be encouraged by vocal public support, these plans will result in significantly cleaner air for parks and people.
What Are “Class I” National Parks?
Congress recognized the value of pristine air quality in our national parks and declared that the largest most iconic parks must be specially protected under the Clean Air Act. As such, there are 48 parks and 108 other large scenic federal lands, known as "Class I areas," that have highest level of air quality protection in the nation. One key indicator of healthy park air is visibility. Air that obscures scenic views is neither healthful for park resources or visitors. Congress established the national goal of eliminating human-caused pollution that impairs visibility in these areas. One of the key regulatory programs to accomplish this is the Clean Air Act’s Regional Haze Rule.
Learn More
- See the Class I areas that are covered by the Clean Air Act: http://www.nature.nps.gov/air/maps/images/ClassIAreas.jpg
- Read the Consent Decree as filed on November 9, 2011 (PDF): http://www.npca.org/assets/pdf/04_EPA_Notice_Lodging_Consent_11-09-2011.pdf
- See the regional haze deadline schedules by state (PDF): http://www.npca.org/assets/pdf/11-2-11_regional_haze_deadline_schedules.pdf
- Learn more about NPCA's clean air program.
