Federal Pollution Reduction Initiatives

Interstate Air Rules

Citing significant health and clean air benefits, Former EPA Administrator Mike Leavitt signed the Interstate Air Quality Rule on December 17, 2003. This proposal could result in cuts in sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions. Learn More...
 

Mercury Rule

On December 15, 2003, EPA signed its first ever proposal to substantially cut mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants. The Utility Mercury Reductions proposal would cut mercury emissions by nearly 70 percent when fully implemented. Learn More...
 

Diesel Rule

EPA is proposing a comprehensive national program to reduce emissions from nonroad diesel engines by treating engine controls and reduced sulfur fuel as a system to gain the greatest emission reductions. The new emission standards apply to diesel engines used in most kinds of construction, agricultural, and industrial equipment.  Because the emission control devices can be damaged by sulfur, EPA is also proposing to reduce the allowable level of sulfur in nonroad diesel fuel by more than 99 percent. Learn More...
 

Revised Ozone Rules

On November 14, 2002, EPA outlined the schedule for designating areas under the new 8-hour ozone standard.  EPA issued final designations on April 15, 2004.  The designations will be used by state, tribal, and local governments to establish control programs to reduce ozone-forming pollution.  Hillsborough County has attained the new ozone standard. Learn More...

New Particulate Rules

In February 2004, states and tribes recommended PM 2.5 designations to EPA for areas to be designated as "nonattainment".  Once nonattainment designations take effect, the state and local governments have three years to develop implementation plans designed to meet the standards by reducing air pollutant emissions contributing to fine particle concentrations. Learn More...