Several of the most prominent conservation nonprofits in the U.S. claim, in a federal case, that the Environmental Protection Agency has failed enforce air quality standards.
Every state must submit a Clean Air Act Declaration. Detail planThe EPA must submit updated plans every ten years to reduce air pollution in national parks or wilderness areas. Nearly three-dozen states, including Illinois, have not submitted new plans to the EPA. Environmental advocates hope that the federal agency will take action.
When sunlight hits tiny particles from air pollution, haze forms. This creates a smog-like curtain that reduces your visibility.
In the late 1990s, EPA established the Regional Haze Rule as a way to reduce the severity of the problem. Shroud of pollutionIt can obscure the most beautiful areas of the country. To fulfill these requirements, states must collaborate with four federal agencies in order to improve visibility in protected areas.
The requirements apply for 156 nationals Parks and wilderness areasAll over the country, including Hercules-Glades Wilderness Area (south Missouri) and Mingo Wilderness Area (south Missouri).
In 2017, the EPA amended federal regulations and extended the deadline for state regional haze plans to July 2021. However, nearly two-thirds of all states still have not submitted their plans. The agency announced in April that it was extending its deadline to Aug. 31.
But this decision is against federal law, stated Stephanie Kodish who is senior director and counsel to the National Parks Conservation Associations Clean Air and Climate Programs.
Kodish indicated that these plans are already in the past. There is no mystery or magic here. These plans to reduce emissions should be a priority for all states.
The National Parks Conservation Association is a partnership with the Sierra Club and Center for Biological Diversity, as well as the Environmental Defense Fund. The EPA was suedOn Wednesday, in U.S. District Court
The EPA did no respond to a request to comment.
Despite Illinois not having any designated national parks or wilderness areas, it is required to submit a plan for the EPA. Industrial pollution can travel hundreds of miles and potentially affect air quality in protected areas in neighboring States.
Missouri state officials released the following: Draft regional haze strategyPublic comment will be accepted through May 5th, with the exception of March 31st.
The plan identifies seven Missouri-based industries that are negatively affecting the air quality of the Mingo Wilderness Area. They include the Rush Island Energy Center (New Madrid Power Plant), and the Sikeston Power Station.
Officials from the state said that air pollution from six Missouri facilities is also causing pollution to the Hercules-Glades Wilderness Area, near Branson.
However, the plan does not require facilities to reduce emissions.
Kodish stated that Missouri state officials should make it a priority to reduce emissions from coal-fired power stations and other industrial facilities.
Kodish stated that the same pollution is harmful to wildlife and ecosystems, making it unsafe to breathe. Regional haze polluting is the same thing. It reduces the distance we can see and it also causes respiratory problems.
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