In a federal case, several of the largest conservation nonprofits in America claim that the Environmental Protection Agency has failed enforce air quality standards.
Every state must submit an air quality report as part of the Clean Air Act. 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 in the air pollution, haze forms. It reduces visibility.
The EPA created the Regional Haze Rule in the late 1990s to curb the worsening of the situation. Shroud of PollutionObstructing scenic areas of the nation’s most beautiful regions is a serious offense. To meet the 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).
The EPA modified federal regulations in 2017 and extended deadline to July 2021 for the latest round of state regional haze plan submissions. However, more than two-thirds (or more) of all states have not yet submitted their plans. In April, the agency announced that it would extend the deadline to August 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 are expected to be continuously worked on by states in order to reduce their emissions.
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 didn’t respond to a request to comment.
Illinois does not have any wilderness areas or national parks that are included in the Regional Haze Rule. However the state is still required by the EPA to submit a plan. Pollution from industrial facilities can spread hundreds of miles, potentially affecting the air quality 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 negatively affect air quality in Mingo Wilderness Area. They include the Rush Island Energy Center (New Madrid Power Plant), and the Sikeston Power Station.
According to state officials six Missouri facilities are causing air pollution that is leaking into the Hercules-Glades Wilderness Area, near Branson.
However, the plan doesn’t include any requirements for facilities that 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 this is the same polluting that makes it unhealthy to breathe and that causes harm to ecosystems as well as wildlife. Regional haze polluting is the same thing. It reduces the distance and clarity we can see, but it also causes respiratory problems.
Follow Shahla on Twitter @shahlafarzan
Copyright 2022 St. Louis Public Radio. Visit www.stlouispublicradio.org to see more. St. Louis Public Radio.