| New Source Performance Standards |
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| The Clean Air Act defines a "new" source as one that is constructed or substantially modified after the publication of an air pollution emissions regulation that pertains to it. A standard of performance is required to reflect the best system of reducing air pollution emissions, taking into account the cost of achieving the emissions reductions, the impact of the system on health and environment that is not air-quality related, and the energy requirements of the system. These standards are called "new source performance standards." Once the standards are established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and become effective, it is unlawful for any new source to operate in such a way that violates the standards. More... |
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| Disposal of Medical Waste |
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| Medical waste, produced by hospitals, clinics, doctors' offices, research facilities, and even private homes from self-administered healthcare, is extremely varied in character, and much of it poses a public health hazard. Because of the potential hazards posed by medical waste, it is important to public health and the environment to properly dispose of it. The disposal of medical waste is generally regulated at the state level; however, several federal agencies are involved in certain aspects of medical waste disposal. More... |
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| Particulate Matter |
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| Particulate matter is one of the six common pollutants--referred to by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as "criteria pollutants"--for which the EPA sets air quality standards under the mandates of the Clean Air Act. Particulate matter is very fine particles of dust, dirt, soot, smoke, and liquid droplets that are suspended in the air. They can be emitted into the air in many different ways, including factories, power plants, incinerators, vehicles, construction sites, unpaved roads, and the burning of wood. Some particulate matter is formed by a reaction between certain substances in the air that is caused by sunlight. More... |
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| The EPA's NOx SIP Call |
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| The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) instituted a ruling requiring 22 states to submit revised state implementation plans (SIPs) that incorporated new, lower nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions. This ruling is commonly called the NOx SIP call, which refers to the EPA's authority to "call in" new SIPs. The purpose of the rule is not to require NOx reductions in any particular state but to reduce the overall transport of ozone that contributes to nonattainment of air quality standards for ozone in some downwind states. More... |
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| Ground-level Ozone |
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| Ground-level ozone is one of the six common pollutants--referred to by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as "criteria pollutants"--for which the EPA sets air quality standards under the mandates of the Clean Air Act. Although ground-level ozone is the same substance as the stratospheric ozone that blocks out much of the sun's harmful radiation, at ground level any benefits that ozone may provide in blocking radiation are substantially offset by its negative health and environmental effects. More... |
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