Colorado’s SIP for Regional Haze has received preliminary approval from EPA. The plan approval is one step in the state’s efforts to comply with the federal Regional Haze Rule.
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Download NowA key component in the plan is the 2010 Clean Air-Clean Jobs Act. The Act seeks to reduce harmful pollution through emissions controls; retire old, inefficient coal-fired power plants; and convert certain electric generating units from coal to cleaner-burning natural gas. By 2018, the plan will result in more than 70,000 tons of pollutant reductions annually. The plan covers more than 30 units at 16 facilities throughout the state, including cement kilns and coal-fired power plants.
The federal Regional Haze Rule will be implemented over several planning phases, which will ultimately meet the congressionally established National Visibility Goal targeted to be met in 2064. Colorado's approach was to set an initial planning period from 2007 to 2018 as the foundational plan for future planning periods.
EPA will take public comment on its proposed approval and intends to finalize its decision no later than September 10, 2012. The plan, as approved by the Colorado Air Quality Control Commission and submitted to EPA, can be accessed at http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/ap/regionalhaze.html.
INFO: Contact Mark Salley at 303-692-2013.