Former National Compliance Initiative: Reducing Air Pollution from the Largest Sources
The EPA returned work in these areas to the core enforcement and compliance assurance program at the end of FY 2019. The EPA and state regulatory approaches and enforcement efforts in the coal-fired utilities sector have resulted in a 89 percent reduction in sulfur dioxide emissions and an 83 percent reduction in nitrogen oxide emissions since 1999. The EPA has also required controls or commenced investigations at 100 percent, 93 percent, and 90 percent of facilities in the cement, glass and acid manufacturing sectors, respectively. Accordingly, the Agency believes that this NCI no longer presents a significant opportunity to affect nonattainment areas or vulnerable populations nationwide.
Problem
The New Source Review (NSR) and Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) requirements of the CAA require certain large industrial facilities to install state-of-the-art air pollution controls when they build new facilities or make significant modifications to existing facilities. The EPA began this initiative as it relates to the power sector in 1998, after EPA investigations revealed that many facilities had failed to install pollution controls after modifications, causing them to emit pollutants that can impact air quality and public health.
Goal
EPA will continue to monitor the progress of existing settlement agreements to ensure actions required under those settlements are implemented and air pollution reduction targets are met.
Results
The following map and charts show EPA’s actions in targeting and reducing air pollution from the largest sources.
- Total NO x and SO2 Emissions from Coal-Fired Utilities
- Cumulative Estimated SO2 Emission Reductions Obtained from Acid, Glass, and Cement Facility NSR Settlements
- Cumulative Estimated NOx Emission Reductions Obtained from Acid, Glass, and Cement Facility NSR Settlements
- Cumulative Actions Taken Toward Investigating and Controlling Cement Facilities
- Cumulative Actions Taken Toward Investigating and Controlling Glass Facilities
- Cumulative Actions Taken Toward Investigating and Controlling Coal-Fired Electric Utility Units
- Cumulative Actions Taken Toward Investigating and Controlling Acid Facilities
- Cumulative Actions Taken Toward Controlling Coal-Fired Electric Utilities by Generating Capacity
Map of coal-fired electric utilities: current level of NSR/PSD air pollution controls