September 29, 2006—The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing a plan to help protect air quality in areas under tribal jurisdiction, without slowing the areas’ economic growth. As part of EPA’s efforts to update and improve the New Source Review (NSR) permitting program, the plan would implement NSR requirements for the first time in “Indian Country.”
The proposed plan Federal Implementation Plan (FIP) would require new industrial facilities and facilities making modifications to obtain air quality permits. EPA says these facilities have not previously been subject to air permitting requirements in tribal areas.
The proposed plan includes two NSR rules:
- The minor NSR rule would apply to new and modified minor stationary sources and to minor modifications at major stationary sources in Indian Country. A minor source is one that generally emits less than 100 tons per year of a target air pollutant, according to EPA, and a major source emits more than 100 tons.
- The nonattainment major NSR rule would apply to new major stationary sources and major modifications in areas of Indian Country that do not meet national air quality standards.
For more information on the NSR or Tribal Air programs, or to comment on the proposal, visit EPA.
