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EPA/AR RIN: 2060-AL76 Publication ID: Fall 2003 
Title: ●Rule To Reduce Interstate Transport of Fine Particulate Matter and Other Pollutants (Interstate Transport Rule) 
Abstract: Many pollutant types and sources contribute to ambient levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ozone that exceed national air quality standards, and to regional haze that adversely affects visibility in Federal class I areas. Some of these pollutants may originate tens or hundreds of miles from the areas where violations of the national ambient air quality standards are detected, from sources that are outside the jurisdiction of the State that is harmed. The Clean Air Act requires that a State take steps to prevent emissions from sources located within its boundaries from interfering with a downwind State's ability to meet air quality standards, or interfering with measures to protect visibility. EPA believes it is important to address interstate transport for PM2.5 prior to the time when State plans addressing nonattainment of the standards are completed, so that States can rely on upwind reductions when developing plans for attaining the standards. The Bush Administration has proposed Clear Skies legislation that will help reduce interstate transport of pollution from the largest emitters in the power generation sector. This mandatory program would dramatically reduce sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and mercury by setting a national cap on emissions of each pollutant from power generators. Trading would provide sources with flexibility to reduce their emissions in most efficient and least costly way. EPA prefers to address the issue of transported pollution from power generators through Clear Skies legislation rather than rulemaking. Because enactment of legislation is inherently uncertain, in addition to promoting legislation EPA is initiating this rulemaking as a potential substitute to achieve part of what would be achieved by Clear Skies. Also, if analysis warrants, this rulemaking could supplement legislation by addressing categories of emissions sources not covered by the legislation. Further, EPA will conduct updated transport analyses t determine whether emission reductions beyond the already-promulgated NOx SIP Call (63 FR 57355) are warranted for purposes of the 8-hour ozone standard. Under the interstate transport rule, EPA would establish State-level emissions budgets for transported pollutants, and offer compliance flexibility in the form of an emissions trading program. 
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency(EPA)  Priority: Economically Significant 
RIN Status: First time published in the Unified Agenda Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Proposed Rule Stage 
Unfunded Mandates: Private Sector 
CFR Citation: 40 CFR 51    40 CFR 72    40 CFR 75    40 CFR 96   
Legal Authority: 42 USC 7410(a)   
Legal Deadline:  None
Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
NPRM  03/00/2004    
Final Action  03/00/2005    
Additional Information: SAN 4794.
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No  Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State, Tribal 
Small Entities Affected: No  Federalism: No 
Included in the Regulatory Plan: No 
Agency Contact:
Scott Mathias
Environmental Protection Agency
Air and Radiation
MD-15, C539-01,
Washington, DC 20460
Phone:919 541-5310
Fax:919 541-0237
Email: Mathias.Scott@epamail.epa.gov

Joe Paisie
Environmental Protection Agency
Air and Radiation
C504-02,
Research Triangle Park, NC 27711
Phone:919 541-5556
Fax:919 541-0942
Email: Paisie.Joe@epa.gov