EPA Says Phoenix Air Quality Would Be Fine Except for Pollution Coming from Outside the U.S.
Official: Determination of Attainment by the Attainment Date but for International Emissions for the 2015 Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards; Phoenix-Mesa Nonattainment Area, Arizona
Reading: The EPA is proposing to determine that the Phoenix-Mesa area would have met the ozone standard but for international emissions, allowing it to remain classified as Moderate rather than reclassify to a more stringent category; this maintains existing Clean Air Act requirements without strengthening or weakening them.
This is a technical determination about what's causing air quality problems in the Phoenix area.
In clear language
The EPA is proposing that the Phoenix-Mesa area in Arizona would have met air quality standards by August 2024 if it weren't for pollution drifting in from other countries. If approved, this means Phoenix won't face stricter pollution rules even though it technically missed the deadline. This is a technical determination about what's causing air quality problems in the Phoenix area.
How does this affect you?
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Who does this affect?
- Residents of the Phoenix-Mesa area in Arizona who breathe air affected by ozone pollution
- Arizona state environmental agencies responsible for air quality management
- Businesses in Phoenix that must comply with air pollution regulations
What can you do?
- If you live in the Phoenix area, monitor air quality alerts during high ozone days and limit outdoor activities when air quality is poor
- Stay informed about EPA air quality decisions that may affect local pollution standards in your region
Timeline
- August 3, 2024 (original air quality attainment deadline for Phoenix)
- November 19, 2025 (EPA proposed rule publication date)
No New Jersey official has a verified action on this policy yet.
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