Environmental ProtectionState and local government operationsUser charges and feesSanctionsAir qualityClimate change and greenhouse gasesTrade restrictions
Why This Matters
Clarifies that areas in the United States cannot be treated as failing air quality standards because of pollution from outside the country. It also prevents penalties when states miss air quality goals due to pollution sources beyond their control.
Who this affects
State air agencies · Local governments · Businesses
What changes is this bill making?
1Changes the Clean Air Act to say that emissions from outside the United States count whether they come from human actions or natural sources
2Blocks the designation of nonattainment areas (areas that fail to meet air quality standards) if a state shows the area would meet any new or updated standard but for pollution coming from outside the country
3Sets rules so that states classified as severe or extreme ozone nonattainment areas or serious particulate matter nonattainment areas cannot face sanctions or fees if they prove they missed goals due to foreign emissions, an exceptional event (an unusual or unavoidable pollution event), or pollution from mobile sources (vehicles and other moving sources) beyond their control
4Requires states to renew their demonstrations every five years to keep these exemptions
5Clarifies that states must still work on meeting the air quality standards even if they avoid penalties
