U.S. EPA Finalizes New Air Standards for Nitrogen Dioxide

On February 9th, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency published in the Federal Register a final rule setting new primary national ambient air quality standards for nitrogen dioxide.  Specifically, EPA is establishing a new 1-hour standard at a level of 100 ppb to supplement the existing annual standard.  EPA is also establishing requirements for a nitrogen dioxide monitoring network that will include monitors at locations where maximum nitrogen dioxide concentrations are expected to occur, including within 50 meters of major roadways, as well as monitors sited to measure the area-wide nitrogen concentrations that occur more broadly across communities.

According to U.S. EPA, studies have shown that short-term nitrogen dioxide exposure can result in negative respiratory impacts in humans.  And, according to the Chicago Tribune, Chicago is the only U.S. metro area that would fail to meet the new nitrogen dioxide standard.

This final rule becomes effective on April 12, 2010.

Stay tuned to the Illinois Environmental Law Blog for more news and developments.