Information about the 1971 Green Book Detailing Nitrogen Dioxide Levels across Various Regions
In 1971, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) listed Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂) as one of the first criteria pollutants under the Clean Air Act. On November 15, 1990, a single area exceeded the NO₂ ambient air quality standards, marking it as a nonattainment area. However, by September 22, 1998, this area had achieved compliance and was redesignated as a maintenance area [1].
The redesignated maintenance area, specifically, includes the state/area and design value information. The exact state and county details are available, although they are not mentioned here for brevity. After being redesignated, this area continued to be monitored to ensure ongoing compliance with the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for NO₂ [1].
The process of transitioning a nonattainment area to maintenance status is part of the Clean Air Act framework. Nonattainment areas are regions that exceed NAAQS levels for pollutants like NO₂, while maintenance areas have achieved compliance but are subject to ongoing regulatory oversight to prevent exceedances. The Clean Air Act, along with subsequent amendments, established these procedures [1].
The designation and NAAQS information related to the NO₂ Standard, as well as the Federal Register Notices, provide more detailed information about the redesignated maintenance area. The Federal Register Notices, listed by date, offer insights into the regulatory process and the steps taken to improve air quality [1].
Since the redesignation of the NO₂ nonattainment area to maintenance in 1998, no additional designated nonattainment areas have been reported. This reflects successful management of NO₂ pollution through vehicle emission controls and other regulatory actions. The former nonattainment area remains in compliance but is still monitored under a maintenance plan to sustain air quality [1].
It's worth noting that the redesignated maintenance area does not contain any other nonattainment areas. This suggests that the measures taken to improve air quality in the initial nonattainment area have been effective in maintaining compliance across the region.
In conclusion, the transition of the NO₂ nonattainment area to maintenance status in 1998 is a testament to the effectiveness of the Clean Air Act and its associated regulations in improving air quality. The ongoing monitoring of the redesignated maintenance area ensures that the improvements are sustained and future violations are prevented.
[1] Source: Federal Register Notices related to the NO₂ Standard and related documents.
The redesignated maintenance area, following the improvement of air quality, continues to be subject to regular surveillance in the health-and-wellness and environmental-science sectors, ensuring it maintains compliance with the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for nitrogen dioxide (NO₂). The advancements in science and understanding of climate change have highlighted the importance of preserving such improvements to the quality of the air within this region.
