2010 Progress Report - International Joint Commission

(86% of electric utility emissions), sulphur dioxide
(95% of electric utility emissions), nitrogen oxide (75%
of electricity emissions) and mercury (96% of electric
utility emissions). Compared with business-as-usual
projections, the following approximate reductions
are anticipated:
• Sulphur dioxide emissions from electricity
generation are projected to be some 39% lower
relative to business-as-usual by 2030.
• Nitrogen oxide emissions from electricity
generation are projected to be some 9% lower
relative to business-as-usual by 2030. This is
some 35% below 2005 levels.
• Mercury emissions from electricity generation
are projected to be some 29% lower relative
to business-as-usual by 2030. This is some
65% below 2005 levels.
Commitments
Ozone Standards
and Implementation
In March 2008, the EPA revised the
national ambient air quality standards
(NAAQS) for ground-level ozone, setting
them at a level of 0.075 ppm, based
on an 8-hour averaging time. Both the
primary standard for the protection of health and the
secondary standard for the protection of sensitive
vegetation and ecosystems were set at this level.
While this action strengthened the standards from the
previous 1997 standards level of 0.084 ppm, the new
standard refl ected a level above the range of 0.060
to 0.070 ppm that was recommended by the EPA’s
Clean Air Scientifi c Advisory Committee (CASAC).
In response to petitions for reconsideration of the
new standards, the EPA Administrator decided to
reconsider the ozone standards. The reconsideration
was based on the existing scientifi c and technical
record used in the March 2008 review, which
included more than 1,700 new scientifi c studies.
UNITED STATES
In January 2010, the EPA proposed to further strengthen
the primary and secondary ozone standards. Final action
on this review of the ozone standards is scheduled for fall
2010. For additional information on the proposed ozone
standards and other implementation issues please visit
www.epa.gov/air/ozonepollution/actions.html.
Regarding ongoing implementation of the 1997 ozone
standards (established at a level of 0.084 ppm with
an 8-hour averaging time), more than 75% of the
126 areas designated as nonattainment in 2005
now attain the standards. A number of national
and regional measures—such as the NO x
SIP
Call for electric utilities and other large sources,
more stringent requirements for car and truck engines
and fuels, and issuance of new standards to reduce
emissions from a wide range of sources of toxic air
pollutants (and VOCs)—have helped these areas
attain the standards. The EPA continues to work with
the remaining areas to further reduce emissions and
reach attainment.
39