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State Implementation Plan (SIP)

For further information on any of these plans, please call (717)787-9495.

Regulatory SIP Revisions

Final "Industrial Cleaning Solvents" Rule
The Department published its final Industrial Cleaning Solvents rule in the Pennsylvania Bulletin (48 Pa.B. 4814, August 11, 2018) 25 Pa. Code Section 129.63a (relating to control of VOC emissions from industrial cleaning solvents) effective August 11, 2018. It was submitted to EPA as a requested SIP revision on August 13, 2018.

Incorporation Of 25 Pa. Code Chapter 122 (Relating To National Standards Of Performance For New Stationary Sources) into the Commonwealth's State Implementation Plan
The Department has submitted its existing rulemaking in 25 Pa. Code Chapter 122 (relating to national standards of performance for new stationary sources) (NSPS) to EPA as a revision to its state implementation plan. The SIP revision includes its existing NSPS regulation and the previously published Pennsylvania Bulletin notices associated with the existing rulemaking. See "CTG RACT Certification SIP for the 2008 Ozone NAAQS" in the non-Regulatory SIP section of "Reducing Ozone Pollution".

This revision concerns an amendment to 25 Pa. Code Chapter 126 (relating to motor vehicle and fuels programs) by the Commonwealth's Environmental Quality Board (Board). The Board amended Chapter 126, Subchapter C (relating to gasoline volatility requirements) by adding § 126.301(d) (relating to compliant fuel requirement) to make Subchapter C no longer effective upon the effective date of approval by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency of the removal, suspension, or replacement of Subchapter C as a Federally enforceable control measure in the Commonwealth's SIP. This revision was submitted to the EPA on May 1, 2018.

A revision to Pennsylvania's State Implementation Plan set forth at 40 CFR 52.2020 and to the Title V Program Approval codified in 40 CFR Part 70, Appendix A concerning amendments to 25 Pa. Code Chapter 127 has been submitted to the Regional Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region III for approval. The revision implements an increased Title V annual emission fee in § 127.705 of $85 per ton of "regulated pollutant" for up to 4,000 tons of emissions of each regulated pollutant beginning with emissions occurring in calendar year 2013 and payable by Sept. 1, 2014.

The comment period is now closed for this proposed SIP revision. Raw data files are available upon request. Since no one expressed an interest in testifying at the public hearing for this SIP by Jan. 9, 2014, the hearing has been cancelled.

Non-Regulatory SIP Revisions

Reducing Regional Haze

Revision to Pennsylvania's State Implementation Plan for Regional Haze The Regional Haze Rule (40 CFR 51.308) requires States to establish goals and strategies for improving visibility in all of the country's 156 Class I national parks and wilderness areas.

Infrastructure SIP Submittals

"Infrastructure" SIPs address the elements required by Section 110(a)(2) of the Clean Air Act for the implementation, maintenance and enforcement of each National Ambient Air Quality Standard.


Reducing Fine Particulate Pollution

Particulate matter (PM) is the general term used for a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air. Fine particles are those that are less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter (PM2.5). Fine particles may be emitted directly by a source or formed in the atmosphere.

The federal government set a National Ambient Air Quality Standard for PM2.5 to protect public health in 1997 and revised the standard in 2006 and 2012. For areas that do not meet the standard, the state must submit a State Implementation Plan (SIP) to the EPA that outlines the measures that will be taken to attain the health-based PM2.5 standard. States may also submit maintenance plans to the EPA that detail how the state will assure the standard will continue to be met for the next 10 years.

SIP Revision for the Annual PM2.5 Standard: Pittsburgh-Beaver Valley Area This revision has been withdrawn, except for the 2002 base year inventory.

Reducing Ozone Pollution

Ground-level ozone pollution occurs when hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides bake in the sun. These gases come from unburned fuel and solvents, car exhaust, factory stack emissions, and homeowners' and individuals' activities. The federal government set a National Ambient Air Quality Standard for ozone to protect public health. For areas that do not meet the standard, the state must submit a State Implementation Plan (SIP) to the EPA that outlines the measures that will be taken to attain the health-based ozone standard. States may also submit maintenance plans to the EPA that detail how the state will assure the standard will continue to be met for the next 10 years.

Philadelphia Area Attainment Plan This revision has been withdrawn, except for the 2009 motor vehicle emission budgets (MVEBs).

Reducing Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide is a byproduct of the incomplete burning of fuels. Industrial processes contribute to carbon monoxide pollution levels, but the principal source of carbon monoxide in most large urban areas is vehicle emissions. Peak carbon monoxide concentrations typically occur during the colder months of the year when automotive emissions are greater and nighttime inversion conditions are more frequent. The EPA has established a National Ambient Air Quality Standard for CO to protect public health.


Reducing Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)

Sulfur dioxide is a gaseous pollutant that is emitted primarily by industrial furnaces or power plants burning coal or oil containing sulfur. The major health effects associated with high exposures to sulfur dioxide include effects on breathing and respiratory illness symptoms. The environmental effects include plant damage, visibility impairment, acid rain and damage to structures. The EPA has established a National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for SO2 to protect public health.


Reducing Lead Pollution

Lead that is emitted into the air can be inhaled or, after it settles out of the air, can be ingested. Once in the body, lead is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream and results in a broad range of health effects, especially affecting children. Lead concentrations in ambient air above the Federal National Ambient Air Quality Standard pose a serious human health threat.

Source-Specific SIPs


Reducing Pollution from Vehicles

Vehicles emit a number of harmful air pollutants that have the potential to adversely affect people's respiratory systems. These chemicals and particles are particularly dangerous for children, the elderly and those with existing respiratory problems such as asthma. As people increasingly depend on their cars and drive more and more miles, it is important that the vehicles' exhaust systems become cleaner. The following plans aim to reduce air pollution resulting from automobiles and other vehicles to help Pennsylvania attain the health-based ozone standard.


Allegheny County Health Department

The Allegheny County Health Department maintains information on SIP revisions it has developed. See their page at: Air Quality Regulations
The Allegheny County Board of Health is seeking comments on several changes to its regulations, some of which will then be submitted to EPA as a revision to the State Implementation Plan. The county will accept comments through Jan. 9, 2013. Information on the public comment period is available under "Hot Topics". The proposed SIP revision is available under "Currently Proposed SIP Revisions".


Philadelphia County Air Management Services

The Philadelphia County Dept. of Health, Air Management Services Division maintains information on SIP revisions it is developing at this page, under "Public Meetings & Notices". Below are prior submittals they have provided us.