The National Association of Clean Air Agencies (“NACAA”) submitted March 22nd comments on the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (“EPA”) Draft FY 2017 Exceptions-Based Addendums to the FY 2016-2017 National Program Manager (NPM) Guidances February 19, 2016 (“NPM Guidance”).
The EPA NPM Guidance addresses the Administration’s FY 2017 federal funding requests.
The NACAA describes itself as a national, non-partisan, non-profit association of air pollution agencies in 40 states, the District of Columbia, four territories and 116 metropolitan areas. Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality Associate Director, Office of Air Quality, Stuart Spencer serves on NACAA’s board.
The NACAA notes that the NPM Guidance includes an increase of $40 million in federal funding for state and local air pollution control grants under Sections 103 and 105 of the Clean Air Act. The organization states appreciation for the proposed increase but asks that state and local air agencies:
… be given as much flexibility as possible with respect to how they spend the $40 million increase. It is important that state and local air agencies have the ability to use the additional funds for the highest priority activities in their areas, including, but not limited to, new and expanded activities and ongoing core programs.
Support is also expressed for the proposed “Climate Infrastructure Fund,” which is stated to include $1.65 billion over ten years to:
… among other things, retrofit, replace or repower diesel equipment, especially school buses. It is critically important that diesel emissions be reduced and this program will support important efforts to address this problem.
Additional comments are found in a chart appended to the letter which addresses issues such as:
- Funding for Fine Particulate Matter Monitoring
- Effective Use and Distribution of STAG Funds
- Diesel Emission Reduction Act program
- Ambient Monitoring for Criteria Pollutants – Appendix B
- National Ambient Air Quality Standards
- Mobile Source Programs
Click here to download a copy of the letter.
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