EPA to reclassify California air quality levels

The state of California has requested that four of its ozone areas be reclassified according to the 1997 eight-hour ozone air quality standards by the US Environmental Protection Agency.

The EPA has granted permission for the new classifications, which will see the San Joaquin Valley and South Coast areas relabelled as 'extreme' rather than 'severe', while both the Coachella Valley and Sacramento Metro areas will be relabelled from 'serious' to 'severe'.

If finalised, the reclassifications will require the state to integrate more stringent requirements, such as lower permitting thresholds and implementing reasonably available control technologies at more sources.

They will also give the state an extended period of time in which to meet the federal ozone standard.

The news comes after the National Association of Counties voted unanimously at its national conference earlier this month to accept a resolution proposed by Santa Barbara County to reduce air polluting discharges from ships travelling offshore.

Written by Joseph Hutton