Area Designations for the 2012 Annual Fine Particle (PM2.5) Standard
Regulatory Actions
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This page contains a chronological listing of all regulatory actions related to designations for the 2012 annual fine particle standards.
Additional Final Area Designations and Technical Amendment for the 2012 Annual Fine Particle Standard Established in 2012
March 31, 2015 - EPA is establishing or revising initial area designations and a technical amendment to correct an inadvertent error in the initial designation for one area for the 2012 annual national ambient air quality standards for fine particle pollution.
- Federal Register Notice (PDF) (36pp, 397k) - signature version, not yet published
- Fact Sheet (PDF) (3pp, 107k)
- Map Showing Designated and Deferred Areas (jpg) (182k)
- Interactive Map for Nonattainment Areas
- Tables Showing EPA Decisions
Final Area Designations for the 2012 National Air Quality Standard for Fine Particles
December 18, 2014 - After considering state and tribal recommendations, reviewing the most recent certified fine particle air quality data, and emissions that contribute fine particle pollution, EPA has completed initial designations for the 2012 annual fine particle standard.
- Federal Register Notice Detailing Boundaries for Area Designations (PDF) (80pp, 657k) - Federal Register - January 15, 2015
- Fact Sheet (PDF) (4pp, 142k)
- Map Showing Designated and Deferred Areas (png) (65k)
- Tables Showing EPA Decisions
- Responses to Significant Comments document (PDF) (68pp, 608k)
- Final Area Technical Support Documents - December 18, 2014
Recommended Area Designations for the 2012 National Air Quality Standards for Fine Particles
August 19, 2014 - In response to recommendations from state and tribal representatives, EPA has sent letters outlining the areas it’s intended designations for the annual fine particle air quality standards set in 2012.
- Notice of Availability and Public Comment Period (PDF) (4pp, 250 k) - Federal Register - August 29, 2014
- Read Correspondence Between EPA and State and Tribal Representatives
- Fact Sheet (PDF) (4pp, 98k)
- Tables showing comparison of State/Tribal recommendations and EPA responses
- Nonattainment areas (PDF) (1pg, 81k)
- Unclassifiable areas (PDF) (1pg, 81k)
- Deferred areas (PDF) (1pg, 76k)