Air quality; causation; state boundaries
Should SB1128 be enacted, it may lead to considerable shifts in how Arizona handles air quality issues, particularly concerning its nonattainment areas. The legislative findings underscore that a significant portion of air pollution affects Arizona's air quality from external sources, primarily emissions coming from abroad. This bill aims to empower the attorney general to take legal action against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) when necessary, specifically if the EPA fails to approve plans that demonstrate Arizona could meet national air quality standards without these external emissions. This has the potential to increase state autonomy in environmental regulation while challenging federal standards.
Senate Bill 1128 seeks to amend existing air quality regulations within Arizona's Revised Statutes by introducing procedural changes to the state's implementation plan for air quality standards. The bill particularly emphasizes the factors influencing air quality, including emissions originating from neighboring states and the impact of solar radiation. A notable amendment directs that emissions from outside the United States will not be considered when the director evaluates the state's compliance with air quality standards, thus significantly narrowing the scope for addressing pollution sources impacting Arizona's air quality.
Opinions surrounding SB1128 are expected to be divided. Proponents of the bill might argue that it provides a necessary framework for state officials to manage air quality more effectively and achieve compliance with federal standards, especially given the control limitations imposed by external emissions. However, critics may contend that disregarding emissions from outside the U.S. could diminish the comprehensive approach required to tackle air quality issues, potentially obstructing broader environmental initiatives aimed at improving air standards in Arizona.
One area of contention arises from the bill's position on emissions—folding in the argument that it should not consider pollutants originating from outside U.S. borders. Advocates for rigorous air quality standards may voice concerns that this could lead to a lack of accountability regarding the state’s air quality policies and could undermine efforts needed to tackle air pollution comprehensively. Furthermore, the implications of Arizona filing lawsuits against the EPA could spark heated debates regarding the relationships between state authority and federal oversight on environmental protection.