NPS: Nature & Science» Air Resources Division-Law & Policy - Regional Haze State Plan Review Letters

Regional Haze State Implementation Plan Review

In 1999, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) promulgated regulations for the second phase of its visibility protection program to address regional haze. The regulations require States to reduce regional visibility impairment at large National Parks and Wilderness Areas designated as "mandatory Class I areas" under the Clean Air Act. The Clean Air Act established a national goal of returning visibility in these areas to natural conditions. The EPA's regional haze regulations require each State to develop an implementation plan to reduce emissions of pollutants that contribute to visibility impairment and to make reasonable progress toward the national goal. The Clean Air Act also designated a role for the Federal Land Managers of the Class I areas to consult with States on their implementation plans before those plans go through the public hearing process.

The National Park Service, Air Resources Division and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Branch of Air Quality, are the lead offices for consultation with the States on behalf of the Department of the Interior. Follow the links below to find the Department of the Interior comments on each State’s draft implementation plans. States not listed below are still developing plans or have submitted plans that are under review.

For links to State air program information on regional haze and additional Federal land manager comments from the U.S. Forest Service, along with those from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, visit the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Regional Haze Comments web page.

Alabama