State air board adopts federal particulate matter standards

The Virginia Air Pollution Control Board Adopts Federal Standards for Fine Particulate Matter in Wildfire Smoke

The Virginia Air Pollution Control Board has voted to adopt federal standards for fine particulate matter found in wildfire smoke. This decision aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations, specifically Goal 13: Climate Action and Goal 15: Life on Land.

New National Ambient Air Quality Standards for PM 2.5

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently finalized new National Ambient Air Quality Standards for PM 2.5 — particles smaller than 2.5 microns. To put this into perspective, human hair is about 50 to 70 microns wide. These standards aim to reduce air pollution and protect public health.

Virginia’s Compliance with the Standards

Karen Sabasteanski, a policy analyst from the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), informed the air board members that Virginia localities are already in compliance with the new standards. This means that new emissions controls will not be required when the rules take effect this summer. Sabasteanski emphasized that compared to the rest of the country, Virginia is in good shape in terms of air quality.

Uptick in Air Pollution

Sabasteanski explained that an uptick in air pollution, particularly in Northern Virginia, around 2019 was due to the addition of DEQ-monitored particulate sensors near roadways. Additionally, in 2023, smoke from Canadian wildfires caused unhealthy air quality in Virginia and other East Coast states, leading to air-quality warnings. The presence of PM2.5 in wildfire smoke contributed to another increase in air pollution that year.

Impact of Climate Change and Forestry Practices

Researchers have warned that the size and frequency of wildfires will continue to grow due to climate change and forestry practices that allow flammable organic matter to accumulate on forest floors. This poses a significant challenge to achieving SDG 13: Climate Action.

Addressing Emissions from Tailpipes and Smokestacks

Fine particulate matter is also released from tailpipes and smokestacks. If certain areas of Virginia fall out of compliance with the new standards in the future, the state can work towards curbing emissions from these sources. This aligns with SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Adoption of Northern Virginia Vehicle Emissions Standards

The board also voted to adopt language from a new state law regarding Northern Virginia vehicle emissions standards. Cars in northern commonwealth localities are required to pass emissions inspections due to non-compliance with federal ozone standards, another component of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). The new law increases the inspection cost from $28 to $30.

Recognition and Environmental Justice

Before concluding the meeting, board members Lornel G. Tompkins and Hope F. Cupit were recognized as their terms come to an end on June 30. Cupit emphasized the importance of environmental justice in decision-making processes, stating that it is a fundamental principle that ensures every community, especially historically marginalized ones, has a voice in decisions that affect their health and well-being. This commitment to environmental justice aligns with SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities.

Updates on Controversial Permits

The board also received brief updates on controversial permits, which require public hearings. Two permits were discussed: one for the Chesterfield Energy Reliability Center, a proposed Dominion Energy natural gas peaker plant, and one for an expansion of the Southeast Public Service Authority regional landfill in Suffolk. The board did not receive any updates on these permits since the last meeting.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 13: Climate Action
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

The article discusses issues related to air pollution, climate change, sustainable cities, and environmental justice, which are all connected to the mentioned SDGs.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
• Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
• Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
• Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory, and representative decision-making at all levels.

The article highlights the need to reduce deaths and illnesses caused by air pollution, strengthen resilience to climate-related hazards, improve air quality in cities, and ensure inclusive decision-making processes.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator: Adoption of federal standards for fine particulate matter found in wildfire smoke.
• Indicator: Increase in the size and frequency of wildfires due to climate change.
• Indicator: Adoption of language from a new state law regarding Northern Virginia vehicle emissions standards.
• Indicator: Recognition of environmental justice concerns in decision making.

The article mentions indicators such as the adoption of federal standards for particulate matter in wildfire smoke, the increase in wildfires due to climate change, the adoption of language from a new state law on vehicle emissions standards, and the recognition of environmental justice concerns in decision making.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: vpm.org