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The federal Clean Air Act became law in 1971 and was amended in 1990.  It provides the national framework for efforts to protect air quality.  The US EPA has delegated most of the available programs for implementing and enforcing the act to the Air Quality Division of DEQ.  Regulation at the state level means that local needs and conditions are better understood, responded to, and managed.

An EPA-approved State Implementation Plan (SIP) lays out the goals and procedures for the daily operations of AQD.  It includes the Oklahoma Air Quality Rules and other strategies developed at the state level for implementing the various federal air quality programs.  The SIP is regularly reviewed and amended as necessary.

When the air quality in a state does not meet (attain) National Ambient Air Quality Standards, important federal funding to the state can be lost.  The Early Action Compact (EAC) between EPA, DEQ, and Oklahoma City area local governments and Tulsa area local governments is an effort to take action early to ensure that these areas remain within attainment of national Ozone standards.

How are Oklahoma's Air Quality Rules Made?
The AQD Rules and Planning Section proposes rule updates to the Air Quality Council, which consists of nine members appointed by the Governor to represent various Oklahoma stakeholders.  After proposed rule changes have been open for public review and comment, public hearings are held.  If a rule change is approved by the Council, it is recommended to the Oklahoma Environmental Quality Board. Once adopted by the Board, the new rules proceed to the State Legislature and the Governor for final approval.

Upcoming Air Quality Council meeting dates, proposed rules and agendas can be found here.

Upcoming Public Meetings

• EPA Hearing on Federal Implementation Plan for Regional Haze in Oklahoma: Wednesday, April 13, 2011 at Metro Technology Centers, Springlake Campus, Business Conference Center, Meeting Rooms H & I, 1900 Springlake Drive, Oklahoma City, OK 73111, (405) 424-8324.

• EPA Hearing on Federal Implementation Plan for Regional Haze in Oklahoma: Thursday, April 14, 2011, at the Tulsa Tech--Riverside Campus, in the Auditorium of the Alliance Conference Center, 801 East 91st Street, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74132, (918) 828-4000.

• Recommendation on Ozone Nonattainment Area Boundary Designations

Current Planning Initiatives

• Wichita Mountains Wilderness Area - Regional Haze Planning

Page last updated: October 3, 2011