Contact EPA Pacific Southwest Air Program
Pacific Southwest, Region 9
Serving: Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Pacific Islands, Tribal Nations
Air Actions, Nevada
Adequacy Review of SIP Submissions for Conformity
In EPA's adequacy review, the Agency determines whether the motor vehicle emissions budgets in the State Implementation Plan (SIP) are adequate for conformity purposes.
For more information on SIP submissions currently under EPA adequacy review and SIP submissions EPA has already found adequate, see the EPA's Office of Transportation and Air Quality Transportation Conformity Web Site.
Actions on this page:
- Regional Haze and Reid Gardner Generating Station
- Infrastructure SIP Requirements
- Clark County
- Lake Tahoe
- Mohave Generating Station and Grand Canyon Visibility
- Washoe County
- Older Actions
Regional Haze and Reid Gardner Generating Station
August 2015: Nevada Regional Haze Progress Report
August 19, 2015: EPA proposed to approve the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection's determination that the existing Nevada Regional Haze State Implementation Plan is making adequate progress to achieve the visibility goals for 2018 in the State's single Class I area. EPA is providing a 30-day public comment period from the date of publication in the Federal Register.
- Federal Register Notice: Proposed Rule (published September 17, 2015)
- Fact Sheet (PDF) (1 pp, 44K)
August 2013: Reconsideration of Best Available Retrofit Technology Compliance Date for Reid Gardner Generating Station
EPA finalized an 18-month extension of the compliance date for Units 1, 2, and 3 at Reid Gardner Generating Station to meet the Best Available Retrofit Technology emission limits for nitrogen oxides, from January 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016.
- Federal Register Notice: Final Rule
- Fact Sheet (PDF) (2 pp, 33K)
March 2013: Reconsideration of Best Available Retrofit Technology Compliance Date for Reid Gardner Generating Station
EPA granted a petition from Nevada Energy to reconsider the date Reid Gardner Generating Station must meet the Best Available Retrofit Technology emission limits for nitrogen oxides. EPA also proposed an 18-month extension of the compliance date from January 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016.
EPA held a public hearing on April 29, 2013 to accept public comment on this proposal. For more details, see the Notice of Public Hearing. The comment period for this proposed rule closed on May 28, 2013.
August 2012: Nevada's Best Available Retrofit Technology for NOx emissions at Reid Gardner Generating Station
EPA approved partially and disapproved partially Nevada's determination of Best Available Retrofit Technology (BART) to control NOx emissions at Reid Gardner Generating Station, and finalized a Federal Implementation Plan (FIP).
- Federal Register Notice: Final Rule
- Fact Sheet (PDF) (2 pp, 126K)
April 2012: Nevada's Best Available Retrofit Technology for NOx emissions at Reid Gardner Generating Station
EPA is proposing to approve partially and disapprove partially Nevada's BART determination to control NOx emissions at Reid Gardner Generating Station (RGGS) Units 1, 2 and 3. This is the remaining portion of Nevada's Regional Haze Implementation Plan, that was published in 77 FR 17334 on March 26, 2012. The public is invited to comment for 30 days after publication of this Notice in the Federal Register.
- Federal Register Notice: Proposed Rule
- Technical Support Document (PDF) (95 pp, 1.35MB)
- Technical Support Appendices (ZIP) (2.11MB)
- Fact Sheet (PDF) (1 pg, 93K)
- Notice of Public Hearing (PDF) (1 pg, 14K)
- Notice of Public Hearing (PDF) (2pp, 92K)
December 2011: Nevada Regional Haze State Implementation Plan (SIP)
EPA is taking final action, approving Nevada's plan to reduce visibility impairment at national parks and wilderness areas inside Nevada and in nearby states. However, EPA is taking no action on the Best Available Retrofit Technology (BART) determination for nitrogen oxide (NOx) at the Reid-Gardner Generating Station. EPA intends to propose action on the NOx BART determination in the future.
- Federal Register Notice: Final Rule
- Fact Sheet (PDF) 12/13/11 (1 pg, 100K)
Contact Information
Rory Mays (mays.rory@epa.gov)
Infrastructure SIP Requirements
November 2016: Proposed Approval of Nevada's Infrastructure SIP Submittals Addressing Interstate Transport Requirements (Prongs 1 and 2) for the 2008 Ozone Standard
On November 22, 2016, EPA proposed to approve the Nevada SIP as addressing the interstate transport requirements (or good neighbor provisions) at CAA 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I). These provisions require each Infrastructure SIP, for a new or revised national ambient air quality standard, to contain adequate provisions to prohibit any source or other type of emissions activity within the state from emitting air pollutants that will contribute significantly to nonattainment or interfere with maintenance of the applicable air quality standard in any other state.
Federal Register Notice: Proposed Rule (published December 6, 2016)
September 2015: Partial Approval and Partial Disapproval of Nevada Infrastructure SIP Submittals for the 2008 Ozone, 2010 NO2 and 2010 SO2 National Ambient Air Quality Standards
On September 30, EPA partially approved and partially disapproved Nevada's infrastructure State Implementation Plan (SIP) for the 2008 Ozone, 2010 NO2 and 2010 SO2 National Ambient Air Quality Standards.
- Federal Register Notice: Final Rule (published November 3, 2015)
- Federal Register Notice: Proposed Rule (published May 20, 2015)
Contact Information
Tom Kelly (kelly.thomasp@epa.gov)
(415) 972-3856
February 2014: Nevada Infrastructure SIP Requirements for the 2008 Lead (Pb) National Ambient Air Quality Standard
EPA finalized partial approval and partial disapproval the Nevada infrastructure State Implementation Plan (SIP) submittal for the 2008 Lead (Pb) National Ambient Air Quality Standard.
- Final Rule (79 FR 19657, March 21, 2014) (PDF) (6 pp, 272K)
- Proposed Rule (78 FR 64430, October 29, 2013) (PDF) (6 pp, 272K)
September 2012: Nevada Infrastructure State Implementation Plan (SIP) Requirements for the 1997 8-hour Ozone, 1997 PM2.5, and 2006 PM2.5 National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)
EPA partially approved and partially disapproved Nevada's infrastructure State Implementation Plan (SIP) submittals for the 1997 8-hour Ozone, 1997 PM2.5, and 2006 PM2.5 NAAQS.
Contact Information
Tom Kelly (kelly.thomasp@epa.gov)
(415) 972-3856
Clark County – Particulate Actions
September 17, 2014: Redesignation to Attainment for Particulate Matter
EPA approved Nevada's request to redesignate Clark County to attainment for the PM10 standard. We also approved Clark County's plan to maintain compliance with the standard through 2023.
- Federal Register Notice: Final Rule (published 10/06/2014)
- Fact Sheet (PDF) (1 pp, 254K)
- Federal Register Notice: Proposed Rule
Contact Information
Karina O'Connor (oconnor.karina@epa.gov)
(775) 434-8176.
August 2010: Finding of Attainment for Particulate Matter
EPA determined that the Las Vegas Valley had attained the PM-10 NAAQS as of its applicable attainment date of December 31, 2006 and continues to attain the standard. This determination was based on three years of quality-assured, certified air quality monitoring data.
Contact Information
Karina O'Connor (oconnor.karina@epa.gov)
(775) 434-8176.
June 2004: Approval of Attainment Plan for Particulate Matter
EPA finalized its approval of the Clark County PM-10 Plan as meeting the Clean Air Act requirements for serious PM-10 nonattainment areas. As part of this action, EPA approved a series of rules adopted by the Clark County Department of Air Quality Management (DAQM) that control fugitive dust sources, including disturbed vacant lots, construction sites, unpaved roads, paved roads and unpaved parking lots. These are the major control measures relied on in the PM-10 Plan to demonstrate attainment of the health-based standard.
- Federal Register Notice: Final Rule (published June 9, 2004)
Contact Information
Karina O'Connor (oconnor.karina@epa.gov)
(775) 434-8176
Clark County – Ozone Actions
December 2012 - Redesignation to Attainment for the 1997 8-hour Ozone NAAQS
EPA approved Nevada's request to redesignate Clark County to attainment for the 1997 8-hour ozone standard. We also approved Clark County's plan to maintain compliance with the standard through 2022.
Contact Information
Ginger Vagenas (vagenas.ginger@epa.gov)
March 2011: Attainment Finding for 1997 8-hr Ozone NAAQS
EPA published a direct final rule in the Federal Register determining that the Clark County, Nevada nonattainment area has attained the 1997 8-hour ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). This direct final action is effective May 31, 2011. On the day of publication, we also published a proposed action, which provides for a 30-day public comment period. We did not receive any public comment.
- Federal Register Notice: Final Rule
- Carbon Monoxide Pollution in Las Vegas (Clark County) Nevada: with EPA's final attainment determination (May 2005)
- Particulate Matter Pollution in Las Vegas (Clark County), Nevada: with EPA's final approval of the PM-10 plan (March 2004)
Clark County – Carbon Monoxide Actions
September 2010: Redesignation to Attainment for Carbon Monoxide
EPA approved Nevada's request to redesignate Clark County to attainment for the carbon monoxide standard. We also approved Clark County's plan to maintain compliance with the standard through 2020.
- Federal Register Notice: Final Rule (published October 6, 2014)
Contact Information
Karina O'Connor (oconnor.karina@epa.gov)
(775) 434-8176
June 2005: Finding of Attainment for Carbon Monoxide
EPA made a final decision that Las Vegas, Nevada, and the surrounding area meets the federal public health air quality standards for carbon monoxide. For further information, please contact
- Federal Register Notice: Final Rule (published June 1, 2005)
Contact Information
Karina O'Connor (oconnor.karina@epa.gov)
(775) 434-8176
August 2006: Approval of Attainment Plan for Carbon Monoxide
On August 7, 2006, EPA finalized approval of revisions to the state implementation plan (SIP) revisions submitted by the State of Nevada to provide for attainment of the carbon monoxide (CO) national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) in the Clark County serious CO Nonattainment Area. The revised attainment plan, as modified as requested by EPA, includes revised base year and future year emissions inventories and a revised demonstration of continued attainment of the carbon monoxide national ambient air quality standard in Las Vegas Valley through 2020 based on the most recent emissions models and planning assumptions and establishes new motor vehicle emissions budgets.
Contact Information
Karina O'Connor (oconnor.karina@epa.gov)
(775) 434-8176
July 2004: Approval of State Implementation Plan (SIP) Revisions
On July 23, 2004, EPA finalized its approval of the state implementation plan (SIP) revisions submitted by the State of Nevada to provide for attainment of the carbon monoxide (CO) national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) in the Clark County serious CO Nonattainment Area. EPA finalized approval of the Clark County serious area carbon monoxide (CO) plan because the plan demonstrates attainment of the national CO standard and meets the applicable Clean Air Act (CAA) requirements. As part of this action, EPA approved control measures that are relied upon in the CO plan to demonstrate attainment of the health-based standard. EPA approved Nevada's Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) program under section 187(a)(6) of the CAA, Clark County's Cleaner Burning Gasoline (CBG) program under section 211(c)(4)(C) of the CAA, and Nevada's wintertime specifications related to Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) for gasoline sold in Clark County.
- Federal Register Notice: Final Rule (published September 21, 2004)
November 2008: Clark County Transportation Conformity Plan, Clark County, Nevada (Las Vegas)
EPA published a direct final notice approving the Clark County Transportation Conformity Plan. Transportation conformity is required under section 176(c) of the Clean Air Act to ensure that federally supported highway, transit projects, and other activities are consistent with ("conform to") the purpose of the state implmentation plan. This means that transportation activites will not cause new air quality violations, worsen violations, or delay timely attainment of the relevant national ambient air quality standards.
No comments were received, and the approval was effective on January 6, 2009. The Federal Register notices and the technical support document, which contains EPA's evaluation of the Clark county transportation conformity plan, are included below.
Lake Tahoe
December 2016: Direct Final Approval of the Lake Tahoe Nevada CO Maintenance Area's Second Maintenance Plan
On December 22, 2016 in a direct final action, EPA is approving the State of Nevada's request, submitted by the State on April 3, 2012 and supplemented by another submittal on August 26, 2016, that we approve the 2012 maintenance plan for the Lake Tahoe Nevada carbon monoxide maintenance area as a revision to the Nevada State Implementation Plan. The EPA is also proposing to approve the plan and provides for a public comment period. If we receive adverse comments on our direct final action, we will withdraw it and proceed with the proposal. EPA redesignated the area to attainment and approved the first maintenance plan in 2003. The 2012 plan and 2016 supplement address continued maintenance in the area until 2024 for the carbon monoxide (CO) national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS). The EPA is also approving the State's surrogate method for monitoring CO in the area.
- Federal Register Notice: Direct Final Rule (pre-publication) (PDF) (31 pp, 479 K)
- Federal Register Notice: Proposed Rule (pre-publication) (PDF) (3 pp, 129 K)
- Fact Sheet (PDF) (1 p, 120 K)
Contact Information
John J. Kelly (kelly.johnj@epa.gov)
(415) 947-4151
Washoe County
August 2016: Direct Final Approval of the Truckee Meadows CO Maintenance Area's Second Maintenance Plan
On August 15, 2016 in a direct final action, EPA approved the State of Nevada's request, submitted by the state on November 7, 2014, that we approve the 2014 Maintenance Plan for the Truckee Meadows carbon monoxide maintenance area as a revision to the Nevada State Implementation Plan. Today the EPA also proposed approval of the plan and provides for a public comment period. If we receive adverse comments on our direct final action, we will withdraw it and proceed with the proposal. EPA redesignated the area to attainment and approved the first maintenance plan in 2008. The 2014 plan addresses continued maintenance in the area, until 2030, for the carbon monoxide (CO) national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS). EPA also found adequate and approved the 2014 plan's motor vehicle emissions budgets (MVEBs) for 2015, 2020, 2025 and 2030.
- Federal Register Notice: Direct Final Rule (published August 30, 2016)
- Federal Register Notice: Proposed Rule (published August 30, 2016)
- Fact Sheet (PDF) (1 pp, 141 K)
Contact Information
John J. Kelly (kelly.johnj@epa.gov)
(415) 947-4151
November 2015: Redesignation to Attainment for Particulate Matter
EPA is approving Nevada's request to redesignate the Truckee Meadows area to attainment for the PM10 standard. We are also approving the Truckee Meadow's plan to maintain compliance with the standard through 2030.
- Federal Register Notice: Final Rule (published December 8, 2015)
- Fact Sheet (PDF) (1 pp, 225K)
September 2015: Proposed Redesignation to Attainment for Particulate Matter
EPA is proposing to approve Nevada's request to redesignate the Truckee Meadows area to attainment for the PM10 standard. We are also proposing to approve the Truckee Meadow's plan to maintain compliance with the standard through 2030.
- Federal Register Notice: Proposed Rule (published September 30, 2015)
- Fact Sheet (PDF) (1 pp, 66KB)
Contact Information
John Ungvarsky (ungvarsky.john@epa.gov)
(415) 972-3963
Older Actions
November 2000: Particulate Matter Pollution in Reno, Nevada: with EPA's fact sheet of the final rulemaking of the PM-10 reclassification