Monday, January 25, 2010 - 12:45
New EPA rule bitter pill for highway industry
“One-hour standard” expected to place major urban areas on non-attainment list
For the first time in 35 years the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has revised its nitrogen dioxide (NO2) rules, and the change could affect major highways across the U.S. as well as place new areas on the “non-attainment” list for particulate matter. Areas placed on the list are not eligible for federal funding.
On Jan. 26, the agency unveiled it’s “one-hour standard,” which the EPA believes will reduce Americans’ exposure to the NO2 created by cars, power plants and other sources. The one-hour NO2 exposure limit is set at 100 parts per billion.
“For the first time ever, we are working to prevent short-term exposures in high-risk NO2 zones like urban communities and areas near roadways,” EPA Chief Lisa Jackson said in a statement. “We are moving into the clean, sustainable economy of the 21st century.”
EPA plans on enforcing the rule by placing monitors near roads in areas that have more than 500,000 residents. The “one-hour standard” will go into full effect in 2013.
Streetsblog Capitol Hill
Roads&Bridges Videos
Products
-
Husqvarna’s FS 9900 D 3-speed gearbox flat saw works for jobs that require deep cutting or high production rates. Its fifth wheel option helps raise...
-
The new John Deere 9RT Scraper Special Series Tractors provides improved productivity, increased uptime and lower operating costs. This new series,...
-
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently designated the ClearLane enhanced deicer with a Design for the Environment label. In the new...
-
Lindsay Transportations Solutions added the TAU-II-R system to their lineup of road safety devices. Utilizing reusable elements, the system will...
-
Plastic Safety Systems Inc. recently introduced RoadQuake 2, its newest temporary portable rumble strip. Suitable in even sub-freezing temperatures...
-
Build tall, reinforced retaining walls with 100% positive connections using the Redi-Rock Positive Connection (PC) System. Incomparable structural...
-
Color-Safe Surface is an acrylic-based material used for pavement markings. It is typically used for bicycle and bus lanes, pedestrian areas,...
-
BOMAG’s BW 900-50 is the company’s latest generation 1-1.5 ton ride-on roller. Offering a working width of 35.4 in. and Honda’s GX630 gas engine, the...
-
American Highway’s Inclined Pivoted Turnbuckle Manhole Riser allows the user to not only raise the lid, but also tilt the lid to match the new road...
-
The Schwing S 43 SX concrete pump combines the best features of two boom types: Roll and Fold and Z. By putting the 270º Z-fold at the tip section,...
