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Committee approves DEQ incorporation of federal air-quality changes, including 2024 PM2.5 standard
Summary
The Department of Environmental Quality presented its annual incorporation-by-reference docket to align Idaho rules with federal EPA changes through July 1, 2024; the committee approved the docket on a voice vote.
Tiffany Floyd, Air Quality Division Administrator for the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), presented rule docket 58-0101-2401, the department’s annual incorporation-by-reference of federal air-quality regulations through July 1, 2024.
Floyd said incorporation maintains DEQ’s primacy as the state implementing authority in lieu of EPA and helps avoid duplication for regulated entities. She highlighted several federal updates that affect Idaho, including EPA’s removal of the vehicle inspection and maintenance program from the Northern Ada County carbon-monoxide plan, the removal of an emergency defense provision for major sources, and EPA’s May 6, 2024, tightening of the annual PM2.5 national ambient air quality standard from 12 µg/m3 to 9 µg/m3.
Floyd noted that after removing wildfire “exceptional events” from monitoring data, Idaho’s statewide air quality is anticipated to meet the new PM2.5 standard, though a few communities — Pinehurst, Saint Maries and Salmon — are near the level and DEQ is conducting outreach. She also described federal updates to lead-smelter regulations, allowable refrigerants, and the removal of major-source permitting for certain wood-burning incinerators.
Senator Wintrow asked about sources of PM2.5 in small towns; Floyd said residential wood-stove use is a leading contributor and described DEQ outreach advising communities on burn practices and alternatives.
Senator VanOrden moved to approve docket 58-0101-2401; Senator Harris seconded. The committee approved the docket on a voice vote. DEQ recommended approval to maintain alignment with federal rules and preserve state primacy for enforcement and permitting.
