Air Quality State Implementation Plans; Approvals and Promulgations: California; Attainment Date Extension for the San Joaquin Valley, California 2012 Annual PM2.5 Fine Particulate Matter Nonattainment Area

The Central California Environmental Justice Network opposes the proposed 188(e) attainment date extension for the San Joaquin Valley. They argue that the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District and the California Air Resources Board have failed to include the most stringent measures (MSMs) required by the Clean Air Act, specifically citing deficiencies in rules regarding open burning, animal matter reduction, incineration, cotton gins, and fuel burning equipment.

An independent regulatory researcher submitted a comment requesting clarification on five specific points regarding the proposed attainment date extension for the San Joaquin Valley. The commenter explicitly states they are not taking a position on whether the extension should be granted, but rather seek to invite clarity into the public record regarding funding, modeling sensitivity, environmental justice, and legal interpretations.

A coalition of environmental and health advocacy groups is opposing the EPA's proposed extension of the PM2.5 attainment date for the San Joaquin Valley. They argue the EPA is unlawfully approving the extension without evaluating whether the 2024 PM2.5 Plan actually demonstrates attainment, and they contend the plan lacks sufficient SIP creditable emissions reductions.

The commenter supports the EPA's proposal to grant California an extension to meet the 2012 annual PM2.5 standards for the San Joaquin Valley. They argue that the previous objectives were unrealistic and that the extension allows for a more equitable distribution of the burden of pollution reduction among industries and other regions.