The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking public feedback on its proposed actions concerning air quality and sulfur dioxide levels in Puerto Rico. Comments will be accepted until December 2, 2024. The EPA has set standards for various air pollutants, including sulfur dioxide, under the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). The agency proposes to determine that two areas in Puerto Rico—San Juan and Guayama-Salinas—have not met the required standard for sulfur dioxide.
This proposal, known as a Finding of Failure to Attain, arises because these areas did not meet the air quality standard by the mandated date of April 9, 2023. In response, the EPA plans to approve certain elements of the Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources’ strategy to reduce sulfur dioxide emissions within these nonattainment areas. This strategy involves emission reductions from three facilities operated by the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority: PREPA San Juan, PREPA Palo Seco, and PREPA Aguirre.
"Reducing sulfur dioxide pollution in the air is critical to protecting health," stated Lisa F. Garcia, EPA Regional Administrator. "Achieving clean air requires that EPA work with Puerto Rico to reduce or eliminate air pollutants that can cause health hazards or illnesses. We invite the public to review this proposal and provide comments by December 2."
To inform community members about these proposals, the EPA will conduct two in-person information sessions. The session for San Juan will occur on October 22, 2024, at Inter American University School of Law in San Juan. The session for Guayama-Salinas will take place on October 24, 2024, at Inter American University - Guayama Campus.
Additional details about these proposed actions and instructions for submitting comments are available at www.regulations.govExit EPA’s website.
When an area fails to meet an air pollutant standard set by the EPA, it is designated as "Nonattainment." This designation requires states or territories to lower emissions in such areas within five years and submit a plan demonstrating how they will achieve compliance.
Short-term exposure to sulfur dioxide can negatively impact human respiratory systems and make breathing difficult. Individuals with asthma are particularly vulnerable. High concentrations of sulfur oxides can also damage vegetation by harming foliage and reducing growth rates. Major sources of sulfur dioxide emissions include fossil fuel combustion at power plants and other industrial sites.
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