The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved Kansas' request to redesignate the Salina Area from nonattainment to attainment for the 2008 Lead (Pb) National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS). The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) collaborated with stakeholders to reduce lead emissions at an industrial facility, achieving compliance with the 2008 standard.
Jim Macy, EPA Region 7 Administrator, said, "This achievement represents years of hard work and dedication by KDHE, including collaborating with a local business, to improve air quality in Salina." He praised KDHE's efforts in delivering clean air for Salina's community.
Kate Gleeson, KDHE Deputy Secretary of Environment, expressed pride in reaching this milestone. She noted that it signifies that all of Kansas now meets national air quality standards.
The Clean Air Act requires the EPA to verify that a state has met all necessary requirements before redesignating an area from nonattainment to attainment. The EPA's final rule outlines how Salina complies with these requirements and includes a maintenance plan for continued compliance through 2035. Further details on the redesignation can be found under docket number EPA-R07-OAR-2025-0693 at https://www.regulations.gov/.
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