PHOENIX (AZFamily) — The EPA granted the Phoenix area an exemption from stricter air quality regulations, citing international emissions from Asia and Mexico that are outside local control.
Under existing Clean Air Act regulations, the area was set to be reclassified from “moderate” to “serious,” which would have triggered additional restrictions. But that’s now not the case, as the new exemption applies to Maricopa, Gila and Pinal counties.
The Maricopa Association of Governments said it has been advocating for the exemption since the Biden administration.
EPA cites international sources
The EPA said international emissions from Asia and Mexico contribute to the region’s air quality problems. Matthew Poppen, director of environmental planning with MAG, said there is an 80/20 split between what can be controlled locally and what is outside local control…