Jun 30
DEQChallengesEPA062708.pdf FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 30, 2008
Contact: Robert McCann (517) 241-7397
DEQ Challenges EPA Air Quality Redesignation
The Department of Environmental Quality, in conjunction with the Department of Attorney General, filed a petition today with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit challenging the recent redesignation of the Forest County Potawatomi Community tribal lands in Wisconsin to Class I status by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Class I area designations are generally reserved for pristine or wilderness areas and, as such, they trigger increased permitting requirements for sources wanting to locate within 100 kilometers (62 miles). While the FCPC tribal lands are located in northern Wisconsin near the city of Crandon, this reclassification would affect areas in Michigans Upper Peninsula including Menominee, Dickinson, Iron, and Gogebic counties. Michigan believes the manner in which the EPA redesignated the FCPC tribal land to Class I is contrary to law and will damage Michigans ability to manage its air resources in the future.
While Class I designations are truly laudable, the federal Clean Air Act and case law are clear on how such designations should be carried out, said DEQ Director Steven E. Chester. We are disappointed that the EPA has ignored the Clean Air Act and made a decision not grounded in science that will ultimately create future difficulties for Michigan in managing an effective air permitting program.
Director Chester added that while Michigan supports the goal behind the redesignation to create cleaner and healthier air, Michigans own air quality program can achieve that same goal in a manner that is in the best interests of all of Michigans citizens.
For more information on Michigan’s air quality, go to www.michigan.gov/deqair.
#####
“Protecting Michigan’s Environment, Ensuring Michigan’s Future” Similar Posts:
Contact: Robert McCann (517) 241-7397
DEQ Challenges EPA Air Quality Redesignation
The Department of Environmental Quality, in conjunction with the Department of Attorney General, filed a petition today with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit challenging the recent redesignation of the Forest County Potawatomi Community tribal lands in Wisconsin to Class I status by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Class I area designations are generally reserved for pristine or wilderness areas and, as such, they trigger increased permitting requirements for sources wanting to locate within 100 kilometers (62 miles). While the FCPC tribal lands are located in northern Wisconsin near the city of Crandon, this reclassification would affect areas in Michigans Upper Peninsula including Menominee, Dickinson, Iron, and Gogebic counties. Michigan believes the manner in which the EPA redesignated the FCPC tribal land to Class I is contrary to law and will damage Michigans ability to manage its air resources in the future.
While Class I designations are truly laudable, the federal Clean Air Act and case law are clear on how such designations should be carried out, said DEQ Director Steven E. Chester. We are disappointed that the EPA has ignored the Clean Air Act and made a decision not grounded in science that will ultimately create future difficulties for Michigan in managing an effective air permitting program.
Director Chester added that while Michigan supports the goal behind the redesignation to create cleaner and healthier air, Michigans own air quality program can achieve that same goal in a manner that is in the best interests of all of Michigans citizens.
For more information on Michigan’s air quality, go to www.michigan.gov/deqair.
#####
“Protecting Michigan’s Environment, Ensuring Michigan’s Future” Similar Posts:
- New DEQ Press Release (DEQ Director to Speak at Public Forum on Climate Change in Southfield)
- New DEQ Press Release (DEQ Director to Host Public Forum on Climate Change in Grand Rapids)
- New DEQ Press Release (Wellhead Protection Grants Awarded)
- New DEQ Press Release (Neighborhood Environmental Partners Program Gold Award Winners Announced)
- New DEQ Press Release (DEQ Receives National Recognition for Effective Permitting Program)
- New DEQ Press Release (10 Grants Awarded Across Michigan to Revitalize Local Waterfronts)
- New DEQ Press Release (Governor Proclaims Water Week in Michigan)
Recent Comments