August 22, 2012

Dear:

DEQ is releasing for public review and comment a proposal to adopt new and amended federal air quality regulations that reduce air toxic emissions in Oregon.

The need to maintain Oregon rules is ongoing because federal requirements change regularly. This rulemaking will update DEQ rules to ensure Oregon regulations are up to date with respect to federal air quality regulations. Doing so will ensure compliance with our obligation to EPA under the Performance Partnership Agreement and delegation approval.

The objectives of this rulemaking are to protect public health, implement federally-delegated programs that regulate air toxics and other air pollutants, and improve Oregon’s implementation of these programs.

The rule proposal would adopt by reference new federal standards regulating air toxic emissions from electric utility steam generating units, gold mine ore processing and production, and polyvinyl chloride and copolymers production, as well as changes to the federal gasoline dispensing facility rules. The rulemaking proposal would also clarify when and if Air Contaminant Discharge Permits are required for sources subject to federal standards.

The public comment period on the proposal runs through September 28, 2012. The Environmental Quality Commission will make a decision on the proposal at its February 2013 meeting.

The rulemaking announcement and documents will be posted on the Internet at http://www.deq.state.or.us/regulations/proposedrules.htm.

If you have questions, please contact me at (503) 229-5397.

Sincerely,

Andrew Ginsburg

Air Quality Administrator