环保署提议批准阿拉斯加拆分Fairbanks与North Pole空气质量分区：Fairbanks有望认定达标
美国环境保护署（EPA）11月13日在阿拉斯加州 Fairbanks 宣布，提议批准阿拉斯加州的申请，把 Fairbanks North Star Borough 的细颗粒物（PM2.5）非达标区拆分为 Fairbanks 与 North Pole 两个独立区域，分别执行国家环境空气质量标准下的认定。
EPA 表示，这一拆分不改变 PM2.5 的联邦空气质量标准本身，而是承认两地 PM2.5 成因不同。EPA 同时提议认定，拆分后的 Fairbanks 区域已有数据可认定其达到空气质量标准；若最终定案，该区域四家电厂将获得继续为居民提供可靠、可负担电力的灵活性，同时维持严格的清洁空气标准，也保障当地军事设施的可靠供电。
EPA 第十区局长 Emma Pokon 说，这项提议肯定了当地空气质量的改善，有助于稳定能源成本，是合作联邦主义与环境的双赢，并希望 North Pole 接下来也能达到标准。阿拉斯加州环境保护厅空气质量处处长 Jason Olds 说，空气质量规划应针对本地条件。若提议定案，阿拉斯加州还须为 Fairbanks 提交正式的重新认定申请与维护计划，EPA 才能正式将其重新认定为达标区。
（来源：美国环境保护署）
EPA Proposes Approving Alaska's Request to Split Fairbanks and North Pole Air Quality Areas
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced in Fairbanks, Alaska, on November 13 that it proposes to approve Alaska's request to divide the Fairbanks North Star Borough nonattainment area for fine particulate matter (PM2.5) into two separate areas, Fairbanks and North Pole, each with its own designation under the National Ambient Air Quality Standards.
EPA said the change would not alter the federal PM2.5 standards themselves, but would acknowledge the distinct factors contributing to PM2.5 levels in the two areas. EPA is simultaneously proposing to find that the Fairbanks area, once split, has the data needed to be designated as meeting air quality standards. If finalized, the proposal would give four power plants in the region flexibility to keep providing reliable, affordable electricity while maintaining stringent clean air standards, and would ensure reliable power for military facilities.
EPA Region 10 Administrator Emma Pokon called the proposal a win for cooperative federalism and the environment. Jason Olds, director of the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation's Division of Air Quality, said air quality planning should address local conditions. If the proposal is finalized, Alaska will still need to submit a formal redesignation request and maintenance plan for Fairbanks before EPA can officially redesignate the area.
(Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency)
来源：美国环境保护署
发布：GSM·美国（发布链接）
图片来源：图：美国环境保护署总部大楼。照片：美国环境保护署，公共领域。 / Photo: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency headquarters. Photo: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, public domain.
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