Environment DEC
From the November 2003 issue
Environmental Board Adopts Regulations to Improve Air Quality
The New York State Environmental Board-composed of state agency heads; environmental, business and industry representatives, and citizen groups-has approved a revision to a state regulation that will help protect public health and the environment by reducing emissions of air pollutants that contribute to ozone formation. The revision affects Architectural and Industrial Maintenance (AIM) coatings, which include household and commercial paints applied to stationary structures.
"New York State is committed to developing and implementing initiatives that protect our environment and improve the quality of the air we breathe," DEC Commissioner Erin M. Crotty said. "By reducing the amount of harmful emissions produced by common products like paint, New York's ongoing commitment to prevent ozone in our communities will further protect public health."
NOx and VOCs
The revision marks the latest in a series of actions taken by the state to control emissions of ozone precursors-nitrogen oxides (NOx) and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). VOC emissions account for 8.2 percent of area source emissions inventory in New York State. Taking measures to reduce NOx and VOCs will help New York attain U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standards for ozone and improve air quality.
The new revision also sets specific VOC content limits (in grams per liter) for 52 coating categories. Compliance is required by January 1, 2005. The revision, which exceeds federal VOC content limits, is based on a model rule developed by the Ozone Transport Commission. It is similar to regulations adopted by the California Air Resources Board and the State of Delaware, and it is being considered by several other East Coast states.
While the technology exists to produce coatings that meet requirements, New York State offers some flexibility to smaller AIM coating manufacturers. The revision allows them to apply for a limited three-year, coating-specific exemption. Manufacturers must show that they are unable to meet VOC content limits by the compliance date because of economic and/or technical reasons.
