EPA Seeks Early Input on Standards for Airborne Lead
EPA is
seeking early comments on policy options the agency is considering as
it reviews the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for lead,
officials announced on Dec. 5.
The agency has released an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
(ANPR), which is not a proposal, but a new part of the NAAQS review
process that offers an additional public comment period before the
agency issues a proposed rule. EPA is seeking broad public input on the
policy options under consideration as part of the lead NAAQS review.
For example, the ANPR seeks comment on available scientific
information, on current lead exposures for both airborne sources and
other sources, and on a number of lead monitoring issues. That input
will help inform the agency as it develops a proposed rule.
EPA will accept comment on the ANPR for 30 days after publication in the Federal Register.
EPA is required by a consent decree to issue a proposal regarding the
lead standards by May 1, 2008, and to issue a final rule by Sept. 1,
2008.
More about the lead NAAQS rulemaking can be found at http://www.epa.gov/ttn/naaqs/standards/pb/s_pb_cr_fr.html.