Recently, the EPA decided to revisit its “Exceptional Events” rule, and that is good news to Maricopa County Supervisor Steve Chucri. In 2012-13 Maricopa County, the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, and the Maricopa Association of Governments spent nearly $700,000 preparing exceptional event documentation related to various dust storms.
On Tuesday, at a public hearing of the of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Chucri commented on the EPA’s recent decision to revisit its “Exceptional Events” rule, “We welcome the recent proposal to reopen and revise the exceptional events rule to address the concerns raised by Arizona and other stakeholders,” said Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Chairman Steve Chucri. “Arizona is an appropriate place for this hearing because our unique desert environment poses challenges that the EPA rule is designed to address.”
The rule, established in 2007, details that certain “exceptional” environmental events are naturally occurring and should not trigger a series of extensive planning, reporting, and response efforts by government agencies that are required in the event of a wildfire or other man-made environmental hazard. On November 10, 2015, the EPA proposed revisions to the 2007 Exceptional Events Rule, and announced the availability for public comment of a draft guidance document.
“Natural desert events – such as Haboobs or sandstorms – contribute to air pollution in our region,” continued Chairman Chucri. “Arizona taxpayers should not have to pay the bill to prove to the EPA that a dust storm caused air quality concerns.”