The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors voted this week to create a business-friendly environment while protecting residents by approving the Air Quality Department’s revised rules for the New Source Review (NSR).
The NSR is a long standing Clean Air Act permitting program. It requires certain businesses to obtain an air pollution control permit before starting construction or making major modifications. The purpose of the NSR program is to ensure environmental protection while allowing economic growth. “This is the first step to bring more high paying jobs to Maricopa County,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman Clint Hickman, District 4. “Manufacturing companies want to open here but they sometimes find the air quality standards too restrictive.”
The revised rules align Maricopa County with the federal NSR rules for small and large businesses. Some examples are paint shops and cabinet makers, all the way to power plants. “We are making Maricopa County more competitive by updating our regulations,” Hickman said. “This is about helping current Maricopa County businesses grow and inviting new companies to our community.”
The rules will now be submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency for approval.