Regulatory approach to air-quality management: a case study of New Mexico. [Monograph]

Book · Thu Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1981

OSTI ID:5737769

Harrington, W

New Mexico's limited number (about 100) of stationary pollution sources and the presence of a centralized air-quality administrative structure in Santa Fe offer a simple case study of how state programs are enforcing emission standards and the responses of the sources to state programs. The discussion focuses on the procedures used to enforce air-quality regulations and the specific activities performed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) personnel to detect violations and maintain compliance. The focus then shifts to the options available to pollution sources and how choices are made. The study concludes that air-emission regulations are frequently violated because of inadequate surveillance, but variances and exemptions are often granted; also, the state's philosophy of voluntary compliance affects response. The conclusions suggest the need to shift from making regulations more stringent to enforcing existing regulations. The substitution of an effluent charge for standards requires continuous and reliable monitoring, which would improve enforcement. 27 references, 2 figures, 15 tables. (DCK)

• OSTI ID: 5737769
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290300 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Environment
Health
& Safety
500600* -- Environment
Atmospheric-- Regulations-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
AIR QUALITY
CLEAN AIR ACT
COMPLIANCE
ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
GOVERNMENT POLICIES
LAWS
MANAGEMENT
NEW MEXICO
NORTH AMERICA
POLLUTION LAWS
POLLUTION REGULATIONS
POLLUTION SOURCES
REGULATIONS
SOUTHWEST REGION
USA