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==Regulation==
The EPA Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards (OAQPS) has set National Ambient Air Quality Standards under the [[Clean Air Act]] for six principal pollutants, which are called "criteria" pollutants: [[sulfur dioxide]], [[particulate matter]], [[nitrogen oxides]], [[ozone]], [[lead]], and [[carbon monoxide]]. After the EPA sets or revises each standard and a timeline for implementation, the responsibility for meeting the standard falls to the states. Each state must submit an EPA-approved plan that shows how it will meet the standards and deadlines. These state plans are known as State Implementation Plans (SIPs)." <ref>[http://www.sierraclub.org/cleanair/sips/NAAQS.PDF "NAAQS"] Sierra Club, accessed July 2010.</ref>
===Transport Rule===
In November 2009, the EPA proposed the [[Transport Rule]], the first time since 1971 that the agency had recommended tightening controls on [[sulfur dioxide]] (SO<sub>2</sub>) to protect public health. Acting under federal court order, the [[Obama administration]] proposed new air-quality rules on July 6, 2010, for coal-burning power plants. The pollutants being singled out in the new rule making — [[sulfur dioxide]] and [[nitrogen oxides]] — are easily carried by the wind and affect states and cities far downwind from the plants where they are produced, and react in the atmosphere to form fine [[Particulates and coal|particulates]] and ground-level [[ozone]] ([[smog]]). The proposed regulation would apply to power plants in 31 states east of the Rockies, with the exception of the Dakotas, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. The proposed rules will replace the EPA's 2005 [[Clean Air Interstate Rule]].<ref name="jb">John Broder, [http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/07/science/earth/07epa.html?_r=1 "New Rules Issued on Coal Air Pollution"] New York Times, July 6, 2010.</ref><ref>[http://www.epa.gov/airtransport/actions.html#jul10 "Proposed Transport Rule Would Reduce Interstate Transport of Ozone and Fine Particle Pollution,"] EPA Fact Sheet, accessed July 8, 2010</ref>
