What is an Attainment Area? A Guide to Air Quality Standards

Q: Can an area change from attainment to nonattainment?

Yes, if air quality deteriorates and fails to meet the standards, an area can be reclassified as a nonattainment area.

Q: How can I find out if my area is an attainment area?

You can check with your state s environmental agency or visit the Environmental Protection Agency s website for air quality designations.

Definition & Meaning

An attainment area is a geographic region that meets or exceeds the air quality standards set by the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) under the Clean Air Act (CAA). This means that the air quality in these areas is considered satisfactory for certain pollutants. It is important to note that an area can be classified as an attainment area for one type of pollutant while being designated as a nonattainment area for others, indicating varying levels of air quality across different pollutants.

Table of content

Legal Use & context

The term "attainment area" is primarily used in environmental law, particularly in the context of air quality regulations. It plays a crucial role in determining compliance with federal and state air quality standards. Legal practitioners may encounter this term when dealing with cases related to environmental protection, regulatory compliance, and public health. Users can manage related legal documents through resources like US Legal Forms, which provides templates for air quality permits and compliance reports.

Key legal elements

Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

Example 1: A city that has successfully reduced its ozone levels through regulatory measures may be classified as an attainment area for ozone, while still being a nonattainment area for particulate matter due to higher levels of dust and smoke.

Example 2: A rural region may be designated as an attainment area for carbon monoxide but classified as nonattainment for sulfur dioxide due to emissions from nearby industrial activities. (hypothetical example)

Relevant laws & statutes

The Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. § 7401 et seq.) is the primary federal law governing air quality standards in the United States. It establishes the framework for the designation of attainment and nonattainment areas and outlines the responsibilities of states in maintaining air quality.

State-by-state differences

State	Attainment Areas	Nonattainment Areas
California	Some urban areas are attainment for certain pollutants.	Many areas are nonattainment for ozone and particulate matter.
Texas	Several regions are attainment for carbon monoxide.	Houston is a nonattainment area for ozone.
New York	New York City is an attainment area for most pollutants.	Some upstate areas are nonattainment for particulate matter.

This is not a complete list. State laws vary and users should consult local rules for specific guidance.

Comparison with related terms

Term	Definition
Nonattainment area	An area that does not meet the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for one or more pollutants.
Maintenance area	An area that was previously designated as nonattainment but has since improved air quality and is now required to maintain those standards.

Common misunderstandings

What to do if this term applies to you

If you are concerned about air quality in your area, you can check local environmental agency reports to see the classification of your region. If your area is a nonattainment area, you may need to comply with additional regulations. For assistance, consider using US Legal Forms to access templates for air quality compliance documents. If the situation is complex, consulting a legal professional may be necessary.

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Quick facts

Typical fees: Varies by state and specific permits.
Jurisdiction: Federal and state environmental agencies.
Possible penalties: Fines for noncompliance with air quality standards.

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

What is the significance of being in an attainment area?

Being in an attainment area means that the air quality is considered safe and meets federal standards, which can impact public health and local regulations.