AQS Environmental Regulations & Policy 2

Question 1

Under the Clean Air Act, which document must a state submit to EPA outlining how it will achieve and maintain NAAQS?

Accepted Answer

State Implementation Plan (SIP)

Answer

A State Implementation Plan (SIP) is the regulatory mechanism states use to demonstrate how they will attain and maintain National Ambient Air Quality Standards.

Question 2

Which CAA provision requires major stationary sources in attainment areas to undergo review ensuring they will not cause a significant deterioration of air quality?

Accepted Answer

Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD)

Answer

Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) permitting applies in areas that meet NAAQS to protect air quality from significant degradation by new or modified major sources.

Question 3

The Acid Rain Program established under Title IV of the CAA primarily used which market-based mechanism to reduce SO2 emissions?

Accepted Answer

Cap-and-trade allowances

Answer

Title IV's Acid Rain Program introduced a cap-and-trade system for SO2 allowances, allowing sources to buy and sell emission credits to achieve cost-effective reductions.

Question 4

Which federal agency, other than the EPA, co-regulates vehicle tailpipe emissions under a memorandum of understanding tied to the CAA?

Accepted Answer

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Answer

NHTSA and EPA jointly regulate vehicle greenhouse gas and fuel economy standards, coordinating under joint rulemakings tied to CAA authority.

Question 5

A facility emitting 100 tons/year of a regulated pollutant in a serious nonattainment area must apply which NSR offset ratio?

Accepted Answer

1.2:1

Answer

In serious nonattainment areas, new major source emissions must be offset at a ratio of at least 1.2:1 to achieve net air quality improvement.

(AQS) Air Quality Specialist Certification Practice Test

(AQS) Air Quality Specialist Certification Practice Test

AQS Environmental Regulations & Policy 2