| The Group Leader of the State and Local Programs Group (SLPG) reports to the Director, AQPD.
The SLPG develops and implements air quality management policies, regulations, and other strategic
measures for attainment and maintenance of NAAQS. It serves as national program manager for States'
attainment of the NAAQS, providing national oversight and coordination of air quality designations
and State implementation plan development and review with Regional Offices, State and local air
agencies, Tribes, and other appropriate Federal agencies. The Group determines and develops technical
guidance and other support to assist EPA Regional Offices and State and local air agencies in
implementing the national program at their level. The Group coordinates policy development
with other EPA offices and Federal agencies, and works closely with State/local/Tribal agencies
and other key interested stakeholders in developing policies. It develops locally-targeted
strategies and policies where an air quality problem is not suited to a uniform national or
regional program. In addition, the Group provides input to the development of Regional
Office Performance Measures and evaluates strategic direction of regional programs and
fulfillment of priorities articulated in program specific guidance. The Group works
closely with other OAQPS Divisions to ensure that OAQPS policies incorporate and encourage
cross-program integration of implementation strategies (including co-control of hazardous
and criteria air pollutants), the use of innovative regulatory strategies and pollution
prevention strategies, and consideration of other program priorities such as environmental justice.
The Group’s principal responsibilities include:
- State implementation plans (SIPs) for attainment and maintenance of NAAQS
- NAAQS designations/classifications and reclassifications
- New particulate matter NAAQS implementation rule
- New 8-hour ozone NAAQS implementation rule
- NAAQS control strategies
- Reasonably Available Control Technology/Reasonable Available Control Measures
- (RACT/RACM) issues
- Stack height regulations
- General conformity
- NOx 182(f) exemptions
- NOx substitution
- Photochemical reactivity policy
- Volatile organic compounds exemptions
- Support for Clean Air Act Advisory Committee’s Subcommittee on Air Quality Management
- Oversight, evaluation, and improvement of State and local pollution control programs
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