About the Air Quality Policy Division (AQPD)

Who We Are

The Air Quality Policy Division (AQPD) is one of five divisions within EPA’s Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards (OAQPS). We collaborate with a wide array of stakeholders to address existing and emerging air quality issues nationwide. AQPD is divided into four groups, each focused on particular aspects of national air quality issues. We are a dynamic and diverse group of individuals with multidisciplinary experience including environmental policy analysts, engineers, scientists, and environmental protection specialists who collaborate to ensure effective air quality management strategies.

What We Do

AQPD is responsible for

• Maintaining the national regulatory program for implementing the Clean Air Act’s criteria pollutant standards.
• Directing the national regulatory framework for stationary source air emissions permitting.
• Coordinating the national regulations for achieving long-range visibility protection in national parks and wilderness areas.

AQPD develops policies, regulations, and strategies that integrate its programs with broader air quality management programs and objectives. We develop targeted solutions for local, state, Tribal, regional, national, and multi-national scale air quality issues. AQPD maintains cooperative working relationships with EPA regional offices, federal, state, local and Tribal agencies, as well as other key stakeholders, including industry, public health, and environmental protection groups, to facilitate effective development and implementation of our programs. 

Select one of the groups below to learn more about their responsibilities:

State and Locals Programs Group (SLPG) Geographic Strategies Group (GSG) New Source Review Group (NSRG) Operating Permits Group (OPG)

AQPD Groups 

State and Local Programs Group (SLPG) SLPG serves as a national program manager guiding the implementation efforts of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) program. SLPG provides national oversight and coordination of the State Implementation Plans (SIPs) and works closely with EPA regional offices, state, local, and Tribal air agencies, and other federal agencies.

Geographic Strategies Group (GSG) GSG develops and implements air quality management regulations, policies, and strategies to address regional and national scale pollution problems. This includes pollution transported across state and international borders. Examples of our work include: designating areas for the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), interstate and international pollution transport, visibility protection program, and exceptional events provisions.

New Source Review Group (NSRG) NSRG manages the new source review (NSR) program which includes the nonattainment new source review (NNSR), prevention of significant deterioration (PSD) provisions, the outer continental shelf and deepwater permits, and greenhouse gases (GHG). NSRG develops regulations and provides guidance and support to assist EPA regional offices and state, local, and Tribal air agencies in implementing the national program at their level.

Operating Permits Group (OPG)  OPG serves as a national program manager guiding federal, state, local, and Tribal agency efforts related to issuing and renewing operating permits. OPG develops regulations and provides guidance and support to assist EPA regional offices and state, local, and Tribal air agencies in implementing the national program at their level. Areas of responsibility include: Title V permit program implementation, Parts 70 & 71 rule revisions, and applicability determinations for New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) and National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAPS).