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Air Quality Designations for Sulfur Dioxide

  • Sulfur Dioxide

    The Clean Air Act requires EPA to set National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for six commonly found air pollutants, including sulfur dioxide.

Announcements

June 30, 2021 - EPA redesignates areas in Texas and Nebraska.

After EPA sets a new National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) or revises an existing standard, the Clean Air Act requires the agency to designate areas in the United States as "attainment" (meeting),  "nonattainment" (not meeting) or “unclassifiable” (insufficient data).

This website provides information on the process EPA, the states, and the tribes follow to designate areas for the health-based sulfur dioxide standard established in 2010.

Learn About Sulfur Dioxide Designations

  • Designations basics
  • Status and next steps

Regulatory Actions and Guidance

  • Regulatory actions
  • Guidance and technical information 

Where You Live

  • State designations
  • Tribal designations
  • Area designation maps

Related Information

  • Basic information about sulfur dioxide
  • National air quality standards for sulfur dioxide
  • Implementing sulfur dioxide standards
  • Current nonattainment areas for all criteria pollutants
  • Acid rain
  • AirNow
  • Air quality index
  • Other pollutant designations
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Last updated on May 2, 2025
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