Clean Air and Building Infrastructure Improvement Act | ChamberLight
Bills · HR 4214
REPORTED· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 4214Licensing and registrationsEnvironmental assessment, monitoring, research
Clean Air and Building Infrastructure Improvement Act
INTRO JUN 27· LAST ACTION APR 28
READING
6MIN
COSPONSORS
7
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
Reported, not passed
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 3 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-written
Voters should care about this bill because it aims to make the process of complying with clean air regulations more predictable and efficient, which can impact economic development and infrastructure projects. If this bill becomes law, businesses that want to build or expand will get clearer rules from the EPA sooner, potentially speeding up construction projects and reducing uncertainty. This could lead to faster job creation in certain sectors and more predictable costs for businesses.
If the bill does not become law, businesses might continue to face delays and confusion when new air quality standards are introduced, as the EPA would not be legally required to issue implementation guidance at the same time. This could slow down construction and modification projects, potentially increasing costs for businesses and prolonging the time it takes for new infrastructure to be built, while also creating uncertainty for state and local regulators trying to apply new federal standards. The bill tries to strike a balance between improving air quality and ensuring practical implementation.
KEY PROVISIONS
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PROVISION 01
Requires the EPA to publish implementation regulations and guidance concurrently with any new or revised national ambient air quality standard.
This ensures that states and businesses have clear instructions on how to meet new air quality rules immediately, potentially preventing delays.
PROVISION 02
States that if the EPA fails to publish concurrent guidance for preconstruction permits, the new air standard will not apply to those permits until the guidance is published.
This provides a strong incentive for the EPA to issue timely guidance and protects permit applicants from being held to unclear new standards.
PROVISION 03
Exempts certain preconstruction permit applications for new or modified facilities from the 2024 Primary Annual Particulate Matter2.5 Standard if the application is complete or a draft permit is public by specific deadlines.
This provides specific relief for projects already underway, preventing them from being immediately impacted by a recent significant air quality update before implementation details are fully settled.
PROVISION 04
Clarifies that applicants still must install the best available control technology (BACT) and lowest achievable emission rate (LAER) technology, and states can still impose stricter emissions requirements.
This ensures that fundamental environmental protection measures and states' rights to set higher standards are preserved.
Voters should care about this bill because it aims to make the process of complying with clean air regulations more predictable and efficient, which can impact economic development and infrastructure projects. If this bill becomes law, businesses that want to build or expand will get clearer rules from the EPA sooner, potentially speeding up construction projects and reducing uncertainty. This could lead to faster job creation in certain sectors and more predictable costs for businesses.
If the bill does not become law, businesses might continue to face delays and confusion when new air quality standards are introduced, as the EPA would not be legally required to issue implementation guidance at the same time. This could slow down construction and modification projects, potentially increasing costs for businesses and prolonging the time it takes for new infrastructure to be built, while also creating uncertainty for state and local regulators trying to apply new federal standards. The bill tries to strike a balance between improving air quality and ensuring practical implementation.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Requires the EPA to publish implementation regulations and guidance concurrently with any new or revised national ambient air quality standard.
This ensures that states and businesses have clear instructions on how to meet new air quality rules immediately, potentially preventing delays.
high
States that if the EPA fails to publish concurrent guidance for preconstruction permits, the new air standard will not apply to those permits until the guidance is published.
This provides a strong incentive for the EPA to issue timely guidance and protects permit applicants from being held to unclear new standards.
med
Exempts certain preconstruction permit applications for new or modified facilities from the 2024 Primary Annual Particulate Matter2.5 Standard if the application is complete or a draft permit is public by specific deadlines.
This provides specific relief for projects already underway, preventing them from being immediately impacted by a recent significant air quality update before implementation details are fully settled.
med
Clarifies that applicants still must install the best available control technology (BACT) and lowest achievable emission rate (LAER) technology, and states can still impose stricter emissions requirements.
This ensures that fundamental environmental protection measures and states' rights to set higher standards are preserved.
On or before the date of promulgation of the final designation of the area involved under section 107(d) of the Clean Air Act with respect to the 2024 Primary Annual Particulate Matter2.5 Standard
The 2024 Primary Annual Particulate Matter2.5 Standard shall not apply to preconstruction permit applications if the application is complete on or before the date of promulgation of the final designation of the area.
Before the date that is 60 days after the date of promulgation of the final designation of the area involved under section 107(d) of the Clean Air Act with respect to the 2024 Primary Annual Particulate Matter2.5 Standard
The 2024 Primary Annual Particulate Matter2.5 Standard shall not apply to preconstruction permit applications if a public notice of a preliminary determination or draft permit is published.
GLOSSARY
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National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS)
Health-based limits for certain air pollutants that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets for the entire country to protect public health and the environment.
Preconstruction Permit
A permit required before a business can build a new facility or significantly modify an existing one, especially if it will emit air pollutants.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
A federal agency responsible for protecting human health and the environment by writing and enforcing regulations based on laws passed by Congress.
Best Available Control Technology (BACT)
An emissions limit based on the maximum degree of reduction for each pollutant, considering costs and energy impacts, required for major new or modified sources in areas that meet air quality standards.
Lowest Achievable Emission Rate (LAER)
The strictest emissions limit required for new or modified major pollution sources in areas that do not meet air quality standards. It does not consider costs.
Particulate Matter (PM2.5)
Tiny particles in the air, much smaller than a human hair, that can be inhaled and cause serious health problems. The '2.5' refers to particles that are 2.5 micrometers or less in diameter.
ACTION TIMELINE
15 EVENTS
APR 28
Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-626.
COMMITTEE
APR 28
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 543.
CALENDARS
JAN 21
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
COMMITTEE
JAN 21
Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 28 - 24.
The official announcement by the EPA defining whether a specific geographic area meets ('attainment') or does not meet ('nonattainment') a particular national ambient air quality standard.
