Bill > A06416

This bill mandates that the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) establish air quality standards for specific toxic air contaminants, including benzene, formaldehyde, vinyl chloride, polychlorinated dibenzodioxins, polychlorinated dibenzofurans, trichloroethylene, and mercury, by December 31, 2028. These standards, which can be hourly, rolling eight-hour, or annual, must be based on the best available scientific data regarding potential adverse human health effects. The bill also defines key terms such as "major source" (a facility emitting ten tons or more of a toxic air contaminant annually), "fenceline" (the property boundary of a major source), and "disadvantaged community" (as defined elsewhere in environmental law). Beginning January 1, 2029, these toxic air contaminants must be included in major source permits, and by December 31, 2028, the DEC must create regulations requiring fenceline monitoring for major sources, considering factors like existing air quality and proximity to disadvantaged communities.