RIS-Page 4
Ozone is formed in the lower atmosphere through chemical reactions involving VOC emissions and other pollutants.
Several areas in Michigan have not met the Ozone NAAQS and are currently classified as marginal nonattainment.
The USEPA is currently proceeding to reclassify these areas to moderate nonattainment, a process that is expected to
be completed by late summer 2022. Moderate requirements include RACT controls and controls on VOC sources to
meet RFP. The control requirements are in the CAA, and Michigan’s failure to implement these control programs for
moderate ozone nonattainment areas will result in the USEPA eventually imposing offset and highway sanctions
lasting until the control requirements have been adopted by Michigan. From a human health standpoint, it is important
for Michigan to bring all ozone nonattainment areas back into attainment, so all Michigan citizens have clean air to
breathe. At elevated concentrations, ozone can cause respiratory distress, even in healthy adults, but those with lung
disease (such as asthma) and children are particularly susceptible.
A. What is the rationale for changing the rules instead of leaving them as currently written?
By changing the rules, the Air Quality Division (AQD) will be able to meet the requirements for moderate
nonattainment classification under the CAA, which includes implementation of RACT for all existing major sources
of VOCs and additional measures to meet the RFP VOC reduction requirement. Ultimately these proposed rule
changes will assist in the protection of public health and the environment.
8. Describe how the proposed rules protect the health, safety, and welfare of Michigan citizens while promoting a
regulatory environment in Michigan that is the least burdensome alternative for those required to comply.
The proposed rule changes promote the protection of the health, safety, and welfare of Michigan citizens by bringing
our rules for existing VOC sources up to date with current levels of RACT. The RACT rules are based on the USEPA’s
CTG recommendations, which take into consideration the cost of controls as a function of emission reductions to
achieve a less burdensome alternative for those required to comply.
9. Describe any rules in the affected rule set that are obsolete or unnecessary and can be rescinded.
R 336.1661 served to hold definitions to support R 336.1660. The applicable definitions have been incorporated into
R 336.1660, making R 336.1661 obsolete. This rule package proposes to rescind the rule.
Fiscal Impact on the Agency
Fiscal impact is an increase or decrease in expenditures from the current level of expenditures, i.e. hiring additional staff,
higher contract costs, programming costs, changes in reimbursements rates, etc. over and above what is currently
expended for that function. It does not include more intangible costs for benefits, such as opportunity costs, the value of
time saved or lost, etc., unless those issues result in a measurable impact on expenditures.
10. Please provide the fiscal impact on the agency (an estimate of the cost of rule imposition or potential savings
for the agency promulgating the rule).
The proposed rule changes are not likely to have any major fiscal impact on the agency. AQD staff will need to
respond to possible increased requests for permit revisions from sources impacted by the rule revisions, and
additional compliance monitoring may be required.
11. Describe whether or not an agency appropriation has been made or a funding source provided for any
expenditures associated with the proposed rules.
The Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has requested an appropriation increase for 2023
which includes additional staff in the AQD. If this request is successful, added AQD staff could be used to address
the modest increase in activity specifically resulting from these rule revisions. Otherwise, any added work for the
AQD will need to be absorbed by existing staff.
12. Describe how the proposed rules are necessary and suitable to accomplish their purpose, in relationship to the
burden(s) the rules place on individuals. Burdens may include fiscal or administrative burdens, or duplicative
acts.
The proposed rules are expected to have a beneficial impact on individuals by providing cleaner air due to lower
emissions and impacts of VOCs regulated under the Part 6, Michigan Air Pollution Control Rules.
A. Despite the identified burden(s), identify how the requirements in the rules are still needed and reasonable
compared to the burdens.
MCL 24.245(3)