Chapter 391-3-1 Rules for Air Quality Control

 

SYNOPSIS OF

PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE RULES OF THE

DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DIVISION

RELATING TO AIR QUALITY, CHAPTER 391-3-1

Rule 391-3-1-.02(2)(aaa), “Consumer and Commercial Products” is being removed.

Purpose: The purpose of this amendment is to remove the rule for Consumer and 

Commercial Products, which is no longer necessary. 

Main Features: Subparagraph (2)(aaa) is repealed. This volatile organic compound 

(VOC) control rule, which limits the VOC content of windshield washer 

fluid, was originally adopted when the control of VOC was the main goal 

of reducing ozone. Improved modeling has since demonstrated that the 

control of oxides of nitrogen (NOx) is the most effective means of 

reducing ozone as man-made VOC is overwhelmed by naturally occurring 

VOC. Additionally, there are no federal rules or statutes that require this 

rule.

Rule 391-3-1-.02(2)(bbb), “Gasoline Marketing” is being removed.

Purpose: The purpose of this amendment is to remove the rule for Gasoline 

Marketing, which is no longer necessary. 

Main Features: Subparagraph (2)(bbb) is repealed. This rule required gasoline sold in 

the Atlanta ozone nonattainment area, as well as areas determined to be 

contributing to ozone levels in the nonattainment area, to contain reduced 

sulfur for NOx control and to have a reduced Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) 

during the summer for VOC control. (This is commonly referred to as 

“Georgia gas”.) This rule was originally more stringent than federal 

requirements. Currently, the federal requirement for fuel sulfur is the 

same as the Georgia Rule. Since the RVP requirement is for VOC control 

and improved modeling has demonstrated that the control of VOC is not 

effective at reducing ozone in the Southeast, the Georgia gas rule is no 

longer necessary to reduce ozone. Additionally, there are no federal rules 

or statutes that require this rule.

Rule 391-3-1-.02(2)(mmm), “NOx Emissions from Stationary Gas Turbines and Stationary 

Engines used to Generate Electricity,” is being amended.

Purpose: The purpose of this amendment is to exempt stationary engines at data 

centers from the emission limit contained in this rule.
Chapter 391-3-1 Rules for Air Quality Control

 

Main Features: Subparagraph 8. has been added to define the exemption and to provide 

operating limits to maintain the exemption. By exempting these engines 

from the emission limit specified in subparagraph 1. of the rule instead of 

exempting them from rule (mmm) in its entirety, as is done for other 

engines in subparagraph 5, stationary engines at data centers that are 

major sources are not subject to case-by-case NOx requirement of rule 

391-3-1-.02(2)(yy).
Chapter 391-3-1 Rules for Air Quality Control

 

STATEMENT OF RATIONALE

Rules for Air Quality Control

Rule 391-3-1-.02(2)(aaa) – Consumer and Commercial Products

The basis of this subparagraph is to limit the VOC content of windshield washer fluid for ozone 

control. The purpose of this revision is to repeal the rule. This rule has no federal requirement 

and is no longer necessary now that improved modeling has demonstrated that VOC control in 

the southeast does not result in a reduction in ozone concentrations.

This revision would no longer require a more expensive type of windshield washer fluid to be 

sold in the Atlanta area. This action would result in cost savings for the Environmental 

Protection Division, the regulated industry, and the public.

Rule 391-3-1-.02(2)(bbb) – Gasoline Marketing

The basis of this subparagraph is to limit the sulfur content and, during the summer, vapor 

pressure of gasoline sold in the Atlanta ozone nonttainment area and areas determined to 

contribute to ozone levels in the nonattainment area. The purpose of this revision is to repeal 

the rule. This rule has no federal requirement and is no longer necessary now that federal 

gasoline requires the same fuel sulfur content and because improved modeling has 

demonstrated that VOC control in the southeast does not result in a reduction in ozone 

concentrations.

This revision would no longer require fuel suppliers to purchase a more expensive blend of 

gasoline for a 45 county Atlanta area. This action may result in cost savings for the 

Environmental Protection Division, the regulated industry, and the public.

Rule 391-3-1-.02(2)(mmm) – NOx Emissions from Stationary Gas Turbines and Stationary 

Engines used to Generate Electricity

The basis of this subparagraph is to establish nitrogen oxides emission limits for stationary gas 

turbines and engines used to produce electricity. The purpose of this revision is to exempt

stationary engines at data centers from the emissions limits required by this rule.

This revision will no longer require stationary engines at data centers to install expensive control 

equipment on engines with limited operating time. This action would result in cost savings for 

the Environmental Protection Division and the regulated industry.