UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY REGION 2

The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo Governor ofthe State ofNew York State Capitol Albany, New York 12224
Dear Governor Cuomo: 290 BROADWAY NEWYORK, NY 10007-1866 

## FEB - 6 2013

Thank you for your recommendations ofJune 1, 2011 on air quality designations for the state ofNew York for the 2010 revision to the primaryNational AmbientAir Quality Standard for sulfur dioxide (S02 ). Reducing levels ofsulfur dioxide pollution is an importantpart ofthe U. S. Environmental Protection Agency's commitmentto a clean, healthy environment. Exposure to S02can cause a range of adverse health effects, including narrowing ofthe airways which can cause difficulty breathing and increased asthma symptoms. This letter is to notify you ofthe EPA's preliminary intentions regarding your recommended designations.
On June 3, 2010, the EPA strengthenedthe health-based or "primary" standard for S02 by establishing a standard for 1-hour average S02concentrations at a level of75 parts perbillion. The Clean Air Act requires the EPA to complete the initial designations process within two years ofpromulgating a new or revised standard. Ifthe Administratorhas insufficient informationto make these designations, the EPA has the authority to extend the designation process by up to one year. On July 27, 2012, the EPA announced that it had insufficient information to complete the designations for the 1-hour so2standard within two years and extendedthe designations deadline to June 3, 2013.
At this time the EPA is proceeding with designating as nonattainment most areas in locations where existing monitoring data from 2009-2011 indicate violations ofthe 1-hour S02 standard. The EPA intends to address the designations for all other areas in separate future actions. With input from a diverse group ofstakeholders, EPA has developed a comprehensive implementation strategy for these future actions that focuses resources on identifying and addressing unhealthy levels ofS02. The strategy is available at: http://www.epa.gov/airquality/sulfurdioxide/implement.html. The EPA will continue to work closely with you and our otherpartners at the state, tribal and local levels to ensure healthprotective, common sense implementation ofthe 1-hour S02standard.
The EPA's review ofthe most recent monitored air quality data from 2009-2011 shows no violations of the 2010 S02standard in any areas inNew York. Consequently, the EPA is not yet preparedto propose designation action inNew York and is therefore currently deferring action to designate areas in New York. The EPA expects to be able to proceed with designation action inNew York once additional data are gathered pursuantto our comprehensive implementation strategy. In a separate future action or actions the EPA will notify you ofour intended designations for these areas, and seek public comment on these actions, no later than 120 days prior to promulgating any final designations.

Internet Address (URL) • http://www.epa.gov Recycled/Recyclable • Printed with Vegetable 011 Based Inks on Recycled Paper (Minimum 50% Postconsumer content)

### We look forward to a continued dialogue with you and your staffas we work together to implement the 2010primary S02 standard. For additional information regarding initial designations on the S02 standard, please visit our website at www.epa.gov/so2designations. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call me, orhave your staffcontact Richard Ruvo ofmy staffat 212-637-4014 or ruvo.richard@epa.gov.

cc: Joe Martens, Commissioner Sincerely, 

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# .9S.**t'~Jt....** Judith A. 

### Enck Regional Administrator

New York State Department ofEnvironmental Conservation
David Shaw, Director Division ofAir Resources NewYork State Department ofEnvironmental Conservation Gina McCarthy, Assistant Administrator for Air and Radiation Stephen D. Page, Director, Office ofAir Quality Planning and Standards