Air Quality > Rules and Laws

Air Quality Rules and Laws

Federal, state, and local agencies write rules to implement laws related to air quality. The purpose of these rules and laws is to ensure our air is healthy and safe for people and the environment.

In Washington, Ecology is responsible for developing most statewide air quality rules. Local clean air agencies may develop rules for their jurisdictions. Local rules cannot be less strict than state rules, and neither can be less strict than federal rules.

Contents

• Current air quality rule making activities
• State air quality rules
• State air quality laws
• Developing air quality rules
• More information

Current air quality rule making activities

• Chapter 173-400 WAC - General regulation for air pollution sources
• Chapter 173-401 WAC Operating Permit Regulation
• Chapter 173-422A WAC - Motor vehicle emission inspection
• Chapter 173-423 WAC Low Emission Vehicles

Recently adopted rules

• Chapter 173-455 WAC- Air Quality Fee Regulation Final rule adopted May 31, 2011
• Chapter 173-400 WAC - General regulation for air pollution sources Final rule adopted March 1, 2011
• Chapter 173-401 WAC - Operating permit regulation Final rule adopted December 1, 2010
• Chapter 173-430 WAC - Agricultural burning Final rule adopted November 10, 2010
• Chapter 173-441 WAC - Reporting of emissions of greenhouse gases Final rule adopted December 1, 2010

State air quality rules
Ecology adopts rules to implement state and federal laws. Rules are found in the Washington Administrative Code (WAC).

Washington State air quality rules:

• Chapters 173-400 through 173-495 WAC

State air quality laws
When the Governor signs a bill passed by the legislature, it becomes law. Laws can also be passed through the initiative process. The Revised Code of Washington (RCW) contains all Washington State laws.

Washington State air quality laws:

• Ch. 70.94 RCW - Washington clean air act
• Ch. 70.120 RCW – Motor vehicle emissions control
• Ch. 70.120A RCW – Motor vehicle emissions standards
• Ch. 70.235 RCW - Limiting greenhouse gas emissions

Developing air quality rules
The Air Quality Program’s Rules and Planning Unit develops rules and policies to implement state and federal laws. The rule making process includes:

• Stakeholder meetings
• A public comment period and public hearings
• Publishing notice in the State Register
• Outreach to interested parites

More information

• Frequently asked questions about rule making

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