Air Quality Rules & Regulations
The Division of Air Quality's Rules Development Branch, part of the Planning Section, works with stakeholders, the EPA, and the state Environmental Management Commission (EMC) to create the air quality rules codified in the North Carolina Administrative Code.
The EMC's Air Quality Committee (AQC) assists in the adoption of air quality rules. View past and upcoming AQC agendas and minutes.
Rulemaking Activities
Periodic Review of Existing Rules
View the status of the Rule Readoption Process pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A.
Rules in the Hearing Process
View proposed rules currently in the public comment and hearing process.
Recently Completed Rulemakings (coming soon)
View supporting materials related to recently completed rulemaking activities.
Status of Ongoing Rulemaking Activities
Description: This rule amendment proposes to increase the annual gasoline throughput limit under which gasoline service stations and dispensing facilities are exempt from 15A NCAC 02Q .0500 requirements for purposes of Title V permitting. The limit is recalculated to reflect the increased presence of onboard refueling vapor recovery (ORVR) emissions control equipment in the light-duty gasoline vehicles refueling at these facilities.
Tentative Rulemaking Timeline (subject to change)
- Concept presented to AQC - May 10, 2023
- AQC approval to proceed to the full EMC - September 13, 2023
- EMC approval to proceed to public comment and hearing - November 8, 2023
- Public comment period - January 2, 2024 - March 4, 2024
- See NC Register Publication and/or Rules in the Hearing Process webpage
- Public Hearing - February 8, 2024
- EMC adoption of hearing record and rule amendment - anticipated May 2024
- Submittal of EMC approved rule to RRC - anticipated May 2024
- RRC approval of amended rule - anticipated June 2024
- Effective date of amended rule - anticipated July 2024
Description: Pursuant to Session Law 2013-134, Section 12.11.(d), this rulemaking establishes an exemption from Title V permitting for R&D activities consistent with an EPA 1995 White Paper.
Tentative Rulemaking Timeline (subject to change)
- Concept presented to AQC - January 10, 2024
- AQC approval to proceed to the full EMC - March 13, 2024
- EMC approval to proceed to public comment and hearing - anticipated May 2024
- Public comment period (60 days) and hearing - anticipated June - August 2024
- EMC approval of hearing record and adoption of rule amendment - anticipated September 2024
- Submittal of EMC approved rule to RRC - anticipated September 2024
- RRC approval of amended rule - anticipated October 2024
- Effective date of amended rule - anticipated November 2024
Description: On February 7, 2024, the U.S. EPA announced a strengthening of the annual National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for fine particulate matter (PM2.5). The new standard was published in the Federal Register on March 6, 2024, with an effective date of May 6, 2024. Accordingly, the DAQ is updating the State rule that contains this NAAQS, 15A NCAC 02D .0410, PM2.5 Particulate Matter.
Tentative Rulemaking Timeline (subject to change)
- Concept presented to AQC - March 13, 2024
- AQC approval to proceed to the full EMC - anticipated May 2024
- EMC approval to proceed to public comment and hearing - anticipated July 2024
- Public comment period (60 days) and hearing - anticipated August - October 2024
- EMC adoption of hearing record and rule amendment - anticipated November 2024
- Submittal of EMC approved rule to RRC - anticipated November 2024
- RRC approval of amended rule - anticipated December 2024
- Effective date of amended rule - anticipated January 2025
More Information
For questions regarding the materials on this webpage, please contact the Rule Development Branch Supervisor
Other Rule Development Branch Activities
This page was last modified on 03/25/2024