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The Regional Haze Rule 
(580 kb)was developed to protect and improve visibility in the country's 156 national parks and large wilderness areas (referred to as mandatory Federal Class I areas). The rule became final on July 1, 1999, and requires all states to develop a revision to the State Implementation Plan (SIP) to address haze for the state's federal parks and wilderness areas caused by all sources of pollutants that impair visibility. The pollutants causing haze are primarily smoke, soot, oxides of nitrogen and sulfur dioxide from fires, vehicles, off road equipment, industrial sources and other activities that generate pollution.
The Regional Haze Rule provides two choices for states and Indian tribes in the 9 state Grand Canyon Visibility Transport Commission (GCVTC) region. States submitting SIPs in 2003 will be implementing GCVTC recommendations. States submitting SIPs in the 2005-2007 time frame will be implementing programs applicable to the rest of the nation. Utah DAQ has decided to take advantage of the regional option to prepare a SIP implementing the recommendations of the Grand Canyon Visibility Transport Commission. This SIP will be more economical for sources and will produce more improvement in visibility sooner. Utah DAQ expects to complete and submit a SIP by December 31, 2003, in accordance with 40 CFR § 51.309.
The state of Utah has been actively involved in visibility and regional haze issues for some time, beginning with the GCVTC and continuing with the Western Regional Air Partnership (WRAP), the successor organization to the GCVTC.
DAQ will provide ongoing information on the regional haze process - SIP development, related legislation and rulemakings. DAQ seeks input from stakeholders and interested citizens as the process goes forward. Questions and comments can be sent directly to Jim Schubach 536-4001.
To assist those new to regional haze issues or those pursuing their own planning process to address the Regional Haze Rule and SIP requirements, we have provided links to Web sites and documents that provide valuable information concerning regional haze and related issues.
Map of Class I Areas (216 kb)
Presentation to the Air Quality Board March 13, 2003
Draft timeline ( 519 kb)for regional haze process