The Rules for the Control of Air Pollution in Idaho limit, for fuel burning sources, the amount of sulfur allowed in residual fuel oil, distillate fuel oil, and coal. This limits the flexibility of industries to use less expensive alternative fuels with higher sulfur contents. DEQ has initiated this rulemaking to allow industries a less expensive alternative to current fuels with no additional environmental impact. The revisions included in this proposed rule allow for higher sulfur content fuels to be used in fuel burning equipment in Idaho as long as the resulting emissions are at levels equal to or lower than those provided for in the existing rules.

Members of the regulated community who may be subject to Idaho's air quality rules, as well as special interest groups, public officials, or members of the public who have an interest in the regulation of air emissions from sources in Idaho, may be interested in commenting on this proposed rule. The proposed rule text is in legislative format. Language the agency proposes to add is underlined. It is this addition to which public comment should be addressed.

After consideration of public comments, DEQ intends to present the final proposal to the Board of Environmental Quality at the October 2009 Board meeting for adoption as a pending rule. The rule is expected to be final and effective upon the adjournment of the 2010 legislative session if adopted by the Board and approved by the Legislature.

July 1 through August 4, 2009

› View Proposed Rule (pdf format).

August 4, 2009, 3:30 p.m.

Department of Environmental Quality

Conference Room B

1410 N. Hilton, Boise, Idaho