Office of Atmospheric Protection
Stored: Office of Atmospheric Protection
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Office of Atmospheric Protection (OAP) is a key component of the EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation, overseeing atmospheric pollution control programs like the Acid Rain Program and Cross-State Air Pollution Rule, managing emissions from power plants, vehicles, and industries to improve air quality and combat climate change across the U.S.
Mission
The Office of Atmospheric Protection seeks to safeguard human health and the environment by reducing air pollutants and greenhouse gases through regulatory programs, scientific research, and partnerships. It administers market-based and traditional approaches to cut emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), and carbon dioxide (CO₂), while advancing climate resilience and supporting clean air standards under the Clean Air Act.[1]
Parent organization
The OAP operates under the Office of Air and Radiation (OAR) within the Environmental Protection Agency, focusing on atmospheric-specific initiatives within OAR’s broader air and radiation mission.[2]
Legislation
The OAP’s authority stems from the Clean Air Act of 1970 (Public Law 91-604), expanded by the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 (Public Law 101-549), which established frameworks for air quality standards and emissions trading programs like those OAP manages.[3]
Partners
- State and local air agencies for implementation
- Clean Air Markets Division for power sector programs[4]
- Industry stakeholders (e.g., power plants, automakers) for compliance
Number of employees
The exact number of employees is not specified for OAP alone; it’s part of OAR’s workforce, within EPA’s total of approximately 15,000, with staff numbers fluctuating based on program needs across divisions like CAMD.[5]
Organization structure
OAP oversees atmospheric programs within OAR’s framework:
Leader
The Office of Atmospheric Protection is led by a Deputy Assistant Administrator under OAR’s Assistant Administrator.[6]
Divisions
The divisions include:
- Clean Air Markets Division for emissions trading.[7]
- Climate Protection Partnerships for voluntary reductions.
- Atmospheric Programs Office for research and standards.
List of programs
- Acid Rain Program (ARP)[8]
- Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR)
- ENERGY STAR Program
Last total enacted budget
The budget for OAP is not separately detailed; it falls under OAR’s FY 2024 enacted budget of $1.2 billion, funding atmospheric protection efforts including CAMD and climate programs.[9]
Staff
OAP’s staff includes scientists, policy experts, and program managers, though exact numbers are not isolated; personnel support emissions reduction and climate initiatives from headquarters, integrated with OAR’s broader team.[10]
Funding
Since its inception, OAP has been funded through EPA’s annual appropriations, with OAR’s FY 2024 budget at $1.2 billion supporting its atmospheric programs, supplemented by industry fees and partnerships.[11]
Services provided
OAP regulates air quality through programs like ARP and CSAPR, supports climate mitigation via ENERGY STAR, manages emissions data (e.g., CAMPD), and conducts research to inform air standards, achieving significant pollutant reductions since 1970.[12]
Regulations overseen
OAP implements Clean Air Act regulations, including Title IV (Acid Rain) and interstate pollution rules, overseeing compliance for power sector and industrial emissions.[13]
Headquarters address
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20460
History
The Office of Atmospheric Protection emerged post-Clean Air Act of 1970 within OAR, with its scope solidified by the 1990 Amendments that launched market-based programs like ARP. It has since expanded to address climate change and regional pollution, integrating efforts like CSAPR (2015) and ENERGY STAR (1992).[14]
Related
See Also Links to related programs articles or organizations:
External links
References
- ↑ "About OAR". Environmental Protection Agency. https://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/about-office-air-and-radiation-oar.
- ↑ "About OAR". Environmental Protection Agency. https://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/about-office-air-and-radiation-oar.
- ↑ "Clean Air Act Highlights". Environmental Protection Agency. https://www.epa.gov/clean-air-act-overview/clean-air-act-highlights-1970.
- ↑ "Clean Air Power Sector Programs". Environmental Protection Agency. https://www.epa.gov/power-sector/clean-air-power-sector-programs.
- ↑ "EPA Workforce". Environmental Protection Agency. https://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/epa-workforce.
- ↑ "OAR Organization Chart". Environmental Protection Agency. https://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/oar-organization-chart.
- ↑ "Clean Air Power Sector Programs". Environmental Protection Agency. https://www.epa.gov/power-sector/clean-air-power-sector-programs.
- ↑ "Acid Rain Program". Environmental Protection Agency. https://www.epa.gov/acidrain/acid-rain-program.
- ↑ "FY 2024 Budget". Environmental Protection Agency. https://www.epa.gov/planandbudget/fy-2024-budget.
- ↑ "About OAR". Environmental Protection Agency. https://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/about-office-air-and-radiation-oar.
- ↑ "FY 2024 Budget". Environmental Protection Agency. https://www.epa.gov/planandbudget/fy-2024-budget.
- ↑ "Air Quality Summary". Environmental Protection Agency. https://www.epa.gov/air-trends/air-quality-national-summary.
- ↑ "Title IV". Environmental Protection Agency. https://www.epa.gov/clean-air-act-overview/clean-air-act-title-iv-noise-pollution.
- ↑ "Evolution of the Clean Air Act". Environmental Protection Agency. https://www.epa.gov/clean-air-act-overview/evolution-clean-air-act.