State Implementation Plans (SIPs)

To describe how they plan to comply with and enforce NAAQS and other air quality regulations, States write State Implementation Plans, or SIPs. Tribes have the authority to develop tribal implementation plans (TIPs). These plans must include the following:

• State regulations that have been approved by the EPA.
• State issued, and EPA approved, orders requiring that individual companies comply with air quality standards.
• Planning documents, such as air quality data from specific areas within the state, or computer models demonstrating how specific strategies will meet air quality standards.
• Specific plans or programs to address wildland fire may be present in some states.
• In the event that a SIP is not created, the EPA will create a Federal Implementation Plan, or FIP, in its place.

When state air quality monitoring data is collected, it is often difficult to ascertain whether prescribed fire emissions have contributed to high monitor readings, and nonattainment. Because of this, land managers and air quality regulators should work together to determine the effect of prescribed fire emissions. Any changes to a SIP require approval by the EPA. Typically, a state has one year from the time of SIP approval to implement new programs. During the SIP development process there are opportunities to discuss the measures the state is considering for wildland fire sources if they potentially contribute to nonattainment, or are perceived to contribute.