A mixed integer programming model for National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) attainment strategy analysis

The United States federal government establishes National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for six pollutants, including ozone. States with areas designated in nonattainment of the standards are required to develop State Implementation Plans (SIPs) to demonstrate how pollution levels will be reduced to meet the standards. Historically, most states have developed SIPs independently. However, for ozone and other air pollutants, some states have agreed to cooperate to address regional pollution problems. These types of cooperative efforts have the potential to improve pollution control efficiency. We present a mathematical programming model that can help identify potential minimum-cost emissions control strategies that employ regional strategies. We present a series of national-level applications using information from a set of air quality simulations along with spatially and technologically detailed emissions control information. The model quickly evaluates alternative attainment planning scenarios, tests regional strategies, and identifies monitors that potentially have significant influence on attainment strategies.