Lower VOC Limits Expected for Architectural and Industrial Maintenance Coatings
At the federal level, EPA is set to revise the National AIM rule sometime in 2007. The agency is looking at possibly adopting the volatile organic compound (VOC) limits currently found in the North Eastern Ozone Transport Commission (OTC) states. This move would make the federal AIM rule consistent with Canada’s plan to adopt the OTC limits.
In addition, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) is revising its Suggested Control Measure (SCM) for AIM coatings. CARB is looking at possibly adopting limits similar to the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) where these limits make sense from a technology basis. CARB expects to complete its work in the fall of 2007.