Regulating Green --- Federal, State and Local VOC Regulations
Health and air quality concerns have prompted regulators at the local, state and national levels to limit VOC content in coating products. Manufacturers must formulate their products to meet these legal requirements in order to sell the products in various jurisdictions. At the broadest level, National AIM Rules apply. At a minimum, all states must adopt the National AIM Rules. Regions (Ozone Transport Commission - OTC), states (Virginia) or local air quality boards (South Coast Air Quality Management District – SCAQMD) can choose to set more strict regulations within their jurisdiction.
In all cases, these regulations are not simply guidelines, they are the law. Products must meet specific requirements of the regulating bodies if they are to be sold into that region. Heavy fines can be levied on the seller, specifier, applicator and end-user for not complying with these regulations. This makes it essential for all parties involved to understand the regulatory requirements for the area where the project work is being done and to verify that the products used do comply. As a leading paint manufacturer, PPG is at the forefront of these regulations and currently has products that meet the most stringent.