Getting a Handle on Haze in Wyoming’s Class I Areas

Bruce Pendery

Staff Attorney and Program Director,

Wyoming Outdoor Council

“Regional Haze” is the general reduction in visibility caused by numerous sources of air pollution generated over a wide geographic area.  It is the general “white out” or dulling of vistas that many increasingly notice in Wyoming.  Under the Clean Air Act, special attention must be focused on preventing impacts from haze in “Class I” areas.  Class I areas include most National Parks, and wilderness areas established prior to 1977.  In Wyoming there are seven Class I areas:  Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, Teton Wilderness, North Absaroka Wilderness, Washakie Wilderness, Fitzpatrick Wilderness and the Bridger Wilderness Area.  In an effort to protect visibility in Class I areas, and visitor experiences dependent on expansive, unimpeded views, the EPA has established regulations requiring reduction of regional haze and maintenance or reestablishment of natural visibility conditions in Class I areas.  The State of Wyoming is in the process of complying with those rules.  Mr. Pendery will discuss the problems created by haze, the implications of these problems, the legal requirements for control of haze, and current efforts being made to reduce regional haze so as to protect Class I areas in Wyoming.