Showing posts with label Greenhouse Gas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Greenhouse Gas. Show all posts

Monday, April 9, 2018

Comments On Repeal Of Carbon Pollution Rule Due April 28

The public comment period on the EPA Proposed Rule "Repeal of Carbon Pollution Emission Guidelines for Existing Stationary Sources: Electric Utility Generating Units" is scheduled to close on April 28, 2018.

As background, on October 16, 2017, the Environmental Protection Agency published an announcement of its intention to repeal the Carbon Pollution Emission Guidelines for Existing Stationary Sources: Electric Utility Generating Units, commonly referred to as the Clean Power Plan, as promulgated on October 23, 2015. The proposal also requested public comment on the proposed rule. The EPA held public hearings on November 28 and 29, 2017, in Charleston, West Virginia, and extended the public comment period until January 16, 2018.

In response to numerous requests for additional opportunities for the public to provide oral testimony on the proposed rule in more than one location, EPA announced that three listening sessions will be held:

Wednesday, February 21, 2018 - Kansas City, Missouri;
Wednesday, February 28, 2018 - San Francisco, California;
Tuesday, March 27, 2018 - Gillette, Wyoming.

EPA also reopened the public comment period until April 26, 2018.

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Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Wisconsin Prevention of Significant Deterioration For GHG Emissions Approved

In a final rule, US EPA has approved revisions to the Wisconsin State Implementation Plan (SIP), submitted by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) in 2011 and 2012. The revisions modify Wisconsin's Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) program to establish emission thresholds for determining which new stationary sources and modification projects become subject to Wisconsin's PSD permitting requirements for their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Additionally, these revisions defer until July 21, 2014, the application of the PSD permitting requirements to biogenic carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from bioenergy and other biogenic stationary sources in the State of Wisconsin. EPA has made the preliminary determination that these revisions are in accordance with the Clean Air Act (CAA) and EPA regulations regarding PSD permitting for GHGs and is approving Wisconsin's revisions.

Caltha LLP provides specialized expertise to clients in Wisconsin and  nationwide in the evaluation environmental rules, developing EHS compliance procedures, and preparing cost-effective EHS management programs.
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Thursday, April 18, 2013

Rule To Exclude Chemical As VOC Withdrawn

EPA is withdrawing a direct rule it had published in the Federal Register on February 15, 2013, to revise the definition of VOCs for purposes of preparing SIPs to attain the NAAQS for ozone under title I of the CAA.

EPA published a direct final rule that excluded trans 1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoroprop-1-ene from the definition of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) for purposes of preparing state implementation plans (SIPs) to attain the national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) for ozone under title I of the Clean Air Act (CAA). The substance was proposed to be excluded from the definition of VOCs based on EPA’s determination that the compound makes a negligible contribution to tropospheric ozone formation.

However, because EPA received one adverse comment to the proposed rule, they are withdrawing the direct final rule effective April 18, 2013. The proposed rule will now go through normal rulemaking processes and all public comments that were received will be addressed in a final rulemaking action based on the proposed rule.

Caltha LLP provides specialized expertise to clients nationwide in the evaluation environmental rules, developing EHS compliance procedures, and preparing cost-effective EHS management programs.
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Monday, March 25, 2013

Greenhouse Gas Permitting Authority Approved For Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved the State of Arkansas’ program for permitting new and modified facilities that emit significant amounts of greenhouse gas pollution (GHG) into the air. The Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) developed a state program to replace the existing federal program and submitted it for EPA review in November 2012.

Arkansas’ authority to issue air permits for new or modified GHG pollution sources will become effective in April 2013, four months after the EPA’s proposed approval of the program. Arkansas is the first state in its EPA Region to replace a federal implementation plan with their own State program, which will eliminate the need for businesses to seek air permits from two separate regulatory agencies. EPA will now rescind the federal program for GHG permitting in Arkansas.

Caltha LLP provides specialized expertise to clients nationwide in the evaluation environmental rules, developing EHS compliance procedures, and preparing cost-effective EHS management programs.
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Wednesday, December 19, 2012

GHG Permitting Program Approval Proposed For Arkansas

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed to approve the State of Arkansas’ program for permitting new facilities that will emit significant amounts of greenhouse gases (GHGs). If approved, the state’s program will replace a federal plan that had been in place since January 2011. The EPA proposed approval will be published in the Federal Register in 7 to 10 days and will available for public comment for 30 days.

Final approval would provide the State of Arkansas with authority to issue GHG permits and establish appropriate emissions levels for new or heavily modified GHG sources. These types of emissions are regulated under the Clean Air Act’s provisions to prevent new facilities from significantly decreasing air quality. EPA has been the GHG permitting authority in Arkansas since the state did not have such a program in place.


Caltha LLP provides specialized expertise to clients in Arkansas and nationwide in the evaluation environmental rules, developing EHS compliance procedures, and preparing cost-effective EHS management programs.
For further information contact Caltha LLP at info@calthacompany.com or Caltha LLP Website 

 

Monday, October 22, 2012

Proposed Changes To GHG Estimating Method Used By Electronics Manufacturers

US EPA is proposing to change the manner which electronics manufacturers calculate and monitor their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The proposed rule, “GHG Reporting Program: Proposed amendments and confidentiality determinations for Subpart I,” was published in the October 16 Federal Register. Proposed changes include revising calculation methods and adding a new method, amending data reporting requirements, and clarifying terms and definitions. The Agency will accept comments until December 17, 2012.

The action also proposes confidentiality determinations for the reporting of the new and revised data elements. EPA said that many of the proposed actions are in response to a petition to reconsider specific aspects of the regulations.

Caltha LLP provides specialized expertise to clients nationwide in the evaluation environmental rules, developing EHS compliance procedures, and preparing cost-effective EHS management programs. For further information contact Caltha LLP at info@calthacompany.com or Caltha LLP Website

Monday, October 8, 2012

Amendment To Renewable Fuel Standard Proposed

EPA has announced plans to provide additional clarifications, modifications, and technical amendments to the Renewable Fuel Standard and to clarify, modify and technically amend other fuels programs. The Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) 2 program was required by the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA 2007), which amended the Clean Air Act (CAA). The final regulations for RFS2 were published in the Federal Register on March 26, 2010. EPA has previously published clarifications and modifications, technical amendments, and new pathways to the final RFS2 regulations.

This proposed regulation would provide additional clarifications, modifications, and technical amendments to RFS2 and will clarify, modify and technically amend other fuels programs in 40 CFR Part 80. This proposed action would also propose amendments to Table 1 to Section 80.1426 of the RFS2 regulations to include additional fuel pathways and assign each pathway a D-Code. It would allow producers or importers of fuel produced under these pathways to generate Renewable Identification Numbers under the program, providing that the fuel meets the other requirements for renewable fuel.

This proposed action would outline EPA's lifecycle greenhouse gas evaluation, specified in Clean Air Act section 211(o), as amended by EISA for several new pathways. This proposed action would then add these pathways to the table of approved fuel pathways.


Caltha LLP provides specialized expertise to clients nationwide in the evaluation environmental rules, developing EHS compliance procedures, and preparing cost-effective EHS management programs. For further information contact Caltha LLP at info@calthacompany.com or Caltha LLP Website

Saturday, September 8, 2012

New Federal Carbon Footprint Tool Released-Building GHG Reduction Planning Module Planned

On August 27, The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) announced a new version of its GSA Carbon Footprint Tool. GSA offers tool to all federal agencies to assist them in compiling their annual comprehensive greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory and tracking their progress toward achieving their GHG reduction goals. The agency says there is no charge to use this tool.

The new upgrades include advanced analytics features to help users verify data, identify underperforming, and take corrective action. GSA says the redesign was based on extensive internal user experience audits, focus groups, and input from over 30 federal agencies. GSA believes the redesigned tool is easier to navigate, enables users to find and share key information faster, and offers better support for mobile devices. The redesign focuses on helping agencies save time and money associated with implementing GHG reductions under Executive Order 13514.

Highlights of the GSA Carbon Footprint Tool's redesign include:

  • Aligning site navigation with the GHG inventory and reduction process. The Tool is now organized by key tasks—from initial agency site setup to data collection, second-party data verification, DOE FEMP Reporting Portal reporting, GHG reduction planning, and goal tracking.
  • Enabling agencies to seamlessly import building energy data from EPA ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager and GSA building and travel data systems. Data can also be downloaded for export to the DOE FEMP Reporting Portal with a single mouse click.
  • Embedding a quality assurance review process that allows agencies to submit their GHG emissions data to agency administrators for second-party review and verification.
  • Allowing agencies to share site and GHG emissions data on the GIS map fosters interagency collaboration for climate adaptation planning; and creating a benchmarking capability lets agencies compare their building energy and GHG emissions performance against other buildings within the portfolio and against industry averages.

GSA plans to release a Building GHG Reduction Planning module by the end of the year that will allow agencies to review the potential cost, payback period, return on investment, and GHG emissions reductions associated with building energy conservation measures. This feature will incorporate money-saving strategies in the initial planning processes so that agencies can focus their efforts on the implementation phases.


Caltha LLP provides specialized expertise to clients nationwide in the evaluation environmental rules, developing EHS compliance procedures, and preparing cost-effective EHS management programs.
For further information contact Caltha LLP at info@calthacompany.com or Caltha LLP Website 
 

Monday, August 20, 2012

NSPS Revised For Nitric Acid Plants

EPA has finalized new source performance standards (NSPS) for nitric acid plants, effective August 14, 2012. The new standards include lowering the nitrogen oxides (NOx) emission limit for each nitric acid production unit (NAPU) that was built or modified after October 14, 2011. The rule also includes additional testing and monitoring requirements. NSPS are required under Clean Air Act section 111(b) and are issued for sources which cause or contribute significantly to air pollution. The NSPS must reflect the best system of emission reduction, or BSER, and EPA must assess whether a standard is achievable by the regulated industry.

The final rule reduced NOx emissions from 3.0 pounds of NOx per ton of 100 percent nitric acid produced (lb NOx/ton acid) to 0.50 lb NOx/ton acid as a 30 operating day emissions rate calculated each operating day based on the previous 30 operating days.

Although general provisions in 40 CFR Part 60 provide exceptions for periods of startup, shutdown, and malfunctions, the new final rules will not allow any exceptions to the emissions limits — even during startups and shutdowns. EPA says there is equipment available to address higher emissions during these periods, if that is a concern for a facility. Certain allowances and exceptions may still be made for malfunctions.

Although NAPUs emit another nitrogen compound known as nitrous oxide (N2O), considered a greenhouse gas (GHG), EPA's final rule does not address the compound. However, the Agency says it is in the process of gathering and analyzing data on GHG emissions from NAPUs that will allow it to continue working toward a proposal for GHG standards from nitric acid plants.


Caltha LLP provides specialized expertise to clients nationwide in the evaluation environmental rules, developing EHS compliance procedures, and preparing cost-effective EHS management programs.
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Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Step 3 of Tailoring Rule Released

On July 3, EPA announced Step 3 for the GHG Tailoring Rule, and stating that the agency will not revise greenhouse gas (GHG) permitting thresholds under the Clean Air Act. The Agency issued a final rule to retain the GHG permitting thresholds that were set in Steps 1 and 2 of the Tailoring Rule, which was established in 2010, and were recently upheld by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. EPA believes current conditions do not suggest that it should lower the permitting thresholds; therefore, the Agency will not include additional, smaller sources in the permitting program at this time.

The final rule continues to focus on the largest emission sources, or those that account for nearly 70% of the total GHG emissions from stationary sources. In addition, EPA is finalizing a provision to allow companies to set plant-wide emissions limits for GHGs. According to the Agency, this will streamline the permitting process, increasing flexibility, and reducing permitting burdens on state and local authorities and large industrial sources.

The new final rule confirms that new facilities with GHG emissions of at least 100,000 tons per year (tpy) carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) will continue to be required to obtain Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) permits. Existing facilities that emit 100,000 tpy of CO2e and make changes increasing GHG emissions by at least 75,000 tpy of CO2e must also obtain PSD permits. Facilities that need to obtain PSD permits that include other regulated pollutants must also address GHG emission increases of 75,000 tpy or more of CO2e. Finally, new and existing sources with GHG emissions above 100,000 tpy CO2e must obtain title V operating permits.

Caltha LLP provides specialized expertise to clients nationwide in the evaluation environmental rules, developing EHS compliance procedures, and preparing cost-effective EHS management programs.

For further information contact Caltha LLP at info@calthacompany.com or Caltha LLP Website 

 

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

EPA Removes Refrigerant From List of Regulated VOC

On June 22, EPA released a final rule to revise the definition of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) under the Clean Air Act (CAA). The revision adds trans-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFO-1234ze) to the list of compounds excluded from the definition of VOC. The final rule is effective on July 23, 2012.

According to the Agency, it is removing the compound from the list because it “makes a negligible contribution to tropospheric ozone formation.” As a result, the Agency says if a facility is subject to certain federal regulations limiting emissions of VOCs, its emissions of HFO-1234ze may not be regulated for some purposes. EPA's action may also affect whether the compound is considered a VOC for state regulatory purposes, depending on whether the state relies on EPA's definition of VOC.

The rule will affect industries that manufacture or use refrigerants, aerosols, propellants, and blowing agents for insulating foams. EPA notes that the use of HFO-1234ze remains subject to other restrictions under the CAA. The use of the compound as an aerosol propellant, blowing agent, refrigerant, or any other use in which it would substitute for chlorofluorocarbons, or their substitutes, is regulated under the Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) program. The SNAP program accepts HFO1234ze as an "acceptable foam and refrigerant substitute and as an aerosol propellant."

EPA policy has been to exclude these slow-forming compounds from the regulatory VOC definition “so as to focus VOC control efforts on compounds that do significantly increase zone concentrations.” EPA also contends that these exemptions create an incentive for industry to use negligibly reactive compounds in place of more highly reactive ones. The Agency lists compounds that it has determined to be negligibly reactive in its regulations at 40 CFR 51.100(s).


Caltha LLP provides specialized expertise to clients nationwide in the evaluation environmental rules, developing EHS compliance procedures, and preparing cost-effective EHS management programs.

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Thursday, April 19, 2012

Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks: 1990-2010 Report Released

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released the 17th annual U.S. greenhouse gas inventory. The final report shows overall emissions in 2010 increased by 3.2 %from the previous year. The trend is attributed to an increase in energy consumption across all economic sectors, due to increasing energy demand associated with an expanding economy, and increased demand for electricity for air conditioning due to warmer summer weather during 2010.

Total emissions of the six main greenhouse gases in 2010 were equivalent to 6,822 million metric tons of carbon dioxide. These gases include carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons and sulfur hexafluoride. The report indicates that overall emissions have grown by over 10 % from 1990 to 2010.

The Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks: 1990-2010 is the latest annual report that the United States has submitted to the Secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, which sets an overall framework for intergovernmental efforts to tackle the challenge posed by climate change. EPA prepares the annual report in collaboration with multiple federal agencies and after gathering comments from stakeholders across the country.

The inventory tracks annual greenhouse gas emissions at the national level and presents historical emissions from 1990 to 2010. The inventory also calculates carbon dioxide emissions that are removed from the atmosphere by “sinks”.

Caltha LLP provides specialized expertise to clients nationwide in the evaluation environmental rules, developing EH&S compliance procedures, and preparing cost-effective EH&S management programs.

For further information contact Caltha LLP at

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Wednesday, February 29, 2012

EPA Proposes No Revision To Current Greenhouse Gas PSD Program

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing not to change the greenhouse gas (GHG) permitting thresholds for the Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) and Title V Operating Permit programs, and also proposing steps the agency believes would streamline the permitting process for large sources. EPA has proposed not to include additional, smaller sources in the permitting program at this time. EPA will be accepting comments on the proposal for 45 days after it is published in the Federal Register.

The GHG Tailoring Rule would continue to address a group of six greenhouse gases: carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6). Under the approach maintained in the current proposal, new facilities with GHG emissions of at least 100,000 tons per year (tpy) carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) continue to be required to obtain PSD permits. Existing facilities that emit 100,000 tpy of CO2e and make changes increasing the GHG emissions by at least 75,000 tpy CO2e, must also obtain PSD permits. Facilities that must obtain a PSD permit, to include other regulated pollutants, must also address GHG emission increases of 75,000 tpy or more of CO2e. New and existing sources with GHG emissions above 100,000 tpy CO2e must also obtain operating permits.

Caltha LLP provides specialized expertise to clients nationwide in the evaluation environmental rules, developing EH&S compliance procedures, and preparing cost-effective EH&S management programs.

For further information contact Caltha LLP at

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Monday, February 6, 2012

Electric Generating Units GHG NSPS For Existing Sources

US EPA has issued a pre-proposal notification for the development of a greenhouse gas new source performance standard (NSPS) for electric generating units. These emission guidelines will apply to existing sources. This action will amend the electric generating units (EGUs) New Source Performance Standard and add a section 111(d) greenhouse gas (GHG) standard for existing sources.

EPA did not indicate a schedule for publishing the Notice of Propose Rule Making (NPRM) in the Federal Register.

Caltha LLP provides specialized expertise to clients nationwide in the evaluation environmental rules, developing EH&S compliance procedures, and preparing cost-effective EH&S management programs.



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Thursday, January 12, 2012

2010 GHG Reporting Program Summary

The comprehensive greenhouse gas (GHG) data reported directly from large facilities and suppliers in the US are now accessible to the public through EPA’s GHG Reporting Program. The 2010 GHG data includes public information from facilities in nine industry groups that directly emit large quantities of GHGs, as well as suppliers of certain fossil fuels. EPA’s online data publication tool allows users to view and sort GHG data for calendar year 2010 from over 6,700 facilities by facility, location, industrial sector, and the type of GHG emitted. Most reporting entities submitted data for calendar year 2010. However, an additional 12 source categories will begin reporting their 2011 GHG data this year.

In summary, GHG data for direct emitters show that in 2010:



  • Power plants were the largest stationary sources of direct emissions with 2,324 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (mmtCO2e), followed by petroleum refineries with emissions of 183 mmtCO2e.

  • CO2 accounted for the largest share of direct GHG emissions with 95 %, followed by methane with 4 %t, and nitrous oxide and fluorinated gases accounting for the remaining 1 %.

  • 100 facilities each reported emissions over 7 mmtCO2e, including 96 power plants, two iron and steel mills and two refineries.

Caltha LLP provides specialized expertise to clients nationwide in the evaluation environmental rules, developing EH&S compliance procedures, and preparing cost-effective EH&S management programs.




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Monday, November 7, 2011

Prevention of Significant Deterioration and Title V Greenhouse Gas Tailoring Rule Step 3

US EPA has initiated the next step in the “Tailing Rule”. This rule will further tailor the applicability criteria that determines which stationary sources and modification projects become subject to permitting requirements for greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions under the Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) and title V programs of the Clean Air Act (CAA).

In this rule, EPA will establish the third phase of the phase-in approach, which the agncy refers to as “Step 3”. Step 3 may apply PSD and title V to additional sources, effective July 1, 2013. Currently, EPA anticipates publishing a notification of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) in February 2012.

Caltha LLP provides specialized expertise to clients nationwide in the evaluation environmental rules, developing EH&S compliance procedures, and preparing cost-effective EH&S management programs.


For further information contact Caltha LLP at

info@calthacompany.com or Caltha LLP Website

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Electronic GHG Reporting Tool (e-GGRT) Released

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is launching a new tool to allow 28 industrial sectors to submit their 2010 greenhouse gas (GHG) pollution data electronically. Prior to the electronic system being finalized, it was tested by more than 1,000 stakeholders, including industry associations, states and NGOs tested the electronic GHG Reporting Tool (e-GGRT) to ensure clarity and user-friendliness.

EPA expects to receive 2010 GHG data from approximately 7,000 large industrial GHG emitters and suppliers, including power plants, petroleum refineries and landfills. EPA’s GHG Reporting Program, launched in October 2009, requires the reporting of GHG data from large emission sources across a range of industry sectors. Suppliers of products that would emit GHGs if released, combusted, or oxidized are also required to report GHG data. Under this program, covered entities are required to submit GHG data to EPA annually and the first round of data will be submitted electronically by September 30, 2011. EPA plans to publish non-confidential GHG data collected through the GHGRP by the end of 2011.

Caltha LLP provides specialized expertise to clients nationwide in the evaluation environmental rules, developing EH&S compliance procedures, and preparing cost-effective EH&S management programs.



For further information contact Caltha LLP at

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Monday, April 4, 2011

NSPS Amendments For Electric Generating Units EGU

US EPA has initiated a proposed action to amend the existing New Source Performance Standard (NSPS) that applies to electric generating units (EGU) to address greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. EPA plans to revise the EGU NSPS and add a section 111(b) greenhouse gas (GHG) standard for new, modified, and reconstructed facilities. It will also establish section 111(d) requirements that will include emissions guidelines for GHGs from existing EGUs.

EPA anticipates that the Notification of Preliminary Rulemaking (NPRM) will be published in the Federal Register in August 2011.

Caltha LLP provides specialized expertise to clients nationwide in the evaluation environmental rules, developing EH&S compliance procedures, and preparing cost-effective EH&S management programs.


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Thursday, March 17, 2011

Extension of Greenhouse Gas GHG Reporting Program Deadline

EPA has issued a final rule that extends the deadline for reporting 2010 data under the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Reporting Program to September 30, 2011. The original deadline was March 31, 2011. Under the GHG Reporting Program entities required to submit data must register with the electronic GHG reporting tool (e-GGRT) no later than 60 days before the reporting deadline. The new deadline for registering with e-GGRT is August 1, 2011.

EPA’s GHG Reporting Program requires the reporting of GHG data from large emission sources across a range of industry sectors, as well as suppliers of products that would emit GHGs if released or combusted.

Caltha LLP provides specialized expertise to clients nationwide in the evaluation environmental rules, developing EH&S compliance procedures, and preparing cost-effective EH&S management programs.

For further information contact Caltha LLP at

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or

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Tuesday, March 15, 2011

GHG Permitting Requirements For Bioenergy and Biomass Fueled Sources

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to defer, for three years, Clean Air Act permitting requirements for carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from bioenergy and other biogenic sources. This additional time will allow the agency to conduct a detailed review on this issue. Sources covered by this proposal would include facilities that emit CO2 from burning forest or agricultural products for energy, wastewater treatment, waste management (landfills), and fermentation processes for ethanol production. Facilities meeting the requirements under the agency’s greenhouse gas (GHG) reporting program will still need to report their CO2 emissions.

New EPA guidance is also being released to assist permitting authorities to determine if using biomass as a fuel can be considered the best available control technology (BACT) for CO2 emissions from the large sources needing permits. According to EPA, the guidance can be used until EPA takes final action on the deferral.

EPA will accept comments on the proposed deferral for 45 days following publication in the Federal Register.

Caltha LLP provides specialized expertise to clients nationwide in the evaluation environmental rules, developing EH&S compliance procedures, and preparing cost-effective EH&S management programs.

For further information contact Caltha LLP at

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or

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