The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is making available guidance for greenhouse gases (GHGs) under the Clean Air Act.
“‘EPA is working closely with its partners at the state and local levels to ensure permitting for greenhouse gases runs smoothly,” said Gina McCarthy, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office Air and Radiation.
EPA recommends that permitting authorities use the best available control technology (BACT) process to look at all available emission reduction options for GHGs. After taking into account technical feasibility, cost and other economic, environmental and energy considerations, permitting authorities should narrow the options and select the best one. EPA anticipates that, in most cases, this process will show that the most cost effective way for industry to reduce GHG emissions will be through energy efficiency.
The guidance does not define or require a specific control option for a particular type of source because BACT is determined on a case-by-case basis. Instead, the guidance and resources provide the basic information that permit writers and applicants need to address GHGs. The guidance also provides examples of how permitting requirements could apply.
New greenhouse gas rules go into effect January 2, 2011. Texas has indicated they do not intend to revise rules; “Texas has neither the authority nor the intention of interpreting, ignoring or amending its laws in order to compel the permitting of greenhouse gas emissions,” the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and state Attorney General Greg Abbott said in an October letter to the EPA.
Information on EPA’s guidance: http://www.epa.gov/nsr/ghgpermitting.html
EPA has stated they welcome public feedback on the guidance over the next few weeks on any aspect that contains technical or calculation errors or where the guidance would benefit from additional clarity.