As part of its plan to call on certain states to update their Clean Air Act implementation plans to cover greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions beginning in January 2011, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has identified 13 states that need to make changes to enable them to issue permits that include GHG emissions. These states include: Ariz., Ark., Calif., Conn., Fla., Idaho, Kan., Ky., Neb., Nev., Ore., Texas, and Wyo.
The EPA and the states have worked closely to ensure a smooth transition to GHG permitting, which is part of the agency”s approach on GHG requirements under it spring 2010 tailoring rule. According to the EPA, it will continue to work with the affected states to help them develop, submit, and obtain approval of the necessary revisions that will enable all states to issue air permits to GHG emission sources.
In January 2011, industries that are large emitters of GHGs and are planning to build new facilities or make major modifications to existing ones, will work with permitting authorities to identify and implement the most efficient control technologies to minimize their GHGs. This includes the nation’s largest GHG emitters, such as power plants, refineries and cement production facilities. Emissions from small sources, such as farms and restaurants are not covered by these GHG permitting requirements.
For more information on the EPA”s GHG permitting requirements, visit www.epa.gov/nsr.
