EPA Issues Greenhouse Gas Permitting Guidance

11/15/2010

On November 10, 2010, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued guidance to assist permit writers and industry in complying with the prevention of significant deterioration (PSD) and title V permitting requirements of the Clean Air Act for greenhouse gas emissions.

The Clean Energy Group's Clean Air Policy Initiative, a coalition of electric power companies, released the following statement today regarding EPA's permitting guidance.

"The Clean Energy Group's strong preference is for the adoption of a market-based greenhouse gas program that will spur new innovations and cost-effective control measures," said Michael Bradley, Executive Director of the Clean Energy Group. "However, in the absence of a regulatory program that sends a broad economic signal, we see a valuable role for EPA in beginning to curb greenhouse gas emissions from our nation's vehicle fleet and large industrial facilities."

EPA's greenhouse gas permitting guidance outlines a process similar to what has been required at new or modified sources of other air pollutants regulated under the Clean Air Act (existing facilities not planning major modifications will not be affected).

"EPA has proposed a reasonable approach focusing on improving the energy efficiency of new power plants and large industrial facilities," said Bradley. "This will not result in the devastating economic impacts that some are suggesting. As EPA and the states implement the rules, we look for them to continue this reasoned approach."

The Clean Energy Group's Clean Air Policy Initiative is a coalition of electric power companies dedicated to responsible energy and environmental stewardship. The participating companies are some of the nation's largest generators of electricity, with over 170,000 megawatts of electric generating capacity (including 110,000 megawatts of fossil generating capacity) throughout the U.S., and serve nearly a fifth of all U.S. electric customers. More information is available here.