EPA Seeks Comment on Program to Control Air Pollution Sources

June 26, 2001
EPA released for public comment a background paper on a 90-day\r\nreview of its program for controlling new industrial and utility\r\nsources of air pollution.

EPA released for public comment a background paper on a 90-day review of its program for controlling new industrial and utility sources of air pollution.

The paper provides information on the electricity generating and petroleum refining industries. The paper has no conclusions or recommendations.

The program, called New Source Review (NSR), requires that an air pollution sources install the best pollution control equipment available when it builds a new facility or when it makes a major modification that increases emissions from an existing facility.

EPA said NSR was designed to ensure that new and modified sources do not impede progress toward cleaner air.

The agency said it recognizes that the NSR process is complex and burdensome both for affected companies and for state and local agencies responsible for implementing the program.

For several years, EPA has been exploring options designed to simplify the program, reduce the length of the review process and remove any barriers it may pose to innovation and improved energy efficiency.

In its May 2001 report, the energy task force headed by Vice President Cheney recommended that EPA, in consultation with other federal agencies, review NSR regulations to determine the impact of those regulations on investment in new utility and refinery generation capacity, energy efficiency and environmental protection.

The paper contains background information on the NSR program and asks for comments on whether the program should be changed to encourage more efficient use of our nation''s energy resources while maintaining air quality, according to EPA.

The final report, due to the President on Aug. 17, is expected to include recommendations on how to improve the NSR process.

The background paper and instructions for submitting comments are available at www.epa.gov/air/nsr-review.

Beginning Wednesday, separate meetings will be held with outside stakeholders, including affected industries, environmental groups and state and local governments.

Next month, EPA will hold public meetings to collect information and public comments in Cincinnati, Ohio; Sacramento, Calif.; and Baton Rouge, La.

by Virginia Sutcliffe

About the Author

EHS Today Staff

EHS Today's editorial staff includes:

Dave Blanchard, Editor-in-Chief: During his career Dave has led the editorial management of many of Endeavor Business Media's best-known brands, including IndustryWeekEHS Today, Material Handling & LogisticsLogistics Today, Supply Chain Technology News, and Business Finance. In addition, he serves as senior content director of the annual Safety Leadership Conference. With over 30 years of B2B media experience, Dave literally wrote the book on supply chain management, Supply Chain Management Best Practices (John Wiley & Sons, 2021), which has been translated into several languages and is currently in its third edition. He is a frequent speaker and moderator at major trade shows and conferences, and has won numerous awards for writing and editing. He is a voting member of the jury of the Logistics Hall of Fame, and is a graduate of Northern Illinois University.

Adrienne Selko, Senior Editor: In addition to her roles with EHS Today and the Safety Leadership Conference, Adrienne is also a senior editor at IndustryWeek and has written about many topics, with her current focus on workforce development strategies. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics. Previously she was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck?, which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list.

Nicole Stempak, Managing Editor:  Nicole Stempak is managing editor of EHS Today and conference content manager of the Safety Leadership Conference.

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