EPA Proposes Change to Treatment of Fugitive Emissions in New Source Review
On October 13, 2022, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a proposed rule changing the treatment of fugitive emissions in determining whether a modification is major under the New Source Review (NSR) provisions of the Clean Air Act. The proposed rule — which modifies NSR regulations that have been stayed since 2009 — would require all major sources to consider fugitive emissions when determining whether a proposed change would constitute a major modification. Regulated entities considering changes to their existing facilities should monitor the progress of this rule and consider commenting.
EPA Proposes “Good Neighbor” Plan Addressing Regional Ozone Transport for the 2015 Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standard
On April 6, 2022, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is scheduled to publish its proposed Federal Implementation Plan Addressing Ozone Transport for the 2015 Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), otherwise known as the latest iteration of EPA’s Cross-State Air Pollution Rule or “Good Neighbor” Plan. The proposal would subject 26 upwind states to the “good neighbor” or “interstate transport” provision of the Clean Air Act because EPA is proposing to find that nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, which are a precursor to ozone formation, from the upwind states significantly contribute to downwind states’ attaining and maintaining the 2015 ozone NAAQS.
EPA Announces New Actions Affecting Emissions From Mobile Sources
Last week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) took two actions related to mobile source emissions under the Clean Air Act that represent the agency’s continued focus on transportation, climate change, and environmental justice.
On March 7, 2022, EPA announced newly proposed emission standards for heavy-duty vehicles and engines, which would apply starting in model year 2027. The proposed standards would reduce allowed emissions of nitrogen oxides from heavy-duty gasoline and diesel engines and set more stringent greenhouse gas standards for certain commercial vehicle categories. Beyond numerical reductions in emissions, the rule also indicates EPA’s broader shift in focus to environmental justice. (more…)
