EPA Proposes Revised Standards for New Fossil Fuel-Fired Electric Utility Generating Units Based on Overwhelming Public Comments
After receiving more than 2.5 million public comments, the EPA has withdrawn its April 13, 2012, proposed new source performance standard for emissions of carbon dioxide for new affected fossil fuel-fired electric utility generating units. Based on public comments, the EPA published a new proposed standard on January 8, 2014, which includes a separate performance standard for fossil fuel-fired electric utility steam generating units and integrated gasification combined cycle units that burn coal, petroleum coke, and other fossil fuels that is based on partial implementation of carbon capture and storage as the best system of emission reduction. The EPA also proposes standards for natural gas-fired stationary combustion turbines based on modern, efficient natural gas combined cycle technology as the best system of emission reduction. The proposal additionally includes related proposals concerning permitting fees under Title V of the Clean Air Act, the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program, and the definition of “pollutant” as covered under the Prevention of Significant Deterioration Program.
The public comment period for the EPA’s revised proposal extends through March 10, 2014.