Yesterday the EPA issued a press release detailing their next steps to get “certain” state to “update their Clean Air Act implementation plans to cover greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.” GHGs are harmful to human health.
In the press release, it was clearly stated that EPA believes states should be in control of permitting. They have identified a list of states that need to include GHG in their permitting and <-feigned shock-> Texas is on the list.
These states include: Ariz., Ark., Calif., Conn., Fla., Idaho, Kan., Ky., Neb., Nev., Ore., Texas, and Wyo.
Since the EPA finalized the new GHG reporting rules, these states need to modify their implementation plans. If states do not make the modifications willingly, the FEDERAL EPA will be forced to step in and make sure the new reporting rules are followed.
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.
I wonder if these new permitting requirements cover gas processing plants in neighborhoods.
The EPA is also trying to create more transparency. They have a new website, Reg Stat
Region 6 continues to update the videos and enforcement actions (see my earlier post about this HERE) taken on the Real-Time Enforcement at Energy Extraction Facilities website. That have some new videos that show amazing amounts of methane/VOCs escaping or releasing into the air.
Our state regulators are not likely to be at all helpful.
About Sharon Wilson
Sharon Wilson is considered a leading citizen expert on the impacts of shale oil and gas extraction. She is the go-to person whether it’s top EPA officials from D.C., national and international news networks, or residents facing the shock of eminent domain and the devastating environmental effects of natural gas development in their backyards.
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The link to the EPA Press Release doesn't work – or at least EPA says it doesn't. Can you fix or post the original? Thanks.
I had a lot of trouble with that link so I put a different one in that goes to all the EPA press releases. Here's the text:
WASHINGTON – Working with the states, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is moving forward with its plan to call on certain states to update their Clean Air Act implementation plans to cover greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. These changes will ensure that beginning in January 2011 the largest industrial GHG emissions sources can receive permits. This action is part of EPA’s common sense approach to GHG permitting outlined in the spring 2010 tailoring rule.
EPA has identified 13 states that need to make changes to their plans, allowing 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.
States are best-suited to issue permits to sources of GHG emissions and have long-standing experience working together with industrial facilities. The Clean Air Act requires states to develop EPA approved implementation plans that include requirements for issuing air permits. When federal permitting requirements change, as they did after EPA finalized the GHG tailoring rule, states may need to modify these plans.
EPA and the states have worked closely to ensure a smooth transition to GHG permitting. The agency 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 requirement
Hmmm, I don't trust this… Are they going to aggregate natural gas well sites? Because I could see industry trying to make each well seem like a small emission source. Also, are they not going to permit existing emission sources??!?! It's great to start regulating GHG IF it means stopping the ungodly large amounts of methane being dumped on us. I get angry every time the EPA is fixated on stopping the old school pollution sources "power plants, refineries and cement production facilities" but is not specifically calling out the Sextillion pound elephant in the room hydraulic fracturing.
Right on Tad above. The biggest beast is BIG GAS and to some extent oil. Gas processing plants, compressor stations and the hundreds and hundreds of well sites (with treating equipment on site) is a great big beast in the room of GHG emissions!