Cutting the red tape: EPA tailors NSR

Journal Article · Sat Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 1996 · Pollution Engineering

OSTI ID:260469

Bassett, S M

The NSR program requires certain stationary sources to undergo an emission control technology review prior to constructing a new source, or modifying or reconstructing an existing source. By requiring state-of-the-art emission controls, the program is designed to ensure that industrial growth does not significantly degrade air quality. Nearly 20 years after the inception of the new source review (NSR) program, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposes to radically remake the program. The planned changes affect core applicability issues, operational flexibility strategies and preconstruction review procedures. Immensely advantageous to industry, the proposal would cut an estimated $11.1 million annually from industry information collection costs, due primarily to a 51 percent reduction in the number of facilities required to undergo major NSR. Though not quantified by EPA, even greater industry cost savings could accrue from shorter permit processing times, less-stringent emission control requirements and greater operational flexibility. Many of the planned changes reflect new policies that industry has sought for years. In answer to industry concerns about the regulatory burden and complexity of major NSR, EPA initiated reform efforts in August 1992. The Agency is now proposing to adopt many of the recommendations made by the Clean Air Act Advisory Committee`s (CAAAC) Subcommittee on NSR Reform.

• OSTI ID: 260469
• Journal Information: Pollution Engineering, Journal Name: Pollution Engineering Journal Issue: 6 Vol. 28; ISSN 0032-3640; ISSN PLENBW
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
AIR POLLUTION
AIR POLLUTION ABATEMENT
ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY
INDUSTRIAL WASTES
POLLUTION CONTROL EQUIPMENT
STATIONARY POLLUTANT SOURCES
TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT