EPA Holds Public Hearings on Proposed Greenhouse Gas Permitting for Large Industries

U.S. EPA held two public hearings on a proposed rule requiring large industrial facilities that emit at least 25,000 tons of greenhouse gases per year to obtain construction and operating permits covering the emissions.  The permits must demonstrate the use of best available technology and energy efficiency measures to minimize emissions when facilities are constructed or significantly modified.  The large facilities that would be covered by the proposed rule, including power plants, refineries and factories, account for nearly 70 percent of the nation’s stationary source greenhouse gas emissions.   The hearings were held in Arlington, VA and Rosemont, Ill.  EPA will accept written comments on the proposed rule until December 28, 2009. 

To view a fact sheet on the proposed rule, containing instructions for submitting public comments, please click here.