Update

Acid Rain Program Database Updated

2009-12-05T08:47:00.000-08:00

The Acid Rain Program (ARP) Database is updated with Third Quarter 2009 data. The database provides unit-level information available from US EPA Clean Air Markets Data and Maps. Information includes unit type, fuels used, air pollution control devices installed, as well as links to files containing Continuous Emission Monitoring System (CEMS) information and unit emissions data.

Acid Rain Program Database

Final Mandatory Reporting of Greenhouse Gases Rule

2009-09-24T12:48:00.000-07:00

On September 22, 2009 US EPA issued the Final Mandatory Reporting of Greenhouse Gases Rule. The rule requires reporting of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from large sources and suppliers in the United States. The rule is intended to collect accurate and timely emissions data to inform future policy decisions.

Under the rule, suppliers of fossil fuels or industrial greenhouse gases, manufacturers of vehicles and engines, and facilities that emit 25,000 metric tons or more per year of GHG emissions are required to submit annual reports to EPA. The gases covered by the proposed rule are carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), hydrofluorocarbons (HFC), perfluorocarbons (PFC), sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), and other fluorinated gases including nitrogen trifluoride (NF3) and hydrofluorinated ethers (HFE).

Press Release
Final Mandatory Reporting of Greenhouse Gases Rule:
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Information Sheets for Source Categories Covered in the Rule
- Applicability Tool
- Power Point Presentatation of the Mandatory Reporting of GHG Rule. (pdf, 26pp., 258kB)
- Mandatory Reporting of Greenhouse Gases Rule, Detailed Presentation. (pdf, 74pp., 460kB)

Part 75 Emissions Monitoring Policy Manual

2009-07-27T09:22:00.000-07:00

US EPA has posted a Draft Part 75 Emissions Monitoring Policy Manual. The draft addresses January 24, 2008 amendments to 40 CFR Part 75 and the conversion of the Clean Air Markets Division data systems to the Emissions Collection and Monitoring Plan System (ECMPS).

Draft Part 75 Emissions Monitoring Policy Manual. July 10, 2009 (pdf, 364pp., 130MB)

For more information, see the Part 75 Emissions Monitoring Policy Manual webpage.

US House of Representatives passes the American Clean Energy and Security Act (ACES)

2009-06-26T09:01:00.000-07:00

The US House of Representatives narrowly passed a bill aimed at capping and reducing US greenhouse gas emissions and lowering the country's dependence on foreign oil. Some reports in the press:

House Passes Carbon Cap-and-Trade Bill. Buisness Week, 06/26/2009
Forecast: Sunny and Windy - House Approves Obama Climate Change Bill . Power Magazine, 06/29/2009
House passes sweeping energy, climate bill. CNNMoney, 06/26/2009
House Passes Bill to Address Threat of Climate Change. New York Times, 06/26/2009
US House supports emissions bill. BBC, 06/26/2009

US EPA has assessed the economic implications of policies to reduce the greenhouse gas intensity of the US economy, and has provided an overview of the economic analyses and the modeling tools and methods used. In addition, there is information on long term scenarios of climate related economic impacts and non-CO2 greenhouse gases:

US EPA: Climate Economics

US EPA Emission Measurement Documents

2009-06-04T21:45:00.000-07:00

US EPA has posted updated versions of documentation for Clean Air Markets continuous emission monitoring systems (CEMS). These revised versions reflect the transition to the Emissions Collection and Monitoring Plan System (ECMPS), the January 24, 2008 revisions to 40 CFR 75, and the 2008 Court decisions regarding the Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR) and Clean Air Mercury Rule (CAMR) regulations.

Plain English Guide to the Part 75 Rule. June 2009 (pdf, 118pp., 823kB)
Part 75 Administrative Processes. 03/11/2009

In addition, the Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards (OAQPS) has posted a summary of recent projects:

OAQPS Measurement and Monitoring Projects. March 2009 (pdf, 15pp., 53kB)

And, a revised list of US EPA test methods has been posted:

Summary of EPA Test Methods. June 2009 (pdf, 10pp., 25.7kB)

US EPA CEM Presentations

2009-05-27T09:48:00.000-07:00

US EPA has posted presentation materials for the recent EPRI CEM Users Group Conference on their website. Topics included: greenhouse gas (GHG) reporting, mercury (Hg) monitoring, and information on Clean Air Markets (ARP, NBP, and CAIR).

EPRI CEM Users Group Conference Materials. May 12, 2009, St. Louis, Missouri

Proposed Mercury Emission Regulations for Cement Plants

2009-05-06T10:07:00.000-07:00

US EPA is proposing mercury emission regulations for portland cement manufacturers. In addition to mercury, the changes would add or revise emission limits for hydrochloric acid (HCl), total hydrocarbons (THC), and particulate matter (PM).

Also inculded in the proposed amendments are performance specifications for mercury continuous emission monitors (CEMS), as well as updated recordkeeping and testing requirements:

Performance Specification 12A—Specifications and Test Procedures For Total Vapor Phase Mercury Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems in Stationary Sources.
Performance Specification 12B – Specifications and Test Procedures For Monitoring Total Vapor Phase Mercury Emissions from Stationary Sources Using a Sorbent Trap Monitoring System
Procedure 5. Quality Assurance Requirements for Vapor Phase Mercury Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems Used for Compliance Determination at Stationary Sources

Portland Cement Manufacturing: Proposed Amendments to National Air Toxics Emission Standards: Proposed Rule. ~~April 21~~ May 6, 2009 (pdf, 58pp., 1MB)

Combustion Gas Periodic Monitoring Protocol

2009-05-02T19:55:00.000-07:00

South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) has posted a ~~draft~~ final source test protocol for Rules 1110.2, 1146, and 1146.1. The protocol is for the periodic monitoring of nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), and oxygen (O2) from combustion sources. The protocol has been developed to ensure standardization of test procedures, and includes specifications for test conditions, test methods, test equipment, data collection/reporting, and quality assurance procedures.

Combustion Gas Periodic Monitoring Protocol for the Periodic Monitoring of Nitrogen Oxides, Carbon Monoxide, and Oxygen from Combustion Sources Subject to Rules 1110.2, 1146, and 1146.1.. ~~Draft~~ Version 0.0, ~~April 9~~ May 1, 2009 (pdf, 24pp., 434kB)

Previously, SCAQMD posted a protocol for compliance testing:

Compliance Protocol for the Measurement of Nitrogen Oxides, Volatile Organic Compounds, Carbon Monoxide, and Oxygen from Sources Subject to South Coast Air Quality Management District Rule 1146 and 1146.1. March 10, 2009 (pdf, 38pp., 102kB)

For more information on Rules 1110.2, 1146, and 1146.1, see:

Proposed Amendments for Particulate Matter Measurements

2009-03-25T20:27:00.000-07:00

The US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) has proposed amendments to methods for measurement of filterable fine particulate (Method 201A) and measurement of condensable particulate matter emissions from stationary sources (Method 202). The proposed amendments to Method 201A would add a particle-sizing device to allow for sampling of particulate matter (PM) with mean aerodynamic diameters less than or equal to 2.5 micrometers (PM2.5 or fine PM). The proposed amendments to Method 202 would revise the sample collection and recovery procedures of the method to reduce the formation of reaction artifacts that could lead to inaccurate measurements of condensable particulate matter (CPM).

Preamble to Methods 201A and 202. (pdf, 54pp., 345kB)
Method 201A - Method for Measurement of PM10 and PM2.5 Emissions - Proposal. (pdf, 77pp., 1003kB)
Method 202 - Method for Measurement of Condensable Particulate Matter - Proposal. (pdf, 46pp., 509kB)

Predictive Emission Monitoring Systems in Stationary Sources

2009-03-24T21:50:00.000-07:00

The US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) has finalized criteria for facilities to determine if predictive emission monitoring systems (PEMS) can be used instead of continuous emissions monitoring systems (CEMS). These evaluation criteria are known as Performance Specification 16—Specifications and Test Procedures for Predictive Emission Monitoring Systems in Stationary Sources. PEMS predict source emissions indirectly using process parameters that have a known relationship to pollutant concentration.

US EPA is allowing, but not requiring, facilities to predict their emissions in compliance with the following rules:

Standards of Performance for Industrial-Commercial-Institutional Steam Generating Units (40 CFR Part 60); and
Standards of Performance for Stationary Gas Turbines (40 CFR Part 60).

In addition, a number of facilities regulated by state and local agencies are considering their use. The rule also amends several testing and monitoring provisions to make minor clarifications and corrections, including the use of portable analyzers for quarterly relative accuracy audits. For more information, see:

Performance Specification 16: Fact Sheet. (pdf, 1p., 18kB)
Performance Specification 16: Final Rule. (pdf, 83pp., 314kB)

US EPA Proposes Reporting of GHG Emissions

2009-03-11T18:49:00.000-07:00

The US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) has proposed the first comprehensive national system for reporting emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases produced by major sources in the United States.

The rule proposes that suppliers of fossil fuels or industrial greenhouse gases, manufacturers of vehicles and engines, and facilities that emit 25,000 metric tons or more per year of GHG emissions submit annual reports to US EPA. The first annual report would be submitted to US EPA in 2011 for the calendar year 2010, except for vehicle and engine manufacturers, which would begin reporting for model year 2011.

Gases covered by the proposed rule are carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), hydrofluorocarbons (HFC), perfluorocarbons (PFC), sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), and other fluorinated gases including nitrogen trifluoride (NF3) and hydrofluorinated ethers (HFE).

The rule was signed on March 10 and will be published in the Federal Register. Following publication, a public comment period will be open for 60 days. Two public hearings will be held during the comment period.

EPA Proposes First National Reporting on Greenhouse Gas Emissions. US EPA, 03/10/2009
- Proposed Mandatory Greenhouse Gas Reporting Rule
- Proposed Mandatory Greenhouse Gas Reporting Rule Public Hearing. US EPA, April 6-7, 2009, US EPA Potomac Yard Conference Center, Arlington, VA.
- Proposed Mandatory Greenhouse Gas Reporting Rule Public Hearing. US EPA, April 16, 2009, Sacramento Convention Center, Sacramento, CA.
Proposed EPA Rule Mandates National Reporting of GHG Emissions. Power News, 03/11/2009

US EPA Proposes Stationary IC Engine Rule

2009-03-01T14:56:00.000-08:00

The US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) is proposing to set emission limits for formaldehyde, benzene, acrolein, and other air toxics from certain stationary diesel and gas-fired internal combustion (IC) engines. In 2008, over 1 million of these engines generated electricity, powered equipment, and operated during emergencies at industrial, agricultural, and other facilities. The rule would apply to engines that are:

Smaller than or equal to 500 hp that were constructed or reconstructed before June 12, 2006; or
Larger than or equal to 500 hp that were constructed or reconstructed before December 19, 2002.

To meet the proposed emissions requirements, owners and operators of these engines would need to install filters or catalysts to engine exhaust systems. US EPA estimates that this rule would reduce air toxics emissions by 13,000 tons per year, particle pollution by 2,600 tons, and carbon monoxide emissions by 510,000 tons when fully implemented in 2013.

The public comment period will be open for 60 days upon publication in the Federal Register. For more information see:

Reciprocating Internal Combustion Engines: Proposed Area Source Air Toxics Requirements: Fact Sheet. (pdf, 4pp., 25kB)
Reciprocating Internal Combustion Engines: Area Source Air Toxics Requirements: Proposed Rule. (pdf, 160pp., 455kB)

US EPA to Consider Regulating Coal Plant Carbon Emissions

2009-02-18T15:09:00.000-08:00

The US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) agreed to reconsider a December 18, 2008 memorandum issued by the Bush administration that directed agency officials not to consider carbon dioxide emissions when weighing applications for new coal power plants. The decision could lead to the potential reversal of the Bush policy that excluded carbon dioxide as a pollutant subject to regulation under the Clean Air Act.

EPA to Consider Regulating Coal Plant Carbon Emissions. Power News, 02/18/2009
Letter to Sierra Club Granting Reconsideration. US EPA, 02/17/2009 (pdf, 2pp., 417kB)

Clean Air Markets Interactive Maps

2009-02-11T09:04:00.000-08:00

US EPA Clean Air Markets Division has created a series of interactive maps that highlight progress of the Acid Rain Program, NOx Budget Trading Program, and Cap and Trade Programs. The files can be viewed in Google Earth™ or other geographic browsers, such as ESRI ArcGIS™ Explorer or NASA World Wind.

US EPA Clean Air Markets Interactive Mapping

Federal Appeals Court Reinstates CAIR

2008-12-26T08:38:00.000-08:00

A federal appeals court reversed itself on Dec 23, 2008 and temporarily reinstated the Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR). In July, the court struck down the rule, saying the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had exceeded its authority in devising a new emissions-trading system to reduce coal-fired power plant pollution, and must rewrite the rule to fix its "fundamental flaws."

In the most recent decision, the court said that having a flawed rule temporarily in place was better than having no rule at all. The agency must still revise the rule but has no deadline for doing so.

Text of the Decision. (pdf, 4pp., 26kB)
Court reinstates CAIR, sends it back to EPA. Power Engineering, December 23,2008

California Air Resources Board Adopts Climate Action Plan

2008-12-11T17:10:00.000-08:00

The California Air Resources Board (ARB) has adopted the Scoping Plan for California's Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (AB 32). Development of the plan is a central requirement of AB 32, which has a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 15% over the next 12 years. ARB will now begin developing detailed strategies to implement the recommended measures that must be in place by 2012.

AB 32 Scoping Plan

Pasadena Water & Power Integrated Resource Plan

2008-12-07T15:37:00.000-08:00

Pasadena Water & Power (PWP) is developing a 20-year Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) to ensure reliable and environmentally responsible electric service, competitive rates, and energy independence to the residents of Pasadena, CA. The process is taking into account:

Future energy demand;
Advances in renewable energy resources, technology, and energy efficiency;
Conservation; and
Forecasts of changes in regulatory requirements.

The information available at their Web site offers a detailed look into issues facing electric generation everywhere, and might be of interest to those curious about the challenges ahead for power generation.

Pasadena Water & Power Integrated Resource Plan

SCAQMD IC Engine Source Test Protocol

2008-12-01T19:51:00.000-08:00

South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) has posted a source test protocol for Rule 1110.2. On February 01, 2008, SCAQMD amended Rule 1110.2, which limits emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx), volatile organic compounds (VOC), and carbon monoxide (CO) from gaseous and liquid-fueled stationary and portable engines with rated capacities greater than 50 brake horsepower.

Compliance with this rule is based on SCAQMD standard test methods, or test methods that allow the use of hand-held portable monitors. The protocol has been developed to ensure standardization of test procedures, and includes specifications for test conditions, test methods, test equipment, data collection/reporting, and quality assurance procedures.

Source Test Protocol for the Measurement of Nitrogen Oxides, Volatile Organic Compounds, Carbon Monoxide, and Oxygen from Stationary Engines Subject to South Coast Air Quality Management District Rule 1110.2. November 21, 2008 (pdf, 34pp., 106kB)

For more information, see SCAQMD Rule 1110.2 Support

US EPA Suspends Requirements for Source Testers

2008-11-06T09:50:00.000-08:00

On November 4, 2008 the US EPA suspended amended regulations on competency requirements for air emission testing bodies (AETB). The rule revisions would have required that stack testers and stack test companies meet certain minimum competency requirements described in ASTM D7036 - 04 by January 1, 2009. The Utility Air Regulatory Group (UARG) filed a Petition for Review primarily claiming that US EPA could not hold utilities responsible for something they cannot control. It is expected that the rule language will be amended, and that the competency requirements will be reinstated at some point in the future.

Stay of the Effectiveness of Requirements for Air Emission Testing Bodies. (pdf, 3 pp. 55kB)

Northeast States Petition US EPA for Hg Emission Reductions

2008-11-05T10:24:00.000-08:00

Six New England states and New York last week asked the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) to require Midwestern and Mid-Atlantic coal plants to clean up their smokestack mercury (Hg) emissions. The seven states have claimed that mercury pollution from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Ohio, West Virginia, Maryland, Michigan, and elsewhere, is contaminating the Northeast's fish and waterways and directly threatening public health and the environment.

Northeast states petition EPA to require coal plant mercury emission reductions. Power News, 11/05/2008

SCAQMD IC Engine Periodic Monitoring Test Protocol

2008-10-24T16:22:00.000-07:00

South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) has released a revised protocol for the periodic monitoring of stationary internal combustion engines subject to SCAQMD Rule 1110.2

Rule 1110.2 Periodic Monitoring Protocol for the Periodic Monitoring of Nitrogen Oxides, Carbon Monoxide, and Oxygen from Stationary Engines Subject to South Coast Air Quality Management District Rule 1110.2. Draft Version 0.0, October 22, 2008 (pdf, 24pp., 407kB)

For more information, see SCAQMD Rule 1110.2 Support

Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR) Update

2008-09-15T07:32:00.000-07:00

Power Engineering reports that legislators are attempting to compromise on how to regulate emissions from power plans following a federal appeals court's decision to vacate the Clear Air Interstate Rule (CAIR). The White House, which considers the rule the signature air-quality accomplishment of the Bush administration, has asked Congress to restore the entire program.

Congress debates repairing CAIR. Power Engineering, 09/15/2008

New Book about Smog in Los Angeles

2008-09-14T19:20:00.000-07:00

"The smog beast wafted into downtown Los Angeles on July 26, 1943. Nobody knew what it was. Secretaries rubbed their eyes. Traffic cops seemed to disappear in the mysterious haze. Were Japanese saboteurs responsible, a reckless factory? The truth was much worse—it came from within, from Southern California’s burgeoning car-addicted, suburban lifestyle." - Smogtown

Los Angeles writers Chip Jacobs and William Kelly chronicle the efforts of city and state officials, governing boards, scientists, and citizen groups to rid L.A. of smog.

Smogtown: The Lung-Burning History of Pollution in Los Angeles. Chip Jacobs, William Kelly

SCAQMD Boiler, Steam Generator, and Process Heater Regulations

2008-09-06T10:55:00.000-07:00

On September 05, 2008, South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) amended the following rules:

Rule 1146—Emissions of Oxides of Nitrogen from Industrial, Institutional, and Commercial Boilers, Steam Generators, and Process Heaters
Rule 1146.1—Emissions of Oxides of Nitrogen from Small Industrial, Institutional, and Commercial Boilers, Steam Generators, and Process Heaters

The ammended rules reduce the allowable emission limits of nitrogen oxides (NOx) to boilers and similar combustion units. The rules also introduce a portable emissions analyzer test method for periodic monitoring of affected sources. For more information, see SCAQMD Rule 1146 & 1146.1 Support

SCAQMD IC Engine Regulations

2008-08-22T16:31:00.000-07:00

South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) has posted support documents for Rule 1110.2—Emissions from Gaseous and Liquid-Fueled Engines regulations. The rule has been developed to:

Improve the compliance record of stationary engines with better monitoring, recordkeeping, and reporting; and
Achieve further emission reductions from stationary engines based on the cleanest available technologies.

In addition, a revised ~~Draft~~ Source Test Protocol has been published:

Source Test Protocol for the Measurement of Nitrogen Oxides, Volatile Organic Compounds, Carbon Monoxide, and Oxygen from Stationary Engines Subject to South Coast Air Quality Management District Rule 1110.2. ~~August 21, 2008~~ November 21, 2008 (pdf, 34pp., 98kB)

For more information, see SCAQMD Rule 1110.2 Support