EPA extends comment period on proposed changes to the New Source Review permitting program

WASHINGTON (12/01/05) -- The U.S. EPA is extending until Feb. 17, 2006, the public comment period on proposed changes to the New Source Review (NSR) permitting program to provide nationwide consistency in how states implement the program for electric generating units.

The changes, proposed Oct. 13, 2005, would standardize the emissions tests used in NSR to determine if a physical or operational change at a power plant would cause emission increases that would require the plant to install additional pollution controls. The proposed rule would adopt the test used under the Clean Air Act's New Source Performance Standards (NSPS). A uniform nation-wide emissions test for the NSR program provides regulatory clarity and certainty needed to aid the smooth and effective implementation of these programs.

EPA will hold a public hearing on the proposed changes from beginning at 9 a.m. Friday, Dec. 9, 2005 at EPA's offices in Research Triangle Park, N.C. 

More information on the proposed rule, the public hearing and submitting comments in writing is available online.