EPA Proposes First National Reporting on Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Release date: 03/10/2009
Contact Information: Cathy Milbourn, 202-564-4355 / milbourn.cathy@epa.gov
(Washington, D.C. – March 10, 2009) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today proposed the first comprehensive national system for reporting emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases produced by major sources in the United States.
"Our efforts to confront climate change must be guided by the best possible information," said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. "Through this new reporting, we will have comprehensive and accurate data about the production of greenhouse gases. This is a critical step toward helping us better protect our health and environment – all without placing an onerous burden on our nation's small businesses."
In developing the reporting requirements, EPA considered the substantial amount of work already completed and underway in many states, regions and voluntary programs.
Greenhouse gases, like carbon dioxide, are produced by the burning of fossil fuels and through industrial and biological processes. Approximately 13,000 facilities, accounting for about 85 percent to 90 percent of greenhouse gases emitted in the United States, would be covered under the proposal.
The new reporting requirements would apply to suppliers of fossil fuel and industrial chemicals, manufacturers of motor vehicles and engines, as well as large direct emitters of greenhouse gases with emissions equal to or greater than a threshold of 25,000 metric tons per year. This threshold is roughly equivalent to the annual greenhouse gas emissions from just over 4,500 passenger vehicles. The vast majority of small businesses would not be required to report their emissions because their emissions fall well below the threshold.
The direct emission sources covered under the reporting requirement would include energy intensive sectors such as cement production, iron and steel production, and electricity generation, among others.
The first annual report would be submitted to EPA in 2011 for the calendar year 2010, except for vehicle and engine manufacturers, which would begin reporting for model year 2011.
EPA estimates that the expected cost to comply with the reporting requirements to the private sector would be $160 million for the first year. In subsequent years, the annualized costs for the private sector would be $127 million.
EPA is developing this rule under the authority of the Clean Air Act. The proposed rule will be open for public comment for 60 days after publication in the Federal Register. Two public hearings will be held during the comment period.
More information on the proposed rule: http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/emissions/ghgrulemaking.html
LDEQ Extending Annual Emissions Inventory Reporting from March 31, 2009 to June 30, 2009
STATE OF LOUISIANA
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
OFFICE OF ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
IN THE MATTER OF
EXTENSION OF DEADLINE FOR EMISSIONS INVENTORY REPORTS
PROCEEDINGS UNDER THE LOUISIANA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT, LA. R.S. 30:2001, ET SEQ.
ADMINISTRATIVE NOTICE
This ADMINISTRATIVE NOTICE applies to all persons who are required to submit an annual emissions inventory by LAC 33:III.919 and/or by the terms of a permit; all persons who are required to submit an annual emissions report by LAC 33:III.5107.A and/or by the terms of a permit; and all persons who are required to submit a discharge report under LAC 33:III.5107.B.5 and/or by the terms of a permit. This Administrative Notice is issued by the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (the Department) under the authority granted by the Louisiana Environmental Quality Act (the Act), La. R.S. 30:2001, et seq., and particularly by La. R.S. 30:2011(D)(6) and (D)(14).
FINDINGS OF FACT
I. The Department is updating and enhancing the existing emissions inventory reporting system. Due to delays in providing for necessary system enhancements, the system will not be ready to receive data in time for users to meet all of the requirements associated with the March 31, 2009, reporting deadlines as outlined in LAC 33:III.919 and 5107.
II. LAC 33:III.919.D and LAC 33:III.5107.A.1 allows the Department to establish deadlines other than March 31 of each year.
ADMINISTRATIVE NOTICE
Based on the foregoing, it is hereby ordered that:
I. The deadline for submitting calendar year 2008 emission point level data and the Criteria Pollutant Emissions Certification Statement certifying facility criteria pollutant emission totals under LAC 33:III.919 is extended from March 31, 2009 to June 30, 2009.
II. The deadline for submitting calendar year 2008 toxic air pollutant emissions data and the Toxic Air Pollutant Emissions Certification Statement certifying facility toxic air pollutant emission totals under LAC 33:III.5107.A is extended from March 31, 2009 to June 30, 2009.
III. The deadline for submitting any discharge report required by LAC 33:III.5107.B.5 is extended from March 31, 2009 to June 30, 2009.
This ADMINISTRATIVE NOTICE is effective upon issuance
Baton Rouge, Louisiana, this V day of January 2009.
Cheryl Nolan
Assistant Secretary
Office of Environmental Services
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GO OD NEWS FROM LDEQ
For Immediate Release: Jan. 6, 2009
Louisiana Meets Air Quality Standards for Ozone
BATON ROUGE – Air Quality monitoring data shows that in 2008 Louisiana met federal ozone standards for both the original one-hour and the 1997 eight-hour standards. The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality has validated its 2008 air quality data, which shows all of Louisiana in compliance with both standards.
In the 1970s, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency set a one-hour ozone standard at 120 parts per billion. This was replaced in 1997 with a rolling eight-hour average of 85 parts per billion. In 2008, that rolling eight-hour average was lowered to 75 parts per billion. Attainment designations for the new standard are scheduled for March 2010, but may be delayed pending several lawsuits.
Historically, the only area in Louisiana area that has remained out of attainment for the ozone standard was the five-parish Baton Rouge area of Iberville, West Baton Rouge, Ascension, Livingston and East Baton Rouge parishes. The data for the past three consecutive years shows that this area meets both standards with highest one-hour value of 114 parts per billion and the highest eight-hour value of 83 parts per billion in that time period. Based upon this most recent data, DEQ has begun the process of asking EPA to recognize Louisiana as in attainment with the federal standards.
"The data show that Louisiana's air quality continues to improve," said DEQ Secretary Harold Leggett. "We can see that improvement in industry practices, a greater public awareness of ozone and the implementation of rules and regulations concerning air quality have made a difference. The efforts of many people have contributed to this accomplishment."
Ozone is formed by the reaction of sunlight on air containing hydrocarbons (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). VOCs and NOx are produced by mobile sources such as cars, boats and heavy construction equipment, industrial sources, natural sources and household activities such as using gas-powered lawn equipment and using paint thinners. High levels of ozone can affect lung function and irritate the respiratory system in sensitive populations like children and the elderly. It can worsen chronic health conditions like bronchitis, emphysema and asthma.
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