RIN Data

EPA/AR RIN: 2060-AQ91 Publication ID: 2012 
Title: Greenhouse Gas New Source Performance Standard for Electric Generating Units for New Sources 
Abstract: This action will amend the new source performance standards (NSPS) for electric generating units (EGUs) and will establish the first NSPS for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The rule will establish CO2 emission standards for certain new and reconstructed fossil fuel-fired electric generating units (EGUs). 
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency(EPA)  Priority: Other Significant 
RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda   Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Final Rule Stage 
Major: No  Unfunded Mandates: No 
CFR Citation: 40 CFR 60   
Legal Authority: CAA 111   
Legal Deadline:  None

Statement of Need: Electric Generating Units (EGUs) are the largest stationary source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the US. Plants have a 40 plus year life, so sources that commence construction today may be emitting GHGs past 2050.

Summary of the Legal Basis: In Massachusetts vs. EPA, in April of 2007 the Supreme Court found that EPA has authority to regulate greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act. One of the logical outgrowths of the Massachusetts decision is that EPA should be addressing significant GHG emissions from stationary sources.

Alternatives: While we proposed a standard of 1000 lbs GHG/MWh, we took comment on a range of standards from 950 lbs GHG/MWh to 1100 Lbs GHG/MWh. We also proposed to allow coal-fired units to comply using a 30 year average, and took comment on various ways to average GHG emissions across time.

Anticipated Costs and Benefits: Because both Energy Information Administration (EIA) and EPA do not project any new coal-fired EGUs to be constructed beyond a handful that will install CCS (as part of a DOE demonstration project), we do not project costs and benefits associated with the rule.

Risks: The risk addressed is the current and future threat of climate change to public health and welfare, as demonstrated in the 2009 Endangerment and Cause or Contribute Findings for Greenhouse Gases Under section 202(a) of the Clean Air Act. The EPA made this determination based primarily upon the recent, major assessments by the U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP), the National Research Council (NRC) of the National Academies and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
NPRM  04/13/2012  77 FR 22392   
Final Rule  03/00/2013 
Additional Information: Docket #:EPA-HQ-OAR-2011-0660
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No  Government Levels Affected: None 
Small Entities Affected: No  Federalism: No 
Energy Effects: Statement of Energy Effects planned as required by Executive Order 13211.  Included in the Regulatory Plan: Yes 
Public Comment URL: http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=EPA-HQ-OAR-2011-0660-0001  
Sectors Affected: 221 Utilities 
RIN Data Printed in the FR: No 
Agency Contact:
Christian Fellner
Environmental Protection Agency
Air and Radiation
109 T.W. Alexander Drive, Mail Code D243-01,
Research Triangle Park, NC 27711
Phone:919 541-4003
Fax:919 541-4991
Email: fellner.christian@epa.gov

Nick Hutson
Environmental Protection Agency
Air and Radiation
109 T.W. Alexander Drive, Mail Code D243-01,
Research Triangle Park, NC 27711
Phone:919 541-2968
Email: hutson.nick@epa.gov