EPA finalizes new GHG emissions reporting requirements

EPA finalizes new GHG emissions reporting requirements

Sept. 24

The U.S. EPA on Jan. 1, 2010, will, for the first time, require large emitters of heat-trapping emissions to begin collecting greenhouse gas data under a new reporting system.

This new program will cover approximately 85% of the nation’s GHG emissions and apply to roughly 10,000 facilities.

·This is a major step forward in our effort to address the greenhouse gases polluting our skies,ö EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson said. ·For the first time, we begin collecting data from the largest facilities in this country."

The EPA will use the information to determine how best to reduce those emissions, she said.

EPA’s new reporting system will provide a better understanding of where greenhouse gases are coming from and will guide development of the best possible policies and programs to reduce emissions, according to the EPA. The data will also allow businesses to track their own emissions, compare them to similar facilities and provide assistance in identifying cost effective ways to reduce emissions in the future.

Facilities that emit 25,000 metric tons or more of carbon dioxide equivalent per year will be required to report GHG emissions data to EPA annually. The first annual reports for the largest emitting facilities, covering calendar year 2010, will be submitted to EPA in 2011. Vehicle and engine manufacturers outside of the light-duty sector will begin phasing in reporting with model year 2011.

More information on the new reporting system and reporting requirements: http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/emissions/ghgrulemaking.html

Contact Waste & Recycling News senior reporter Bruce Geiselman at 330-865-6172 or bgeiselman@crain.com

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