Rules and Regs
EPA Proposes Updates of GHG Reporting Relative to Confidential Information
In response to corporate concerns over the requirements to publish potentially "confidential" information, EPA recently began soliciting comments from affected parties requesting more detailed information about claims of "business sensitivity." Generally, the concerns cover business sensitivity related to inputs into emissions equations. In July 2010, EPA decided that "emissions equations" are synonymous with "emissions data" which is not protected from confidential business information under the Clean Air Act.
EPA is accepting comments and proposing to defer the deadline for reporting until March 2014. EPA intends to use its new findings to inform its decision making on how it treats the elements in question. Companies must still collect the necessary data while awaiting EPA's final ruling.
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EPA Issues Stay on Title V Permits and Requirements Affecting Chemical Manufacturing Area Sources (CMAS)
Last June, EPA informed petitioners about its intention to begin a reconsideration process in response to certain NESHAP provisions specifically affecting CMAS. Among the requirements it is reconsidering is a Title V permitting requirement for sources that had installed a control device on a chemical manufacturing process unit (CPMU) after November 15, 1990, which makes them area sources under 40 CFR Part 63.
After issuing a temporary 90-day stay, EPA published an indefinite stay on March 14.
EPA Extends Reporting Deadline for GHG Reporting and Provides Updates on Software
On March 1, EPA announced that its Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Reporting Program has completed extensive work to establish GHG reporting requirements for a wide range of industries following Congressional mandates. The goal of the program is to help businesses identify cost-effective solutions for reducing emissions while providing Congress, stakeholders, and the public with emissions information.
To support its decision and ensure that requirements are practical and understandable to the thousands of companies already registered, EPA is in the process of finalizing an online reporting platform.
EPA is also extending this year's reporting deadline from March 31 to later in the year. The extension will allow EPA to complete the online tool and allow companies time to become familiar with the tool and provide feedback.
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