EPA proposes to defer biomass permitting rules

Mar. 15, 2011, Washington, D.C. – The U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to defer, for three years,
Clean Air Act permitting requirements for CO₂ emissions from bioenergy and
other biogenic sources. This formal proposal follows a January 2011 commitment. The additional time will allow the agency to
conduct a detailed examination of the science on this issue. Seeking the advice
of federal partners, states, scientists, industry, and other stakeholders will
help to determine how these emissions should be treated under the EPA’s air
permitting program.

New EPA guidance is being provided to help permitting authorities determine
that using biomass as a fuel can be considered the best available control
technology for CO₂ emissions from large sources needing permits. The guidance
can be used until EPA takes final action on the deferral. Facilities meeting
the requirements under the agency’s greenhouse gas reporting program will still
need to report their CO₂ emissions.

EPA will accept comments on the proposed deferral for 45 days following
publication in the U.S. Federal Register.