2018-18755: Emission Guidelines for Greenhouse Gas Emissions From Existing Electric Utility Generating Units; Revisions to Emission Guideline Implementing Regulations; Revisions to New Source Review Program

Summary

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing three distinct actions, including Emission Guidelines for Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Existing Electric Utility Generating Units (EGUs). First, EPA is proposing to replace the Clean Power Plan (CPP) with revised emissions guidelines (the Affordable Clean Energy (ACE) rule) that inform the development, submittal, and implementation of state plans to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emission from certain EGUs. In the proposed emissions guidelines, consistent with the interpretation described in the proposed repeal of the CPP, the Agency is proposing to determine that heat rate improvement (HRI) measures are the best system of emission reduction (BSER) for existing coal-fired EGUs. Second, EPA is proposing new regulations that provide direction to both EPA and the states on the implementation of emission guidelines. The new proposed implementing regulations would apply to this action and any future emission guideline issued under section 111(d) of the Clean Air Act (CAA). Third, the Agency is proposing revisions to the New Source Review (NSR) program that will help prevent NSR from being a barrier to the implementation of efficiency projects at EGUs.

The agency’s own summary, as published.

What this changes

Amends 3 parts of the Code of Federal Regulations — the standing rules this notice rewrites.

• 40 CFR 51 Requirements for Preparation, Adoption, and Submittal of Implementation Plans
• 40 CFR 52 Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans
• 40 CFR 60 Standards of Performance for New Stationary Sources