EPA Doubts Legality Of Pennsylvania General Permit For Gas Emissions

摘要

Epa is raising legal concerns with Pennsylvania's proposal to revise its general permit covering emissions from "minor" air pollution sources at natural gas production sites, saying it fails to meet federal enforceability criteria and faults the state for not considering the cumulative impacts of other state general permits on air pollution. The agency's remarks could bolster environmentalists' objections to the proposed revisions to the permit, which included criticism over the lack of opportunity for public comment on permit applications and insufficient analysis of the types of emissions controls that should qualify as best available technology (BAT) - the level required in the general permit. Activists claim the permit would not adequately control emissions from gas operations given the widespread increase in production in the state.