Greenhouse Gas Reporting Proposed by EPA

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed a comprehensive system for reporting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across the United States. This first-of-its-kind system will help the agency collect accurate data regarding these emissions, which includes carbon dioxide, and will aid in developing effective regulations.

The system would apply to approximately 13,000 facilities in the U.S., which represent 85-90% of GHG emissions in the U.S. Among these are electric power generators and producers of cement, iron and steel, who would be required to report 2010 emissions in 2011. It would also cover vehicle and engine manufacturers, who would begin reporting for model year 2011. The fossil fuel and industrial chemical industries would also be covered.

Small businesses would largely be exempt from reporting requirements due to the emissions threshold established by the EPA: 25,000 metric tons per year. The rule falls under the auspices of the Clean Air Act.

You can read more about this proposal on the EPA website here.

 

PERSONALLY SPEAKING
Having accurate, up-to-date data on GHG emissions is the first critical step in addressing their effect on climate change. Only by fully understanding where we are can we develop a path forward. This is a very promising development by the EPA. ~Kevin

Kevin Maddaford is the Consumer Services Manager and Resource Development Associate at Renewable Choice Energy.