EPA delays implementation of new US industrial boiler regulations
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) postponed the implementation of new air pollution rules for boilers, saying it wants more feedback from the public and industry.
“Input through the public comment process already resulted in dramatic cuts in the cost of implementation, while maintaining maximum public health benefits, under the rule announced in February,” the agency said.
“As part of the reconsideration process, EPA will issue a stay postponing the effective date of the standards for major source boilers and commercial and industrial solid waste incinerators to allow the agency to continue to seek additional public comment before an updated rule is proposed.”
Industry groups including the American Petroleum Institute (API) and American Chemistry Council (ACC) had urged the agency to grant a stay while it reconsiders.
The EPA said it was seeking additional public feedback and gathering more information on the final standards for boilers and certain solid waste incinerators that were issued in February.
These additional opportunities for public input will ensure that any final standard will be informed by input and feedback from key stakeholders, including the public, industry, and public health communities, the agency said.
The EPA said that input through the public comment process already resulted in dramatic cuts in the cost of implementation, while maintaining maximum public health benefits, under the rule announced in February.
Following proposals in April 2010, the agency received more than 4,800 comments from businesses and communities, including a significant amount of information that industry had not provided prior to the proposals.
Based on this input, EPA made extensive revisions to the standards, and in December 2010 requested additional time for review to ensure the public’s input was fully addressed.
The court only granted EPA 30 days, resulting in Feburary’s final rules. The agency is reconsidering the standards because the public did not have sufficient opportunity to comment on these changes, and, as a result, further public review and feedback is needed, it said.
EPA will accept additional data and information on these standards until July 15.
Comments