Summary of EPA’s Review of the GHG New Source Performance Standards for EGUs (111(b))

On December 20, 2018, EPA published proposed revisions to the existing standards of performance for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for new, modified, and reconstructed electric utility generating units (EGUs) that EPA promulgated in October 2015. In the Proposed Rule, EPA proposed to amend its finding that new coal-fired steam EGUs could meet a standard based on partial carbon capture and storage (CCS) and find that the best system of emission reduction (BSER) is the most efficient demonstrated steam cycle in combination with the best operating practices. EPA also proposed revisions to the standards of performance for reconstructed steam EGUs, the maximally stringent standard for large modifications of steam EGUs, and separate performance standards for new and reconstructed coal-refuse fired EGUs. EPA did not propose any changes to the standards of performance for new or reconstructed stationary combustion turbines.

This summary outlines EPA’s rationale for these proposed changes, key areas for comment, and reviews the existing performance standards. Comments are due by March 18, 2019. 

UPDATE (January 31, 2019): This summary was updated to reflect the proposal's date of publication in the Federal Register and the revised deadline for public comment.