FACT SHEET

Revisions tothe Air Emissions Reporting Requirements: Revisionsto Lead (Pb) ReportingThreshold and Clarifications to TechnicalReportingDetails

ACTION

  • OnFebruary6,2015,theU.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgency(EPA)finalizedrevisionstotheAirEmissionsReportingRule(AERR).TheAERRrequiresstate,localandtribalagenciestocollectandsubmitemissionsdatatotheEPA.
  • Thefinalamendmentswouldreducereportingburdenforstate,localandtribalagencies,improveconsistencyandclaritywithotherrules,andbetterreflectcurrentinventorytechnologiesandpractices.
  • EPAisfinalizingimprovementstothereportingrequirementsby:
  • Loweringthecurrentthresholdforreportingleademissionssourcesas“pointsources”tosupporttheneedsoftherevisedleadambientmonitoringregulation;
  • Eliminatingtherequirementforstate,localandtribalagenciestoreportemissionsfromwildfiresandprescribedfiresbecausetheEPAhasothertechniquesavailabletoestimatesuchemissions;
  • Requiringagenciestoreporttheinputsneededtomodelemissionsfrommobilesources,ratherthanrequiringstate,localandtribalagenciestodothatmodelingthemselvesandsubmittheresults;
  • Removingtherequirementsforagenciestoreportdailyandseasonalemissionsassociatedwithcarbonmonoxideandozonenonattainmentareasandalsoforareassubjecttothenitrogenoxidesstateimplementationplan(NOxSIP)call;and
  • Clarifying,removing,orsimplifyingsomecurrentemissionsreportingrequirementsthatarenotnecessaryorarenotclearlyalignedwithcurrentinventoryterminologyandpractices.

BACKGROUND

  • TheEPApromulgatedtheAERRinDecember2008.ItrequiresstatestosubmitemissionsinventoriesforcriteriapollutantstoEPA’sEmissionsInventorySystem(EIS).TheEPAusesthesesubmittals,alongwithotherdatasources(primarilyforairtoxics),tobuildtheNationalEmissionsInventory(NEI).Manyofthestatesvoluntarilyreportairtoxicsalongwiththerequiredcriteriaairpollutants,andtheseairtoxicsreportsarealsousedinbuildingtheNEI.

FOR MORE INFORMATON

  • Interestedparties can download the rule fromEPA’s web siteon the InternetunderRecent Actions at the following address:
  • Other placesto read the rule and backgroundinformation (use DocketID No.EPA-HQ-OAR-2004-0489):
  • EPA’s electronic public docket andcomment systemat
  • The EPADocketCenter’s Public ReadingRoom(for hardcopies).
  • The Public ReadingRoomis located atEPA Headquarters,RoomNumber 3334 inEPA West Building, 1301Constitution Avenue,NW,Washington,
  • DC.Hours ofoperationare 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.easternstandardtime, Mondaythrough Friday,excludingfederalholidays.
  • Youwillhave to show photoidentification, pass through a metaldetector, and signtheEPA visitorlog.Anymaterialsyou bring withyou willbe processedthrough anX-raymachine as well.You willbe provided a badgethat mustbe visible at alltimes.
  • For further information about the rulemaking, contactRon Ryanat EPA’s Office of AirQuality Planning and Standards at(919) 541-4330.