EPA will hold two public hearings to accept public comment on the agency’s proposed greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions thresholds defining when Clean Air Act permitting requirements would apply to new or existing industrial facilities. The proposed thresholds would “tailor” the permit programs to limit which facilities would be required to obtain NSR and title V permits and would cover nearly 70 percent of the national GHG emissions that come from stationary sources, including those from the nation’s largest emitters-power plants, refineries, and cement production facilities.

The hearings will be November 18 in Arlington, Va. and November 19 in Rosemont, IL. Both hearings will begin at 10:00 a.m. and end at 7:00 p.m. local time at the following locations:

November 18: Arlington, Va.
Hyatt Regency Crystal City at Reagan National Airport
2799 Jefferson Davis Highway
Arlington, VA 22202

November 19: Rosemont, Il.
Donald E Stephens Convention Center
5555 North River Road
Rosemont, IL 60018

Members of the public who want to speak at the hearings may pre-register for a specific speaking time by contacting Pamela Long at long.pam@epa.gov or (919) 541-0641 by November 13, 2009. People also may register in person on the day of the hearing; however, they may not be given a specific time to speak.

EPA also will accept written comments on the proposed rule until December 28, 2009.

More information on the proposed rule and instructions for submitting written comments: http://www.epa.gov/nsr/actions.html.