New Source Review
Myth: Forcing plants to use the best available” emissions control technology protects the health and well-being of citizens.
The New Source Review (NSR) process forces plants to use the “best available” emissions-control technology whenever they upgrade or expand.
The Coal Truth
By mandating the “best available” technology, which is often expensive and unnecessary, NSR prevents plants from making the cost-effective upgrades that would truly benefit citizens.
- In many parts of the country (e.g., North Dakota) coal plants can meet high air quality standards without the “best,” most expensive technologies. [1]
- Communities should be free to pursue upgrades and expansions not with the “best available” technology but with the most cost-effective technology.
- By making any improvements unnecessarily burdensome and expensive, the “best available” standard prevents communities from upgrading and expanding coal plants in ways that would help their prosperity and environmental quality. [2]
Citations
Source & Links
[1] EIA North Dakota State Energy Profile
ND Department of Health Ambient Monitoring Report for 2016 and Network Plan for 2016-2017. See page 35 (section 4) in the report for a summary of the excellent air quality of the state.
U.S. EPA Air Now State Level Monitoring
[2] Robynn Andracsek, contributing editor Power Engineering – NSR Reform: The Time is Nigh
U.S. House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee Hearing on New Source Review Permitting Challenges for Manufacturing and Infrastructure, February 14, 2018
