WESTAR Comments on EPA’s Review of Residential Wood Heating New Source Performance Standards

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On October 11, 2024, WESTAR submitted comments to EPA’s docket regarding their Section 610 review of New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) for New Residential Wood Heaters, New Residential Hydronic Heaters and Forced-Air Furnaces, collectively know as residential wood heating devices. As part of their NSPS review, EPA is soliciting comments on: (1) The continued need for the rule; (2) the nature of complaints or comments received concerning the rule; (3) the complexity of the rule; (4) the extent to which the rule overlaps, duplicates, or conflicts with other Federal, State, or local government rules; and (5) the degree to which the technology, economic conditions or other factors have changed in the area affected by the rule. WESTAR provided comment in areas 1, 2, and 5.

WESTAR Comments on Potential Regional Haze Rule Revisions

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In July, WESTAR submitted comments to EPA’s non-regulatory docket seeking input on potential revisions to the Regional Haze rule. WESTAR recommended changes to the connection between reasonable progress and Long-term strategies, more efficient ways to evaluate source controls, a clearer role for the Uniform Rate of Progress line and Natural Conditions, and improvements to the modeling and monitoring requirements. WESTAR also recommended that EPA extend the deadline for third-round SIPs by three years to allow time to complete the rule revisions and for states to fully incorporate those revisions into their planning.

WESTAR Comments – Large Municipal Waste Combustors

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On March 25, 2024, WESTAR submitted a comment letter to EPA on their proposed rule regarding large municipal waste combustors. WESTAR commented specifically in favor of the proposal to exclude air curtain incinerators from Title V requirements when they are used to burn wood waste, yard waste, and clean lumber and are not located at a major source or subject to title V for other reasons.

EPA releases grant guidance for planning grants under CPRG

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On March 1, 2023, EPA released grant program guidance for $250 million in planning grants under the IRA Climate Pollution Reduction Grant program to states, metropolitan areas, Tribes and territories. The grants are phase 1 of the program and are for developing plans that include strategies for reducing pollution. More information can be found here.

Important dates for Phase 1:

States must submit notice of intent to apply by March 31, 2023 and grant applications by April 28, 2023

The 67 most populous metropolitan areas in the U.S. must submit notice of intent to apply by April 28, 2023 and grant applications by May 31, 2023.

Tribes and territories must submit grant applications by June 15, 2023.

Awards will be made in the summer of 2023.