EPA proposes air permitting reforms backed by NAPA
On July 7, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed a rule to streamline federal air permitting requirements for certain new, smaller “minor source” facilities. The proposal is intended to reduce administrative burdens, accelerate permitting, and support economic development.
The proposed rule would apply to facilities such as concrete batch plants and rock-crushing operations, though EPA also acknowledged NAPA’s ongoing advocacy by including language that would streamline permitting for “synthetic” minor sources, which includes asphalt mix plants.
Because most air permitting requirements are administered by state environmental agencies, however, meaningful permitting relief for asphalt mix plants will largely depend on state-specific policies and actions. Even so, EPA’s proposal reflects the agency’s broader deregulatory approach to permitting and provides states with additional flexibility to simplify permitting requirements for synthetic minor sources.
NAPA will continue advocating for regulatory relief for synthetic minor sources, including asphalt mix plants, and intends to submit comments on the proposed rule before the August 21 deadline.
