Overview of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Hazardous Air Pollutant Early Reduction Program

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Regulatory Policy

Background:

• The Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 Title III mandated regulations for Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs).
• Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT) standards were established to limit HAP emissions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce the EPA's Early Reduction Program.
• To incentivize early and significant voluntary reductions in HAP emissions.

Main Methods:

• Voluntary emission reductions of 90% (or 95% for particulates) from a 1987 or later base year.
• Reductions must occur before MACT standard proposal or via commitment by January 1, 1994.

Main Results:

• Allows a six-year compliance extension from MACT standards.
• Encourages earlier HAP emission reductions than legally required.

Conclusions:

• The program offers industry more time for evaluating and implementing cost-effective compliance strategies.
• Strict guidelines ensure emission reductions are actual, significant, and verifiable.