GAO Report Released: EPA Needs Better Information on New Source Review Permits

Recently the Government Accountability Office (GAO) released its report, titled EPA Needs Better Information on New Source Review Permits GAO-12-590 (Jun 22, 2012).  The forty-four page report, available here, recommends that

EPA, among other actions, consider ways to develop a centralized source of data on NSR permits issued to electricity generating units. EPA expressed its commitment to filling gaps in its data systems, but disagreed with the actions GAO recommended. GAO believes that its recommendations would enhance oversight of NSR permitting and enforcement.

A virtually identical recommendation was made six years ago in report issued by the National Research Council in 2006 titled, New Source Review for Stationary Sources of Air Pollution.  For more information about the current structure and permit reporting for New Source Review permits under the Clean Air Act (CAA), see the additional resources listed below.

Additional Resources:

New Source Review Publications, EPA, http://www.epa.gov/nsr/publications.html (last visited July 26, 2012).

New Source Review, Policy & Guidance, EPA, http://www.epa.gov/nsr/guidance.html (last visited July 26, 2012).

Where You Live, NSR Permit Contacts, EPA, http://www.epa.gov/nsr/where.html (last visited July 26, 2012) (organized by state).