The Environmental Protection Agency has now posted its latest version of greenhouse gas emission regulations on its website, with background and supplementary materials.

Final GHG Tailoring Rule
May 13, 2010 – EPA sets greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions thresholds to define when permits under the New Source Review Prevention Significant Deterioration (PSD) and title V Operating Permit programs are required for new and existing industrial facilities.

• Fact Sheet (PDF) (6pp, 33k)
• Final Rule (PDF) (515pp, 688k)
• Timeline Outlining Permitting Steps under the Tailoring Rule (PDF) (1pg, 79k)
• Summary of Clean Air Act Permitting Burdens With and Without the Tailoring Rule (PDF) (2pp, 445k)

“Tailoring” in this case means the setting of specific emission limits to stationary sites, primarily industrial and energy facilities, thus requiring their adherance to the permitting process. The EPA claims it has the authority to set its own limits under the Clean Air Act, a dubious assertion.

According to the EPA’s fact sheet:

• This final rule “tailors” the requirements of these CAA permitting programs to limit which
  facilities will be required to obtain PSD and title V permits. Facilities responsible for nearly
  70 percent of the national GHG emissions from stationary sources will be subject to
  permitting requirements under this rule. This includes the nation’s largest GHG emitters-
  power plants, refineries, and cement production facilities.
• Emissions from small farms, restaurants, and all but the very largest commercial facilities
  will not be covered by these programs at this time. 

You have to love that “at this time.” They’ll get to you soon enough.