The EPA announced a proposed rule on September 30 that would require the use of best technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from large facilities. Under the rule, about 14,000 very large sources of greenhouse gases, those emitting more than 25,000 tons per year, would need to obtain operating permits that include global warming emissions. Those large facilities include power plants, refineries, and some large factories, but exclude farms and small businesses.

The proposal would require large industrial facilities that emit 25,000 or more tons of global warming pollution a year to obtain construction and operating permits covering these emissions. These permits must demonstrate the use of best available control technologies and energy efficiency measures to minimize emissions when facilities are constructed or significantly modified.

From the EPA press release:

"By using the power and authority of the Clean Air Act, we can begin reducing emissions from the nation's largest greenhouse gas emitting facilities without placing an undue burden on the businesses that make up the vast majority of our economy," said EPA Administrator Jackson.

"This is a common sense rule that is carefully tailored to apply to only the largest sources--those from sectors responsible for nearly 70 percent of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions sources. This rule allows us to do what the Clean Air Act does best - reduce emissions for better health, drive technology innovation for a better economy, and protect the environment for a better future--all without placing an undue burden on the businesses that make up the better part of our economy."

You can learn more at http://www.epa.gov/.