Panel Discussion: Developments on the Implementation of the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments, 1992 Environmental Conference Proceedings

The Clean Air Act Amendments passed in November of 1990 included a rigorous schedule for development of implementing regulations. By April 1992, EPA will have made progress on many of the programs - federal operating permits, air toxics, motor vehicles, nonattainment, acid rain and stratospheric ozone protection. The two programs that will likely be most significant to the future operation and growth of the industry are Title 111, Hazardous Air Pollutants and Title V, Federal Operating Permits, Requirements for State Agencies). Although stalled at this time ( January, 1992) during White House review by the Council on Competitiveness and the Office of Management and Budget, final regulations for the new Federal Operating Permit program requirements for State agencies are expected to be promulgated before April. These regulations will put in place a technically complex program that not only institutes new permit requirements, but substantially expands the numbers and categories of facilities that will be required to procure air emission permits. Allied industry plants, many for the first time, will now be faced with specific requirements. Although EPA is not scheduled to propose Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT) for toxic air emissions from the pulp and paper industry until July 1993, available information on likely requirements will be discussed.