Frequently asked questions

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued its final rule on Sept. 22, 2009, requiring that certain facilities report their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The EPA estimated that about 10,000 facilities would be affected, accounting for 85-95 percent of U.S. GHG emissions. We have answered some frequently asked questions regarding this new rule.

Q. When does this rule take effect?

A. GHG measurement begins in 2010 (for most source categories). First reports are due March 2011.

Q. Which gas emissions are included in the reporting requirements?

A. Many applicable GHG sources have been specifically listed by the EPA. However, the general applicability threshold is 25,000 metric tons of CO₂-equivalent per facility per year.

• Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)
• Methane (CH₄)
• Nitrous Oxide (N₂O)
• Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF₆)
• Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)
• Perfluorochemicals (PFCs)
• Other fluorinated gases (e.g., nitrogen trifluoride, hydrofluorinated ethers [HFEs])

• Large fossil fuel users – for CO₂, CH₄ and N₂O for combustion
• Operators of specific listed facilities that emit GHGs for CO₂-equivalent emissions
• Industrial GHG suppliers (fluorinated gases, N₂O , C₂O) for CO₂-equivalent of product supplied
• Fossil fuel producers, importers and exporters for the potential CO₂ emissions from fuel produced
• Transportation equipment manufacturers (vehicles and engine) for the emission rates of products

Q. What are the reporting requirements?

A. According to the EPA, the reporting procedures and related documents will be released later in 2010. The reporting system is scheduled to be launched in January 2011, with first reports due March 2011:

• Total facility emissions in metric tons of CO₂-equivalent, aggregated for each applicable source category (expressed in metric tons of each GHG)
• Total emissions in metric tons of CO₂-equivalent, aggregated for all categories (expressed in metric tons of each GHG)
• Onsite electricity generation in kilowatt-hours
• Total pounds of synthetic fertilizer produced and total nitrogen contained in the fertilizer
• Any additional information, including unit- or process-level emissions, activity data (e.g., fuel use, feedstock inputs), or quality assurance/quality control data that are specified in an applicable subpart of the rule
• Information reported directly to the EPA in electronic format to be developed with certification of correct preparation

• Physical property, plant, building, structure, source or stationary equipment located on one or more contiguous or adjacent properties;
• In actual physical contact or separated solely by public roadway or other public right of way;
• Under common ownership or common control; and
• That emit or may emit GHGs.

• 10,750 tons of coal
• 2.5 million gallons of distillate fuel
• 460 million cubic feet of natural gas

• 44 MMBtu/hour for coal
• 56 MMBtu/hour for distillate
• 77 MMBtu/hour for natural gas

• Individual homeowners and vehicle owners
• Most commercial buildings
• Most small businesses
• Agricultural sources other than large manure management and large combustors
• Dairy of beef producers for enteric fermentation emissions
• Vehicle fleet operators

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