EPA proposes first greenhouse gas reporting requirements

Thousands of carbon-intensive facilities across the U.S. may have to report their greenhouse gas emissions for the first time beginning in 2011.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Tuesday, using its authority under the Clean Air Act, proposed a national greenhouse gas reporting framework that it says will impact roughly 13,000 facilities and cover up to 90 percent of the country's emissions. The first report in 2011 would cover emissions from 2010.

The EPA estimates it will cost reporting companies about $160 million in the first year, and about $127 million in subsequent years.

The reporting rules will apply to facilities generating more than 25,000 metric tons of emissions annually, such as power generators, car manufacturers, industrial chemical suppliers and cement, iron and steel producers, among others.

Livestock operations with manure management systems that emit more than 25,000 metric tons of CO2e would also be subject to the reporting requirements, but most emissions from the agricultural sector won't be covered by the rule, according to the EPA. The agency estimates fewer than 50 large livestock operations meet the reporting threshold.

To cover transportation-related emissions, new vehicle and engine manufacturers will report CO2 to the EPA on a gram-per-mile basis, similar to its existing requirements. The agency is also proposing seeking comment on establishing reporting requirements for fleets, as well the reporting of additional travel activity data from state and local governments.

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Source: GreenBiz