The EPA has proposed to reduce emissions from new, modified or reconstructed process units at petroleum refineries. The proposed amendments would update existing standards of performance for petroleum refineries. Under the proposal, new, modified or reconstructed units would be required to add emission controls that reflect demonstrated improvements in emission control technologies, in addition to changing certain work practices.

Over the next five years, the proposed standards are estimated to reduce the combined emissions of particulate matter, SO2 and NOX emissions by nearly 56,000 tons per year. The estimated benefits of the proposed rules would be more than $950 million, 17 times the expected costs. The agency will accept comments for 60 days after the notice is published in the Federal Register.