The EPA on Friday proposed setting emission limits for formaldehyde, benzene, acrolein and other air toxics from certain stationary diesel and gas-fired engines. According to the agency, in 2008, over 1 million of these engines generated electricity, powered equipment and operated during emergencies at industrial, agricultural and other facilities. The proposed limits would apply to engines located at smaller sources of air toxics.

For major sources of air toxics, this rule would only apply to engines that are:

• Smaller than or equal to 500 horsepower that were constructed or reconstructed before June 12, 2006, or
• Larger than or equal to 500 horsepower that were constructed or reconstructed before December 19, 2002.

To meet the proposed emissions requirements, owners and operators of these engines would need to install "after treatment" controls, such as filters or catalysts, to engine exhaust systems, the agency said.

The EPA estimates that this rule would reduce air toxics emissions by 13,000 tons per year, particle pollution by 2,600 tons and carbon monoxide emissions by 510,000 tons, when fully implemented in 2013.

The public comment period will be open for 60 days upon publication in the Federal Register.

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