The EPA is inviting small businesses to nominate representatives to participate in a Small Business Advocacy Review Panel as the agency develops fine particle emission limits for new residential wood heaters and other burning devices, such as wood stoves and hydronic heaters.

More than 10 million wood stoves are used in the United States as supplemental heat. Hydronic heaters, also known as outdoor wood heaters, number about 500 thousand in the United States. Most are sold for use in rural, cold climate areas where wood is readily available; however, the units are used by many small businesses to cut energy costs, or to provide their business some old fashioned charm.

Nominations must be received by May 14, 2010. In the past, the EPA selected panel members in consultation with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), but did not invite small businesses to nominate representatives. The EPA and SBA, however, are now taking the additional step of seeking nominations directly from small businesses. The EPA is required to set up the panel by the Regulatory Flexibility Act if a rule may have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small businesses.

Under the Clean Air Act, EPA issued standards for new residential wood heaters, including wood stoves, in 1988. The law requires that the agency periodically review these standards. The EPA completed a draft review in 2009, noting that improvements in technology allow emissions to be better controlled than the existing standards require. Revised standards are expected by 2011.

More information about participating in the panel can be found at www.epa.gov/sbrefa/woodheaters.htm.

Source: EPA press release