The EPA tightened mercury emissions. The agency said it was due to public comments that were received.

On May 3, 2011, the EPA proposed both national emission standards for hazardous air pollutants (NESHAP) from coal- and oil-fired electric utility steam generating units (EGUs) and standards of performance for fossil-fuel-fired electric utility, industrial-commercial-institutional, and small industrial-commercial-institutional steam generating units (see 76 FR 24976). After consideration of public comments, the agency is finalizing these rules as published in the Federal Register on Feb 16, 2012.

Pursuant to Clean Air Act (CAA) section 111, the EPA is revising standards of performance in response to a voluntary remand of a final rule. Specifically, we are amending new source performance standards (NSPS) after analysis of the public comments we received. We are also finalizing several minor amendments, technical clarifications, and corrections to existing NSPS provisions for fossil fuel-fired EGUs and large and small industrial-commercial-institutional steam generating units.

Pursuant to CAA section 112, the EPA is establishing NESHAP that will require coal- and oil-fired EGUs to meet hazardous air pollutant (HAP) standards reflecting the application of the maximum achievable control technology. This rule protects air quality and promotes public health by reducing emissions of the HAP listed in CAA section 112(b)(1).

This final rule is effective on April 16, 2012. Read the Federal Register announcement by clicking on this link.