The Washington Department of Ecology is proposing updates to its greenhouse gas emission rate for power plants to better align with state law and other regulations.
The rule affects 10 facilities and can also potentially impact new facilities that meet specific criteria outlined in Ecology’s Greenhouse Gas Performance Standard rule, according to a press release from the agency.
The power plants can emit up to 1,100 pounds of greenhouse gases per megawatt hour of power generated.
Ecology is proposing to align the standards with a lower emission rate already required by the state Department of Commerce. In 2013, Commerce lowered the emission standard to 970 pounds of greenhouse gases per megawatt hour of power generated.
“The 10 power plants would have to begin complying with the lower emission performance standard when they change ownership, undergo modifications, or sign new long-term contracts to purchase power or power plants,” according to the release.
Changes are also included for testing calculations and technical clarifications. The public is able to review and comment on the proposed standards through Nov. 14. The documents can be reviewed online at http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/air/rules/wac173407/1612ov.htm.
Comments can also be submitted online, or mailed to Caroline Sun, Department of Ecology, Air Quality Program, P.O. Box 47600, Olympia, WA 98504-7600.
