The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's New Source Review (NSR) programs are designed to help ensure that the construction or modification of factories, electric-generating facilities and other large stationary sources of pollutants will meet emissions criteria. EPA revised the programs in order to provide flexibility and allow for improved energy efficiency in American industry without damaging the environment. However, critics argue the revisions could slow progress in cleaning the nation's air, potentially damaging human health. This interim report provides a synthesis of relevant background information and describes the approach the committee will use to assess the potential impact of the NSR revisions. Conclusions will be issued in a final report later this year.

Table of Contents


Front Matter
Summary
1 Introduction
2 Regulatory Overview
3 Overview of Health Effects, Air Quality, and Emissions
4 Emission Sources and Technology Options
5 Analytic Methods for Assessing Effects of New Source Review Rule Changes
6 General Approach to Assessing Impacts of NSR Rule Changes
References
Terms and Abbreviations
Appendix A: Biographical Information of Committee
Appendix B: Congressional Mandate
Appendix C: Statement of Task
Appendix D: Repair and Replacement Activities in Selected Industries