EPA releases updated biogenic carbon framework, issues guidance memo

December 29, 2014

BY Staff

The U.S. EPA released a revised framework for assessing biogenic carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from stationary sources in November. The revised framework is undergoing additional public review. The agency has also issued a memo providing regulatory guidance on how the updated framework will impact the Clean Power Plan and Prevention of Significant Deterioration Program.


The memo outlines the EPA’s current thinking with regard to the treatment of biogenic emissions under the CCP and PSD program. Notably, it indicates the EPA plans to propose revisions to the PSD rules to include an exemption from the best available control technology (BACT) requirement for GHGs from waste-derived feedstocks and from nonwaste biogenic feedstocks derived from sustainable forest or agricultural practices.

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In response to the EPA’s announcements, Biomass Power Association President Bob Cleaves said the agency had never before made such a clear and emphatic endorsement of biomass. Cleaves said EPA is describing waste-derived materials and forest-derived materials as having "minimal or...no net atmospheric contribution of biogenic CO2 emissions,” and called the declaration “a very positive and very clear statement.”

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