USDA's Vilsack Weighs in on EPA GHG Tailoring Rule

Hoosier Ag Today
05/13/2010
NAFB News Service

U.S. Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack has weighed in on the Environmental Protection Agency's final Greenhouse Gas Tailoring Rule, a policy seeking shelter for small polluters from the Clean Air Act permitting requirements. The EPA's rule alters the permitting requirements to limit the facilities that would need to obtain certain operating permits based on their greenhouse gas emissions. This would cover large industrial plants - but excuse smaller sources like farms.

The EPA is reportedly seeking comment on whether or not sources like farms can be permanently exempt from permitting requirements. Vilsack says the energy obtained from certain sources - like woody biomass and switch-grass - can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, develop clean energy and provide economic opportunities for rural America.

Read more