The Pennsylvania Environmental Quality Board (EQB) will soon publish amendments to the Department of Environmental Protection’s (PADEP) regulations in 25 Pa. Code Chapters 121 and 129 for all major stationary sources of nitrogen oxides (NOx) or volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, commonly known as the RACT III rule. The rule would require major sources of either or both of these air pollutants in existence on or before Aug. 3, 2018, to meet “reasonably available control technology” (RACT) emission limits and requirements by Jan. 1, 2023.

These regulations are being promulgated to address Federal Clean Air Act (CAA) RACT requirements to meet the 2015 ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) in the Commonwealth. The CAA requires a reevaluation of RACT when new ozone NAAQS are promulgated. RACT is required in nonattainment areas, including the Ozone Transport Region which includes Pennsylvania. The RACT III rulemaking establishes presumptive RACT requirements and emission limits for specific source categories of affected facilities. The RACT III rulemaking also imposes additional requirements for all major sources of NOx and VOCs, not just those subject to the presumptive RACT requirements and limitations.