Revisions to the Permits and Sulfur Dioxide Allowance System Regulations Under Title IV of the Clean Air Act: Allowance Transfer Deadline and Signature Requirements

Title IV of the Clean Air Act (the Act), as amended by the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, authorizes the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA or Agency) to establish the Acid Rain Program. The program sets emissions limitations to reduce acidic particles and deposition and their serious, adverse effects on natural resources, ecosystems, materials, visibility, and public health. The allowance trading component of the Acid Rain Program allows utilities to achieve sulfur dioxide emissions reductions in the most cost-effective way. Allowances are traded among utilities and recorded in EPA's Allowance Tracking System for use in determining compliance at the end of each year. The Acid Rain Program's permitting and allowance trading, and emissions monitoring requirements are set forth in the ``core'' rules initially promulgated on January 11, 1993. This action amends certain provisions in the permitting and allowance trading rules for the purpose of improving the operation of the Allowance Tracking System and the allowance market, while still preserving the Act's environmental goals. The entities affected by this change fall under Standard Industrial Code 49 (Electric, Gas and Sanitary Services).