Contacts:

Matt Dempsey Matt_Dempsey@epw.senate.gov (202) 224-9797

David Lungren David_Lungren@epw.senate.gov (202) 224-5642

INHOFE ASKS EPA TO PROVIDE STATES' COMMENTS ON GREENHOUSE GAS REGULATION

Washington, D.C. - Sen. James Inhofe (R-Okla.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, called on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to release comments submitted to the agency by 13 states concerning their authority to regulate stationary sources of greenhouse gas under the Clean Air Act (CAA).  Specifically, EPA recently asked whether those states lacked authority in their state implementation plans to issue permits for stationary sources of GHGs under the Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) program.   EPA has ordered that if they do not have that authority, then those states must revise their plans or EPA will assume responsibility for implementing a state's PSD program for GHGs. 

Sen. Inhofe sent a letter to EPA on August 18, in which he requested, among other things, the states' comments by Sept. 3.  As of today, none has been provided.  Sen. Inhofe released the following statement.

"I want to thank EPA staff for responding quickly to inquiries about the status of my request, but the fact is I sought this information by Sept. 3; it's now Sept. 9 and I still don't have the comments," Sen. Inhofe said.  "I think the agency would agree that this request is not complicated: 13 states have sent information to EPA about their PSD programs and whether they can implement them for greenhouse gases.  The broader public, including Congress, should know the particular states' perspectives, legal or otherwise, on this important issue.

"I understand the agency has much on its plate.  I hope amidst this heavy workload it is trying to fulfill my request.  Knowing the agency's good-faith intentions, I trust that it will.  With that mind, I expect EPA to release the states' comments without further delay."

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