EPA extends initial GHG reporting deadline beyond Mar. 31

March 2, 2011
The US Environmental Protection Agency extended the deadline for initial reporting of greenhouse gas emissions beyond its original Mar. 31 date following extensive conversations with affected industries and other stakeholders.

Nick Snow
OGJ Washington Editor

WASHINGTON, DC, Mar. 2 -- The US Environmental Protection Agency extended the deadline for initial reporting of greenhouse gas emissions beyond its original Mar. 31 date following extensive conversations with affected industries and other stakeholders. EPA also is in the process of finalizing a user-friendly online electronic reporting program to ensure that requirements are understandable and practical, the agency said on Mar. 1.

The National Petrochemical & Refiners Association applauded EPA’s move. “It’s a sensible step that will benefit both the American people and businesses across the nation by providing better quality information,” NPRA Pres. Charles T. Drevna said.

EPA said it plans to have the final uploading tool for GHG reporting available this summer, with the data scheduled to be published later this year. The extension will let EPA further test the system plants will use to submit data and give industries a chance to test the tool, provide feedback, and have enough time to become familiar with it prior to actual reporting, it said.

“Taking a little extra time to get this program right makes more sense than rushing to meet an artificial and inflexible deadline,” NPRA’s Drevna said. “Our members have been working for several years to develop an accurate greenhouse gas database for their refineries and petrochemical manufacturing facilities, and we recognize the need for a quality reporting program.”

EPA said it will provide more details about the intended changes in the next few weeks, and make certain the reporting extension is in effect before the original Mar. 31 deadline. The agency also has been holding hearings with industries which will be affected first by its programs to limit GHG emissions, and will meet with refiners on Mar. 4.

Contact Nick Snow at [email protected].