Bill > HR161

This bill clarifies the definition of "modification" and "construction" under the Clean Air Act by establishing more precise criteria for when changes to stationary sources trigger additional environmental permitting requirements. Specifically, the bill defines a modification as an increase in the maximum hourly emission rate of an air pollutant, but provides exceptions for changes designed to reduce pollution, improve operational reliability, or enhance safety. The bill stipulates that such changes would only be considered a modification if they would cause an adverse effect on human health or the environment and result in a significant emissions increase. Additionally, the bill modifies how modifications are assessed in different regulatory contexts, including prevention of significant deterioration and nonattainment areas, by requiring that changes must result in a significant annual emissions increase to be considered a modification. The legislation aims to provide more clarity and flexibility for industrial facilities while maintaining environmental protections, ensuring that minor operational improvements or efficiency upgrades do not unnecessarily trigger costly and complex permitting processes under the Clean Air Act.

Business and Industry

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/161/all-info