Strengthen EPA wood smoke particulate emission rules: Cut wood smoke in half

The EPA is currently reviewing the New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) for wood-burning devices, which could include all devices from fireplaces to outdoor wood boilers. In 1988, EPA established a NSPS for wood stoves through regulatory negotiation. The NSPS required all new wood heaters to be certified by EPA as meeting certain emission limits.  The NSPS hasn't been reviewed or updated since 1988.An updated NSPS that includes all wood-burning devices would have a significant impact on state's regulatory efforts and requirements for these devices, ranging from what is permitted to be sold, to meeting State Implementation Plan (SIP) requirements for PM2.5 nonattainment areas, and requirements for Reasonably Available Control Technologies (RACT) and Best Available Control Technologies (BACT) standards for wood-burning devices.Sometime this year there may be a NSPS public notice or comment period. The EPA may propose revisions to the NSPS sometime this year.  NESCAUM is in full support of an updated NSPS.  A U.S. District Court order was made in February 24, 2009 to review lowering PM2.5 levels in ambient air.  If PM2.5 allowed levels are cut in half, as is expected, states will have to regulate all sources of wood smoke, the largest source of PM2.5 in ambient air, to stay in compliance with Clean Air Act standards.Please sign this petiton in support of the updating of wood smoke particulate emissions standards.  This petition will be presented to the EPA during their comment period.