Nonattainment New Source Review (NSR) Emission Reduction Credits (ERCs) Guidance
In the context of the New Source Review (NSR) preconstruction air permitting program that applies in areas not attaining the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), EPA is clarifying when and how emission reduction credits (ERCs) must be shown to be federally enforceable before a permitting authority issues a Nonattainment New Source Review (NNSR) preconstruction air permit. This approach will reduce unnecessary permitting delays by clarifying that the Clean Air Act (CAA) allows for an NNSR permit to be issued before offsetting emission reductions have been specifically secured, provided the NNSR permit contains (1) an enforceable commitment by the permittee to obtain the necessary emission reductions before commencing operation and (2) an express prohibition on commencing operations until the required ERCs are identified, approved, and secured with appropriate permit restrictions.
This document is part of the NSR Policy & Guidance Database. Some documents in the database are a scanned or retyped version of a paper photocopy of the original. Although we have taken considerable effort to quality assure the documents, some may contain typographical errors. Contact the office that issued the document if you need a copy of the original.
Nonattainment New Source Review Emission Reduction Credits (ERC) Guidance (pdf)