Air Emissions - Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR)
An Environmental Permitting Fact Sheet
Program Overview
Authorizing Statutes
Regulations
Section 22a-174-22c of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies (RCSA), CAIR Nitrogen Oxides Ozone Season Trading Program
Effective Date
May 1, 2009
Applicability
- Serve a generator with a rated output of 15 MW or greater, or
- Have a maximum design heat input of 250 MMBtu/hr or more.
Any emissions unit participating in the NBP will be subject to the CAIR program.
CAIR Permits
Only a source that is subject to both Title V and CAIR NOx Ozone Season requirements is required to submit a CAIR permit application. (Form DEP-CAIR-APP-400 www.ct.gov/deep/airpermits. The CAIR permit will be incorporated into the facility’s Title V permit as a modification or during the Title V permit renewal process in accordance with Section 22a-174-33 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies.
Energy Efficiency
To be consistent with the objectives of the Governor’s Climate Change Action Plan and the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s policy of encouraging cleaner, more efficient electric generation, the CAIR allocation methodology treats all megawatts equally and ends preferential allocation to older, dirtier electric generating units (EGUs) starting in 2012. In addition, the Connecticut CAIR regulation includes a 10% set-aside for Energy Efficiency/Renewable Energy projects starting in 2009.
NOx Budget
Starting in 2009, the total Connecticut NOx budget is 2,691 tons.
Allowance Allocation
Phase II units (new EGUs under the NBP): Allowances are allocated on an output basis.
Phase I and II units will be grouped together starting in 2012.
Cogeneration, industrial and reciprocating grate waste tire-fired units: Allowances are allocated on a heat input-basis starting in 2009.
New source set-aside: 200 tons from 2009-2014 and 134 tons starting in 2015.
Renewable energy/energy efficiency set-aside: 268 tons starting in 2009.
Allocation lead-time: 2009, 2010 and 2011 NOx allowances have been issued. For questions concerning allocation, please contact the Bureau of Air Management’s Engineering Section at 860-424-4152.
Useful Resources
Unofficial copies of the Air Management Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies may be obtained at www.ct.gov/deep. The official regulations are published in the Connecticut Law Journal.
EPA website "Laws, Regulations, Guidance and Dockets": www.epa.gov/lawsregs
Contact Information
Bureau of Air Management
Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
79 Elm Street
Hartford, CT 06106-5127
860-424-4152
This overview is designed to answer general questions and provide basic information. You should refer to the appropriate statutes and regulations for the specific regulatory language of the different permit programs. This document should not be relied upon to determine whether or not an environmental permit is required. It is your responsibility to obtain and comply with all required permits.
Fact Sheet DEP-AIR-FS-400
Content Last Updated May, 2012