EPA Releases New Emissions Ruling

The EPA released a final ruling in regards to major greenhouse gas emitters under the Clean Air Act. Under the rule starting in July 2011, new sources emitting at least 100,000 tons and existing plants increasing emissions by 75,000 tons per year will have to obtain permits. The rule will apply to sites accounting for roughly 70 percent of the country’s emissions and the EPA believes about 15,000 sources will be affected within the first two years of the new policy. The rule is intended to apply to sources such as coal-fired plants, solid waste landfills, and refineries. The ruling was met with mixed opinions. Some worry that the increasing limits on emissions will hurt the economy, while others defend the EPA and claim that the ruling will regulate large sources of emissions without placing further burden on small businesses.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/14/science/earth/14permit.html?src=me&ref=science