The EPA announced a final rule on May 13 to require large powerplants and other “stationary sources” of greenhouse-gas (GHG) emissions to get additional Clean Air Act permits. The “tailoring” rule will be phased in. It first will take effect for some facilities in January 2011. It would subject only facilities with GHG emissions of 100,000 tons or more per year to Clean Air Act state permitting requirements. Sources with lower GHG emissions would be exempt.

EPA estimates that 900 additional permitting actions covering new sources and modifications to existing facilities would be subject to review each year.

Jeff Holmstead, former head of EPA’s air office, says the rule probably will trigger lawsuits and construction delays.