Controlling NOx Emissions from Utility Electric Generation in Ozone Nonattainment Areas
Rules in Title 30, Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 117 for controlling emissions of nitrogen oxides from utility electric-generation sources in ozone nonattainment areas. These rules are part of the State Implementation Plan strategy to meet the National Ambient Air Quality Standard for ozone.
Areas Affected
- Beaumont–Port Arthur area (Hardin, Jefferson, and Orange counties)
- Dallas–Fort Worth area (Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Johnson, Kaufman, Parker, Rockwall, and Tarrant counties)
- Houston-Galveston-Brazoria area (Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Liberty, Montgomery, and Waller counties)
Rule Citation
30 TAC Chapter 117, Subchapter C 
Rule Description
- Limits NOx emissions from:
- utility boilers
- auxiliary steam boilers
- stationary gas turbines
- duct burners used in turbine exhaust ducts that are used in an electric power generating system.
- Monitoring, reporting, record-keeping, and testing requirements may apply depending on the size (British thermal units per year) of the unit and its particular use.
- Final control plans demonstrating compliance with the emission specifications may also apply.
- Sites in the Houston-Galveston-Brazoria area may be required to participate in the Mass Emissions Cap and Trade Program.
Rule History
The Chapter 117 rule history for utility electric generation sources in ozone nonattainment areas gives information on revisions to the rules, including their proposal and adoption, the associated State Implementation Plan revision, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency approval.
Compliance Resources
- The Decision Support System can help you determine if you are subject to the Chapter 117 rules for major industrial, commercial, and institutional sources.
- Mass Emissions Cap and Trade Program
- Resources for small businesses and local governments
- EPA Test Methods
- EPA performance specifications for continuous emission-monitoring systems and CEMS quality-assurance procedures
- Protocol for predictive emission-monitoring systems referenced in 30 TAC 117.8100(b)
- Guidance for preparing summary, excess-emission, and continuous-monitoring-system Reports referenced in 30 TAC 117 record-keeping and reporting sections
Related Information
- Stakeholder groups that help the agency with air quality issues
- State plan to meet the national ozone standard
- Air permitting and registration
- Tax relief for pollution-control property
- Point source emissions inventory
Contact Information
- Contact the Stationary Source Programs Team for additional information about stationary source rules.
- Sign up to receive e-mail updates on SIP-related information, including information on stationary source rules. Select SIP Hot Topics under the Air Quality heading.
