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Tabbed activity summarizing the important points associated with LAER and offsets

Tab Title: LAER

Tab Content:

· The LAER review takes technical feasibility into account, but not economical reasonableness, which is considered in a BACT analysis.

· A review of the EPA's RACT/BACT/LAER Clearinghouse is required for the LAER evaluation.

Tab Title: Offsets

Tab Content:

· In addition to establishing the required controls, a company must acquire offsets to authorize the project.

· If an owner or operator of a major source wants to release more of a criteria air pollutant, an offset (an actual reduction of the criteria air pollutant by an amount somewhat greater than the planned increase) must be obtained so that permit requirements are met and the nonattainment area keeps moving toward attainment.

· An increase in a criteria air pollutant can be offset with an actual reduction of the pollutant from another emission point at the same plant or at another plant owned by the same or some other company in the nonattainment area.

· Since total pollution will continue to go down, trading offsets among companies is allowed.

· An alternative site analysis must be completed to demonstrate that the benefits of the source outweigh the environmental and social costs imposed.

· Generally, offsets impose an environmental benefit and projects result in a positive economic impact.


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