Though the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is getting tough on lowering greenhouse gas emissions, small businesses may be reprieved from potential new regulations. 

The proposed EPA greenhouse gas rule would require large industrial facilities– those emitting 25,000 tons or more of greenhouse gases per year– to reduce 6 greenhouse gases by utilizing new technology and increasing energy efficiency at their facilities.   The EPA estimates that such large operations are responsible for 70% of greenhouse gas emissions. 

What does this mean for small business?

Essentially, it buys time.  Considering the path being pursued towards greening industry and business, small business regulations on greenhouse gas emissions and energy usage are likely not far off.  With the reprieve, small businesses are afforded the opportunity to observe how larger industries adapt, which technologies and improvements render the most effective results, and how greenhouse gases can be reduced in a cost-effective way.  Then, as emission laws continue to evolve, small businesses can incorporate best practices into their own operations, staying one step ahead of the greenhouse gas curve.

The EPA’s new greenhouse gas rule is anticipated to go into effect in Spring 2010.

 

Related Resources:

  • EPA to exempt small business from greenhouse rule (Reuters)
  • EPA moves to regulate smokestack greenhouse gases (Associated Press)
  • EPA Moves to Curtail Greenhouse Gas Emissions (New York Times)
  • EPA Proposes National Greenhouse Gas Emission Registry (FindLaw’s Common Law)

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