EPA Proposes Stricter Nitrogen Oxide Rules for New Combustion Turbines

The EPA is proposing stricter NOx emission limits for stationary combustion turbines to reduce harmful pollution and protect public health.

• By Robert Yaniz Jr.
• Nov 27, 2024

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released a proposal to strengthen nitrogen oxide (NOx) emission limits for new, modified and reconstructed stationary combustion turbines. 

According to a recent release, the updated standards focus on using selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology and combustion controls to minimize emissions, aiming to reduce air pollution in communities near industrial and power facilities. The EPA estimates the changes could cut NOx emissions by 2,659 tons by 2032, generating net benefits up to $340 million.

“This proposal ensures that new turbines at power plants or industrial facilities will minimize emissions of harmful, smog-forming nitrogen oxides,” EPA Assistant Administrator for Air and Radiation Joseph Goffman said in a statement. “These stronger standards are necessary to better protect nearby communities’ health, and the power sector has already shown that the additional pollution controls can affordably and reliably do the job.”

Nitrogen oxides are known contributors to respiratory issues, including asthma, and form harmful pollutants like ozone and fine particulate matter. Vulnerable groups—such as children, the elderly and those with preexisting health conditions—are particularly at risk.

The proposed rules also address hydrogen-fueled turbines, requiring similar NOx control measures as natural gas turbines. Adjustments to size-based categories would refine standards based on turbine designs and capacity factors, tailoring requirements for large, medium and small turbines operating at different load levels.

The EPA noted that smaller and low-capacity turbines might not adopt SCR technology due to cost concerns. In such cases, the rules would rely on combustion controls alone. The agency will accept public comments for 90 days following publication in the Federal Register. More information on the proposal is available on the EPA website.