A Breath of Fresh Air: Reviving the New Source Review Program

With this report, the Academy fulfilled its charge from the U.S. Congress to conduct an independent management evaluation of the Clean Air Act’s New Source Review (NSR) program. The NSR was a critical tool enacted by Congress 25 years ago to protect public health and improve the nation’s air quality. But, as applied to existing facilities, NSR did not work as Congress had intended.

The Academy Panel reviewed how the NSR program is managed, why it has generated so much debate in recent years, and how the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the states have shared their implementation roles. The Panel heard from regulated industries, state regulators, and environmental groups concerning parts of the program that work well and others that need improvement. These stakeholders were candid in their views of EPA regulations, policies, and guidance and how they are achieving Congress' intent.