EPA builds a strong clean – energy economy in Texas
$1.4 billion in economic development and over 1500 construction jobs
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently issued a final greenhouse gas (GHG) Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) construction permit for the Enterprise Products Operating facility in Mont Belvieu, Texas, near Houston. The permit allows the company to build a propane dehydrogenation unit with catalytic reactors, heaters, and gas turbines that maximize thermal efficiency.
“We continue to work with Texas’ businesses to take action on reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” said EPA Regional Administrator Ron Curry. “We are pleased to see companies making a positive difference to reduce environmental impacts on our climate and create jobs.”
The project will use catalytic reactors to convert propane into propylene and hydrogen. The project is also expected to produce over 1.6 billion pounds of propylene a year.
In June 2010, EPA finalized national GHG regulations, which specify that beginning on January 2, 2011, projects that increase GHG emissions substantially will require an air permit.
EPA believes states are best equipped to run GHG air permitting programs. Texas is working to replace a federal implementation plan with its own state program, which will eliminate the need for businesses to seek air permits from EPA. This action will increase efficiency and allow for industry to continue to grow in Texas.
EPA has finalized 35 GHG permits in Texas, proposed an additional 9 permits, and currently has over
30 additional GHG permit applications under development in Texas.
