Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a final greenhouse gas (GHG) Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) construction permit for the Indeck Wharton Energy Center in Danevang, Texas, southwest of Houston. The project proposes to construct a 650 megawatt natural gas-fired turbine and associated equipment.
"Businesses have an important role in our efforts to reduce emissions and carbon pollution," said EPA Regional Administrator Ron Curry. "It's everyone's job to protect the environment and bring solutions that benefit communities. Environmental protection and economic growth can both be accomplished when we work together."
The project will use three turbines, an emergency diesel generator, a gas pipeline heater, a firewater pump engine and, circuit breakers. The projected cost for the project is $301 million.
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 37 GHG permits in Texas, proposed an additional 10 permits, and currently has over
28 additional GHG permit applications under development in Texas.
