Oregon Adopts Greenhouse Gas Rules

The proposed greenhouse gas (GHG) rule-making package developed by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) was adopted by unanimous decision of the Oregon Environmental Quality Commission on October 23, 2008. The rule-making requires that the entities with a Title V Operating Permit or specified Air Contaminant Discharge Permit emitting at least 2,500 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e) annually register and report GHG emissions to DEQ beginning in 2010 (see Table 1 in the Oregon Administrative Rules [OAR 340-215-0010].

The adopted rules also require phased reporting for wastewater treatment facilities, landfills, and electricity generating units, and electricity and natural gas transmission and distribution facilities. These entities will also be subject to the 2,500 metric ton threshold limit and will begin reporting in 2011 if adequate inventory protocols are available.