Air Quality Management - New Source Performance Standards (NSPs)

New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) are federal standards promulgated for major and minor sources on a category-category basis. NSPS are national emission standards that are progressively tightened over time to achieve a steady rate of air quality improvement without unreasonable economic disruption. The NSPS imposes uniform requirements on new and modified sources through the nation. These standards are based on the best demonstrated technology (BDT). BDT refers to the best system of continuous emissions reduction that has been demonstrated to work in a given industry, considering economic costs and other factors, such as energy use. In other words, any new source of air pollution must install the best control system currently in use within that industry.

The format of the standard can vary from source to source. It could be a numerical emission limit, a design standard, an equipment standard, or a work practice standard. Primary enforcement responsibility of the NSPS rests with EPA, but this authority can be delegated to the states. States can adopt an NSPS or impose limitations of their own, as long as the state requirements are as stringent as the federal requirements. The states have to be certain that any new source will not adversely affect their SIP. For this reason, all new sources must undergo a review process known as the New Source Review.