Combined Air Emissions Reporting
Introduction
The Combined Air Emissions Reporting (CAER) project seeks to streamline multiple emissions reporting processes. Currently, air emissions information is collected by the EPA and state, local or tribal air agencies through numerous separate regulations, in a variety of formats, according to different reporting schedules, and using multiple routes of data transfer. In the proposed future state, the CAER project is expected to reduce the cost to industry and government for providing and managing important environmental data and to improve decision-making capacity through more timely availability of data.
The goals of this project are as follows:
- Reduce industry burden for point source reporting;
- Improve timeliness and transparency of data;
- Create consistent information across air emissions programs;
- Improve data quality;
- Improve accessibility and usability of data; and
- Support more timely decision-making.
For more information about the CAER project click on the following link:
Webinars
Over time, our team has offered a number of webinars about the CAER project.
Frequently Asked Questions
Combined Air Emissions Reporting System (CAERS)
CAERS is up and running, and continues to be developed in Agile fashion. The ultimate goal is for CAERS to share data with other federal and SLT programs where applicable. It is already being used by several State, Local, and Tribal Authorities. Thanks to the hard work of our pilot state of Georgia, through their staff at the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, our CAER System is now able to assist facilities in reporting their criteria and toxics air emissions data. Our newest onboarded SLTs have also contributed with feedback that is making CAERS a better system for our users.
Resources for Industry Reporters: Preparers and Certifiers
Industry reporters (preparers and certifiers) can access the most recent CAERS user guide and training materials here.
Resources for State, Local, Tribal Authorities
SLTs interested in learning more about CAERS and understanding how they might join, can access materials related to joining CAERS here - forthcoming.
Combined Air Emissions Reporting Projects
Individual CAER projects were conducted to gather State, Local, Tribal Authority and Federal requirements, starting in 2016. Additional Product Design Team (PDT) Research and Development (R&D) projects began in parallel. These projects have been coordinated to iteratively move toward the proposed future state while checking in with stakeholders along the way.
The following links will take you to see work on requirements gathering that our teams have already done.
Short Term Wins
Our Short Term Wins were projects conducted early on in the life of the CAER project, where the results of the work could have immediate benefits and applications.
Product Design Team
Our PDT R&D projects were conducted with the goal of incorporating requirements and findings into CAERS (previously know as the "Common Emissions Form"). While much work has been completed, PDT R&D projects are still ongoing.