What does LAER stand for and when is it required under NSR?

What does LAER stand for and when is it required under NSR?

• A. Lowest Achievable Emission Rate; required for major new or modified sources in nonattainment areas as part of NSR.
• B. Leading Atmospheric Emission Reduction; required for all facilities.
• C. Last Achievable Emission Regulation; optional.
• D. Local Air Emission Reduction; for minor sources.

Answer: (A)

LAER stands for the lowest achievable emission rate. It is the most stringent emission standard used under the New Source Review (NSR) program for new or modified major sources located in nonattainment areas. The idea is to ensure that new construction or major changes do not keep the area in a nonattainment state by requiring the emission rate to be as low as technically feasible, considering energy, environmental impacts, and costs. In areas that are in attainment or unclassified, NSR uses a different standard called BACT, which is less stringent than LAER. Minor sources generally don’t trigger NSR, so LAER wouldn’t apply to them.

LAER stands for the lowest achievable emission rate. It is the most stringent emission standard used under the New Source Review (NSR) program for new or modified major sources located in nonattainment areas. The idea is to ensure that new construction or major changes do not keep the area in a nonattainment state by requiring the emission rate to be as low as technically feasible, considering energy, environmental impacts, and costs. In areas that are in attainment or unclassified, NSR uses a different standard called BACT, which is less stringent than LAER. Minor sources generally don’t trigger NSR, so LAER wouldn’t apply to them.