Publications - MEPA finalizes GHG policy - Susan A. Bernstein, Attorney at Law

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MEPA finalizes GHG policy

The Mass. Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) office has finalized its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions policy (the "Policy") effective May 5, 2010. The Policy applies to all new projects that require an Environmental Notification Form (ENF), an Environmental Impact Review (EIR), any waivers from the filing of an EIR, and some Notices of Project Change (NPC), if the Secretary determines the Policy should apply. The Policy, which requires proponents to quantify the sources of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to be generated and identify measures to avoid, minimize or mitigate such emissions, focuses on direct and indirect mobile and stationary source emissions associated primarily with energy consumption, vehicle trip generation, and consumption of water or waterwater generation. While carbon dioxide (COÂ²) is the primary GHG of concern in the Policy, other GHG emissions may also be required to be reviewed, such as: methane emissions from landfills and waste water treatment plants, hydro and perfluorocarbon emissions from manufacturing, servicing and disposal of refrigeration and air conditions equipment and other GHGs emitted from chemical and manufacturing processes. In limited situations, proponents willing to commit in advance to the provision of exceptional GHG-reduction measures may opt-out of the required quantification analysis. Such projects might include: a wind farm or large-scale solar installation where the project consists solely of the generation of renewable energy Projects that will not have any impact on GHG emissions, such as waterways dredging projects, may not have to meet these requirements, as specified in the Policy's de minimis exemption section.

Susan A. Bernstein, Attorney at Law, concentrating in environmental, land use, real estate law; permitting and zoning matters. Attorney Bernstein serves clients throughout Massachusetts with an office located in Needham, MA. (more)

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SUSAN A. BERNSTEIN, Attorney at Law Environmental, Real Estate, Land Use Law	200 Highland Avenue, Suite 306 Needham, MA 02494-3035 Tel: 781-290-5858 Fax: 781-247-4266 email: susan@sabernlaw.com
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Publications MEPA finalizes GHG policy The Mass. Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) office has finalized its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions policy (the "Policy") effective May 5, 2010. The Policy applies to all new projects that require an Environmental Notification Form (ENF), an Environmental Impact Review (EIR), any waivers from the filing of an EIR, and some Notices of Project Change (NPC), if the Secretary determines the Policy should apply. The Policy, which requires proponents to quantify the sources of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to be generated and identify measures to avoid, minimize or mitigate such emissions, focuses on direct and indirect mobile and stationary source emissions associated primarily with energy consumption, vehicle trip generation, and consumption of water or waterwater generation. While carbon dioxide (COÂ²) is the primary GHG of concern in the Policy, other GHG emissions may also be required to be reviewed, such as: methane emissions from landfills and waste water treatment plants, hydro and perfluorocarbon emissions from manufacturing, servicing and disposal of refrigeration and air conditions equipment and other GHGs emitted from chemical and manufacturing processes. In limited situations, proponents willing to commit in advance to the provision of exceptional GHG-reduction measures may opt-out of the required quantification analysis. Such projects might include: a wind farm or large-scale solar installation where the project consists solely of the generation of renewable energy Projects that will not have any impact on GHG emissions, such as waterways dredging projects, may not have to meet these requirements, as specified in the Policy's de minimis exemption section. Susan A. Bernstein, Attorney at Law, concentrating in environmental, land use, real estate law; permitting and zoning matters. Attorney Bernstein serves clients throughout Massachusetts with an office located in Needham, MA. (more) Go to Publication Source Page	Highlights C. 21E and CERCLA Hazardous Waste Environmental Due Diligence Waterfront Permitting Wetlands and c. 91 Zoning and Planning Boards Condominium Formation DEP Negotiations Board of Health Land Use
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