§7651n Clean coal technology regulatory incentives

Summary

Lets certain coal demonstration projects change how a plant looks or runs without triggering some Clean Air Act requirements. If an existing plant makes changes only to install, run, stop, or remove a clean coal technology demonstration project, the project can be exempt from the rules in section 7411 and parts C and D so long as it follows the State implementation plan and keeps air quality standards. Temporary projects that run five years or less and meet those plans are not covered by those rules. Permanent projects that repower a unit are also not covered for any pollutant whose emissions do not increase. The federal government will pay at least 20% of qualifying demo projects and such projects include up to $2,500,000,000 in DOE “Clean Coal Technology” funding or similar EPA-funded projects. The EPA had to issue rules within 12 months after November 15, 1990. Restarting a coal unit that was shut down for two years before November 15, 1990 is treated the same if it already had strong pollution controls (85% SO2 removal, 98% particulate removal), has low-NOx burners, and otherwise meets the law. Definitions: clean coal technology — a method used before, during, or after burning coal that greatly cuts SO2 or NOx and was not widely used by November 15, 1990. clean coal technology demonstration project — a project paid under the DOE “Clean Coal Technology” account or similar EPA funding to show the technology works in commercial use.