Title 42, The Public Health and WelfareRelease 119-110
§7420 Noncompliance Penalty
Title 42 › CHAPTER 85 — AIR POLLUTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL › SUBCHAPTER I — PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES › Part A — Air Quality and Emission Limitations › § 7420
Summary
Requires the EPA Administrator to make rules within six months after August 7, 1977 to charge money penalties to owners or operators of big or other stationary pollution sources that do not meet required limits. States can run the program if the Administrator approves their plan. If a State has no plan or does not act, the Administrator will assess and collect the penalty. The law requires a short notice of noncompliance to the owner by July 1, 1979 or within 30 days after finding the violation, whichever is later. After that notice, the owner must either submit a penalty calculation and a quarterly payment schedule with verification within 45 days, or file a petition within 45 days to challenge the notice or ask for an exemption. The Administrator must hold a hearing and decide within 90 days. The Administrator can review and disapprove a State decision within 60 days. Penalties go to the U.S. Treasury or to the State, as appropriate. The penalty equals the economic value to the owner of delaying compliance after July 1, 1979, including the quarterly equivalent of capital costs (amortized over not more than ten years), lost operation and maintenance savings, and other economic gains from the delay, minus any quarterly expenditures the owner actually made to achieve compliance. Penalties are paid in equal quarterly installments; the first payment is due six months after the notice or on January 1, 1980, whichever is later. The “period of covered noncompliance” begins either two years after August 7, 1977 for notices issued on or before that date, or on the date of a notice issued after July 1, 1979, and ends when the source comes into compliance. When a source comes into compliance, the State or Administrator must review actual costs and, within 180 days, refund any overpayment with interest or collect any underpayment with interest. A 20 percent quarterly penalty applies to unpaid amounts. The Administrator may exempt very minor, short violations after a hearing. Owners may also be exempt if their failure to comply is solely for certain listed reasons (fuel conversion orders, fuel-use prohibitions under specified orders, approved innovative technology orders, orders allowing delay for reasons beyond the owner’s control, or temporary emergency suspensions). For any new, stricter limits issued after August 7, 1977, the penalty date is July 1, 1979 or the source’s required compliance date, whichever is later, but no later than three years after the new limit is approved.
Full Legal Text
Title 42, §7420
The Public Health and Welfare, Source: USLM XML via OLRC
(a)Assessment and collection
(1)(A)Not later than 6 months after August 7, 1977, and after notice and opportunity for a public hearing, the Administrator shall promulgate regulations requiring the assessment and collection of a noncompliance penalty against persons referred to in paragraph (2)(A).
(B)(i)Each State may develop and submit to the Administrator a plan for carrying out this section in such State. If the Administrator finds that the State plan meets the requirements of this section, he may delegate to such State any authority he has to carry out this section.
(ii)Notwithstanding a delegation to a State under clause (i), the Administrator may carry out this section in such State under the circumstances described in subsection (b)(2)(B).
(2)(A)Except as provided in subparagraph (B) or (C) of this paragraph, the State or the Administrator shall assess and collect a noncompliance penalty against every person who owns or operates—
(i)a major stationary source (other than a primary nonferrous smelter which has received a primary nonferrous smelter order under section 7419 of this title), which is not in compliance with any emission limitation, emission standard or compliance schedule under any applicable implementation plan (whether or not such source is subject to a Federal or State consent decree), or
(ii)a stationary source which is not in compliance with an emission limitation, emission standard, standard of performance, or other requirement established under section 7411, 7477, 7603, or 7412 of this title, or
(iii)a stationary source which is not in compliance with any requirement of subchapter IV–A, V, or VI of this chapter, or
(iv)any source referred to in clause (i), (ii), or (iii) (for which an extension, order, or suspension referred to in subparagraph (B), or Federal or State consent decree is in effect), or a primary nonferrous smelter which has received a primary nonferrous smelter order under section 7419 of this title which is not in compliance with any interim emission control requirement or schedule of compliance under such extension, order, suspension, or consent decree.
For purposes of subsection (d)(2), in the case of a penalty assessed with respect to a source referred to in clause (iii) of this subparagraph, the costs referred to in such subsection (d)(2) shall be the economic value of noncompliance with the interim emission control requirement or the remaining steps in the schedule of compliance referred to in such clause.
(B)Notwithstanding the requirements of subparagraph (A)(i) and (ii), the owner or operator of any source shall be exempted from the duty to pay a noncompliance penalty under such requirements with respect to that source if, in accordance with the procedures in subsection (b)(5), the owner or operator demonstrates that the failure of such source to comply with any such requirement is due solely to—
(i)a conversion by such source from the burning of petroleum products or natural gas, or both, as the permanent primary energy source to the burning of coal pursuant to an order under section 7413(d)(5) of this title or section 1857c–10 of this title (as in effect before August 7, 1977);
(ii)in the case of a coal-burning source granted an extension under the second sentence of section 1857c–10(c)(1) 1 of this title (as in effect before August 7, 1977), a prohibition from using petroleum products or natural gas or both, by reason of an order under the provisions of section 792(a) and (b) of title 15 or under any legislation which amends or supersedes such provisions;
(iii)the use of innovative technology sanctioned by an enforcement order under section 7413(d)(4) 1 of this title;
(iv)an inability to comply with any such requirement, for which inability the source has received an order under section 7413(d) 1 of this title (or an order under section 7413 of this title issued before August 7, 1977) which has the effect of permitting a delay or violation of any requirement of this chapter (including a requirement of an applicable implementation plan) which inability results from reasons entirely beyond the control of the owner or operator of such source or of any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the owner or operator of such source; or
(v)the conditions by reason of which a temporary emergency suspension is authorized under section 7410(f) or (g) of this title.
An exemption under this subparagraph shall cease to be effective if the source fails to comply with the interim emission control requirements or schedules of compliance (including increments of progress) under any such extension, order, or suspension.
(C)The Administrator may, after notice and opportunity for public hearing, exempt any source from the requirements of this section with respect to a particular instance of noncompliance if he finds that such instance of noncompliance is de minimis in nature and in duration.
(b)Regulations
Regulations under subsection (a) shall—
(1)permit the assessment and collection of such penalty by the State if the State has a delegation of authority in effect under subsection (a)(1)(B)(i) of this section;
(2)provide for the assessment and collection of such penalty by the Administrator, if—
(A)the State does not have a delegation of authority in effect under subsection (a)(1)(B)(i), or
(B)the State has such a delegation in effect but fails with respect to any particular person or source to assess or collect the penalty in accordance with the requirements of this section;
(3)require the States, or in the event the States fail to do so, the Administrator, to give a brief but reasonably specific notice of noncompliance under this section to each person referred to in subsection (a)(2)(A) with respect to each source owned or operated by such person which is not in compliance as provided in such subsection, not later than July 1, 1979, or thirty days after the discovery of such noncompliance, whichever is later;
(4)require each person to whom notice is given under paragraph (3) to—
(A)calculate the amount of the penalty owed (determined in accordance with subsection (d)(2)) and the schedule of payments (determined in accordance with subsection (d)(3)) for each such source and, within forty-five days after the issuance of such notice or after the denial of a petition under subparagraph (B), to submit that calculation and proposed schedule, together with the information necessary for an independent verification thereof, to the State and to the Administrator, or
(B)submit a petition, within forty–five days after the issuance of such notice, challenging such notice of noncompliance or alleging entitlement to an exemption under subsection (a)(2)(B) with respect to a particular source;
(5)require the Administrator to provide a hearing on the record (within the meaning of subchapter II of chapter 5 of title 5) and to make a decision on such petition (including findings of fact and conclusions of law) not later than ninety days after the receipt of any petition under paragraph (4)(B), unless the State agrees to provide a hearing which is substantially similar to such a hearing on the record and to make a decision on such petition (including such findings and conclusions) within such ninety-day period;
(6)(A)authorize the Administrator on his own initiative to review the decision of the State under paragraph (5) and disapprove it if it is not in accordance with the requirements of this section, and (B) require the Administrator to do so not later than sixty days after receipt of a petition under this subparagraph, notice, and public hearing and a showing by such petitioner that the State decision under paragraph (5) is not in accordance with the requirements of this section;
(7)require payment, in accordance with subsection (d), of the penalty by each person to whom notice of noncompliance is given under paragraph (3) with respect to each noncomplying source for which such notice is given unless there has been a final determination granting a petition under paragraph (4)(B) with respect to such source;
(8)authorize the State or the Administrator to adjust (and from time to time to readjust) the amount of the penalty assessment calculated or the payment schedule proposed by such owner or operator under paragraph (4), if the Administrator finds after notice and opportunity for a hearing on the record that the penalty or schedule does not meet the requirements of this section; and
(9)require a final adjustment of the penalty within 180 days after such source comes into compliance in accordance with subsection (d)(4).
In any case in which the State establishes a noncompliance penalty under this section, the State shall provide notice thereof to the Administrator. A noncompliance penalty established by a State under this section shall apply unless the Administrator, within ninety days after the date of receipt of notice of the State penalty assessment under this section, objects in writing to the amount of the penalty as less than would be required to comply with guidelines established by the Administrator. If the Administrator objects, he shall immediately establish a substitute noncompliance penalty applicable to such source.
(c)Contract to assist in determining amount of penalty assessment or payment schedule
If the owner or operator of any stationary source to whom a notice is issued under subsection (b)(3)—
(1)does not submit a timely petition under subsection (b)(4)(B), or
(2)submits a petition under subsection (b)(4)(B) which is denied, and
fails to submit a calculation of the penalty assessment, a schedule for payment, and the information necessary for independent verification thereof, the State (or the Administrator, as the case may be) may enter into a contract with any person who has no financial interest in the owner or operator of the source (or in any person controlling, controlled by or under common control with such source) to assist in determining the amount of the penalty assessment or payment schedule with respect to such source. The cost of carrying out such contract may be added to the penalty to be assessed against the owner or operator of such source.
(d)Payment
(1)All penalties assessed by the Administrator under this section shall be paid to the United States Treasury. All penalties assessed by the State under this section shall be paid to such State.
(2)The amount of the penalty which shall be assessed and collected with respect to any source under this section shall be equal to—
(A)the amount determined in accordance with regulations promulgated by the Administrator under subsection (a), which is no less than the economic value which a delay in compliance beyond July 1, 1979, may have for the owner of such source, including the quarterly equivalent of the capital costs of compliance and debt service over a normal amortization period, not to exceed ten years, operation and maintenance costs foregone as a result of noncompliance, and any additional economic value which such a delay may have for the owner or operator of such source, minus
(B)the amount of any expenditure made by the owner or operator of that source during any such quarter for the purpose of bringing that source into, and maintaining compliance with, such requirement, to the extent that such expenditures have not been taken into account in the calculation of the penalty under subparagraph (A).
To the extent that any expenditure under subparagraph (B) made during any quarter is not subtracted for such quarter from the costs under subparagraph (A), such expenditure may be subtracted for any subsequent quarter from such costs. In no event shall the amount paid be less than the quarterly payment minus the amount attributed to actual cost of construction.
(3)(A)The assessed penalty required under this section shall be paid in quarterly installments for the period of covered noncompliance. All quarterly payments (determined without regard to any adjustment or any subtraction under paragraph (2)(B)) after the first payment shall be equal.
(B)The first payment shall be due on the date six months after the date of issuance of the notice of noncompliance under subsection (b)(3) with respect to any source or on January 1, 1980, whichever is later. Such first payment shall be in the amount of the quarterly installment for the upcoming quarter, plus the amount owed for any preceding period within the period of covered noncompliance for such source.
(C)For the purpose of this section, the term “period of covered noncompliance” means the period which begins—
(i)two years after August 7, 1977, in the case of a source for which notice of noncompliance under subsection (b)(3) is issued on or before the date two years after August 7, 1977, or
(ii)on the date of issuance of the notice of noncompliance under subsection (b)(3), in the case of a source for which such notice is issued after July 1, 1979,
and ending on the date on which such source comes into (or for the purpose of establishing the schedule of payments, is estimated to come into) compliance with such requirement.
(4)Upon making a determination that a source with respect to which a penalty has been paid under this section is in compliance and is maintaining compliance with the applicable requirement, the State (or the Administrator as the case may be) shall review the actual expenditures made by the owner or operator of such source for the purpose of attaining and maintaining compliance, and shall within 180 days after such source comes into compliance—
(A)provide reimbursement with interest (to be paid by the State or Secretary of the Treasury, as the case may be) at appropriate prevailing rates (as determined by the Secretary of the Treasury) for any overpayment by such person, or
(B)assess and collect an additional payment with interest at appropriate prevailing rates (as determined by the Secretary of the Treasury) for any underpayment by such person.
(5)Any person who fails to pay the amount of any penalty with respect to any source under this section on a timely basis shall be required to pay in addition a quarterly nonpayment penalty for each quarter during which such failure to pay persists. Such nonpayment penalty shall be in an amount equal to 20 percent of the aggregate amount of such person’s penalties and nonpayment penalties with respect to such source which are unpaid as of the beginning of such quarter.
(e)Judicial review
Any action pursuant to this section, including any objection of the Administrator under the last sentence of subsection (b), shall be considered a final action for purposes of judicial review of any penalty under section 7607 of this title.
(f)Other orders, payments, sanctions, or requirements
Any orders, payments, sanctions, or other requirements under this section shall be in addition to any other permits, orders, payments, sanctions, or other requirements established under this chapter, and shall in no way affect any civil or criminal enforcement proceedings brought under any provision of this chapter or State or local law.
(g)More stringent emission limitations or other requirements
In the case of any emission limitation or other requirement approved or promulgated by the Administrator under this chapter after August 7, 1977, which is more stringent than the emission limitation or requirement for the source in effect prior to such approval or promulgation, if any, or where there was no emission limitation or requirement approved or promulgated before August 7, 1977, the date for imposition of the non-compliance penalty under this section, shall be either July 1, 1979, or the date on which the source is required to be in full compliance with such emission limitation or requirement, whichever is later, but in no event later than three years after the approval or promulgation of such emission limitation or requirement.
Legislative History
Notes & Related Subsidiaries
Editorial Notes
References in Text
section 7413(d) of this title, referred to in subsec. (a)(2)(B), was amended generally by Pub. L. 101–549, title VII, § 701, Nov. 15, 1990, 104 Stat. 2672, and, as so amended, no longer relates to final compliance orders. section 1857c–10 of this title (as in effect before August 7, 1977), referred to in subsec. (a)(2)(B)(i), was in the original “section 119 (as in effect before the date of the enactment of the Clean Air Act
Amendments
of 1977)”, meaning section 119 of act
July 14, 1955, ch. 360, title I, as added
June 22, 1974, Pub. L. 93–319, § 3, 88 Stat. 248, (which was classified to section 1857c–10 of this title) as in effect prior to the enactment of Pub. L. 95–95, Aug. 7, 1977, 91 Stat. 691, effective Aug. 7, 1977. section 112(b)(1) of Pub. L. 95–95 repealed section 119 of act
July 14, 1955, ch. 360, title I, as added by Pub. L. 93–319, and provided that all references to such section 119 in any subsequent enactment which supersedes Pub. L. 93–319 shall be construed to refer to section 113(d) of the Clean Air Act and to paragraph (5) thereof in particular which is classified to subsec. (d)(5) of section 7413 of this title. section 7413(d) of this title was subsequently amended generally by Pub. L. 101–549, title VII, § 701, Nov. 15, 1990, 104 Stat. 2672, and, as so amended, no longer relates to final compliance orders. section 117(b) of Pub. L. 95–95 added a new section 119 of act
July 14, 1955, which is classified to section 7419 of this title. section 1857c–10(c)(1) of this title (as in effect before
August 7, 1977), referred to in subsec. (a)(2)(B)(ii), was in the original “section 119(c)(1) (as in effect before the date of the enactment of the Clean Air Act
Amendments
of 1977).” See paragraph set out above for explanation of codification.
Amendments
1990—Subsec. (a)(2)(A). Pub. L. 101–549 inserted reference to section 7477 and 7603 of this title in cl. (ii), added cl. (iii), and redesignated former cl. (iii) as (iv) and inserted reference to cl. (iii). 1977—Subsec. (a)(2)(A). Pub. L. 95–190, § 14(a)(28), (29), in cls. (i) and (iii) inserted provisions relating to consent decrees wherever appearing. Subsec. (a)(2)(B). Pub. L. 95–190, § 14(a)(30), (31), in cl. (i) inserted reference to section 7413(d)(5) of this title, and in cls. (i) and (ii) inserted provision relating to orders in effect under section 1857c–10 of this title before Aug. 7, 1977, wherever appearing. Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 95–190, § 14(a)(34)–(36), in closing provisions inserted provisions relating to notice to the Administrator when a noncompliance penalty is established by a State, and substituted references to noncompliance for references to delayed compliance in two places, “source” for “facility”, and “receipt of notice of the State penalty assessment” for “publication of the proposed penalty”. Subsec. (b)(2)(A). Pub. L. 95–190, § 14(a)(33), substituted “(a)(1)(B)(i)” for “(e)”. Subsec. (b)(8). Pub. L. 95–190, § 14(a)(32), substituted “(4)” for “(6)”. Subsec. (d)(2)(A). Pub. L. 95–190, § 14(a)(37), inserted provisions relating to inclusion of the economic value of a delay in compliance, and substituted “such a delay” for “a delay in compliance beyond July 1, 1979,”. Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 95–190, § 14(a)(38), substituted “subsection, shall” for “subsection shall”.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date
Section effective Aug. 7, 1977, except as otherwise expressly provided, see section 406(d) of Pub. L. 95–95, set out as an
Effective Date
of 1977 Amendment note under section 7401 of this title.
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
42 U.S.C. § 7420
Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare
Last Updated
Sep 23, 2026
Release point: 119-110