Do the new EPA Mercury and Air Toxics Standards Apply to All Electric Utility Steam Generating Units?

• By: Staff Editor
• Date: December 20, 2011

No – the new EPA Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) specifically apply to electric utility steam generating units or EGUs that are larger than 25 megawatts (MW) that burn coal or oil for the purpose of generating electricity for sale and distribution through the national electric grid to the public. These EGUs include those providing electricity for commercial, industrial and residential uses owned by:

• Investors
• The Federal Government
• Municipalities
• Cooperatives

The EPA estimates that around 1,400 units at 600 power plants will be affected by these standards, i.e.:

• Approx. 1,100 existing coal-fired units
• 300 oil fired units

Read a summary and overview of the requirements of the new MATS issued by the EPA.