The Good Neighbor Plan is part of the EPA’s initiative to reduce cross-state air pollution, particularly nitrogen oxide (NOₓ) emissions from industrial sources. This plan enforces stricter NOₓ emission limits on industries such as:
- Natural gas pipelines
- Cement manufacturing
- Steel production
- Glass manufacturing
- Chemical processing
By reducing harmful emissions at the source, the plan helps downwind states meet national air quality standards for ozone pollution, improving public health and environmental conditions.
The Good Neighbor Plan specifically targets high-emitting equipment and large boilers, setting stringent limits to drive cleaner operations and compliance with evolving regulations.
For industrial facilities, understanding these changes is critical to ensuring compliance and avoiding penalties. Stay ahead by evaluating your current emissions and implementing necessary upgrades.
Summary of Proposed NOX Emissions Limits for High-Emitting Equipment and Large Boilers in Basic Chemical Manufacturing, Petroleum and Coal Products Manufacturing, and Pulp, Paper, and Paperboard Mills
| Unit Type | Proposed Emissions limit (lbs NOX/Dry standard cubic feet per million Btu [mmBtu]) |
| Coal | 0.20 lb/mmBtu |
| Distillate Oil | 0.20 lb/mmBtu |
| Disstillate Oil | 0.12 lb/mmBtu |
| Natural Gas | 0.08 lb/mmBtu |
Summary of Proposed NOX Emissions Limits for Pipeline Transportation of Natural Gas
| Engine Type and Fuel | Proposed NOX Emission Limit (grams per horsepower per hour) |
| Natural Gas Fired Four Stroke Rich Burn | 1.0 g/hp-hr |
| Natural Gas Fired Four Stroke Lean Burn | 1.5 g/hp-hr |
| Natural Gas Fired Two Stroke Lean Burn | 3.0 g/hp-hr |
Summary of Proposed NOX Emissions Limits for Kiln Types in Cement and Concrete Product Manufacturing
| Kiln Type | Proposed NOX Emissions Limit (lb/ton of clinker) |
| Long Wet | 4.0 lb/ton |
| Long Dry | 3.0 lb/ton |
| Preheater | 3.8 lb/ton |
| Precalciner | 2.3 lb/ton |
| Preheater/Precalciner | 2.8 lb/ton |
Summary of Proposed NOX Emissions Limits for Iron and Steel and Ferroalloy Emissions Units
| Emissions Unit | Proposed NOX Emissions Standard or Requirement (lbs/hour or pound per million British Thermal Units [lb/mmBtu]) |
| Blast Furnace | 0.03 lb/mmBtu |
| Basic Oxygen Furnace | 0.07 lb/ton |
| Electric Arc Furnace | 0.15 lb/ton steel |
| Ladle/tundish Preheaters | 0.06 lb/mmBtu |
| Reheat furnace | 0.05 lb/mmBtu |
| Annealing Furnace | 0.06 lb/mmBtu |
| Vacuum Degasser | 0.03 lb/mmBtu |
| Ladle Metallurgy Furnace | 0.1 lb/ton |
| Taconite production kilns | Work practice standard to install low NOX technology/burners, test and set |
| Coke ovens (charging and coking) | 0.6 lb/ton of coal charged |
| Coke ovens (pushing) | 0.015 lb/ton of coal pushed |
| Boilers – Coal | 0.20 lb/mmBtu |
| Boilers – Residual oil | 0.20 lb/mmBtu |
| Boilers – Distillate oil | 0.12 lb/mmBtu |
| Boilers – Natural gas | 0.08 lb/mmBtu |
Summary of Proposed NOX Emissions Limits for Furnace Unit Types in Glass and Glass Product Manufacturing
| Furnace | Proposed NOX Emissions Limit (lb/ton of glass produced) |
| Container Glass Manufacturing Furnace | 4.0 lb/ton |
| Pressed/Brown Glass Manufacturing Furnace or Fiberglass Manufacturing Furnace | 4.0 lb/ton |
| Flat Glass Manufacturing Furnace | 9.2 lb/ton |
R.F. MacDonald can help you navigate NOx compliance at your facility, contact us today!
Additional Resources:
California Good Neighbor State Implementation Plan – 2024 Revision for the 0.070 Parts Per Million Federal 8-Hour Ozone Standards.
