The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released new guidance aimed at clarifying how the agency reviews Clean Air Act (CAA) Title V permits, with the objective of making the approval process faster and more efficient (US EPA press release, 11/05/2026).
Under Title V of the CAA, all air pollution obligations applicable to major industrial sources must be compiled into a single federally enforceable operating permit. These permits establish emission limits and define operational requirements for facilities such as refineries, aluminum smelters, and other industrial plants. In general, they must be renewed every five years.
This measure is expected to accelerate the permitting timeline for large industrial installations, including power plants, seeking authorization under the CAA. As a result, the EPA could complete its review in less than 45 days (Reuters, 11/05/2026).
“The guidance clarifies that state, local, and Tribal permitting authorities may submit title V permit applications to EPA before opening the public comment periods, then conduct public comments concurrently with EPA’s review. This preserves public participation and is particularly effective when the permitting authority does not anticipate adverse comment on the draft permit. The guidance also affirms that the CAA does not require a full 45-day review by EPA”, said the press release.
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