Clean Water Current
Member Input Requested: EPA Greenhouse Gas Inventory Now Available for Public Comment
(February 18, 2021) – EPA announced the availability of the public review version of the Draft Inventory of US Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks:1990-2019 in the February 12 Federal Register. NACWA submitted comments on the Inventory in December 2020, during the expert review phase, and the Association will also submit comments during the public review phase.
The annual Inventory provides nationwide estimates for greenhouse gas emissions for different sectors and is intended to be used only for informational purposes. The wastewater treatment category in the Inventory includes publicly owned treatment works (POTWs), septic systems, and industrial wastewater treatment systems. NACWA has reviewed and commented on the POTW emissions estimates in the Inventory since 2007, recommending revisions to more accurately characterize the sector’s emissions. For first time since 2007, however, this year’s Inventory has major changes from the previous year.
NACWA is currently reviewing the draft Inventory and will provide more analysis to members after completing review. NACWA members with expertise in greenhouse gas emissions who would like to assist with the review should contact Cynthia Finley, NACWA’s Director of Regulatory Affairs.