U.S. Department of Energy - Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Distributed Energy Program

Environmental Regulations

Distributed generating facilities are governed by a wide variety of environmental regulations that cover air emissions, noise, discharge of surface pollutants, and siting. Some of these regulations originate at the federal level, others at the state level, and some are local ordinances.

Pursue the following links for more information.

Related Links

The Impact of Air Quality Regulations on Distributed Generation — This October 2002 report finds that current air quality regulatory practices are inhibiting the development of distributed generation (DG) through a failure to recognize the environmental benefits offered by DG or by imposing requirements designed for larger systems that are not appropriate to DG systems. (PDF 2.3 MB) Download Acrobat Reader.
EPA's Environmental Technology Verification Program certifies the energy production, efficiency, and emissions characteristics of distributed generators as part of its greenhouse gas technology center.
E-GRID — A comprehensive database of the environmental characteristics of all electric power generated in the United States, including air pollutant emissions and resource mix for individual power plants, generating companies, states, and regions of the power grid.
Air Pollution Emission Impacts Associated with Economic Market Potential of Distributed Generation in California — A report by Distributed Utility Associates on air emission impacts of distributed generation.
Link between clean air and clean energy policies — Proposed major changes in air regulations will affect power plants and their emissions. The Northeast Midwest Institute provides this overview of EPA's New Source Review and pending multipollutant legislation, including the impact distributed generation can have on multipollutant reduction strategies.
Mercury and power plants — Information from the Northeast Midwest Institute on mercury legislation and control technologies.
Renewable Energy and Distributed Generation Guidebook — Published by the Massachusetts Division of Energy Resources. An excellent guidebook with information pertinent to developers of distributed generation in other states. Parts of this guidebook were adapted for use in this section of the DER Web site. (PDF 228 KB) Download Acrobat Reader.