New Source Review Permitting Improvement Act
Latest action (Apr 28, 2026) — , Calendar No. 542.
What it does
Congressional Research Service, Jan 3, 2025This bill modifies terminology for purposes of the New Source Review (NSR) permitting program of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
In order for a change to a stationary source to be a modification (a change to a stationary source that increases the air pollutant emissions or results in new pollutants) for purposes of the NSR permitting program, the maximum hourly emission rate achievable by such source must be higher than the maximum hourly rate achievable by such source during any hour in the 10-year period preceding the change.
A change at a stationary source is not considered to be a modification under the bill if it is designed to (1) reduce the amount of any air pollutant emitted; or (2) restore, maintain, or improve the reliability of operations at, or safety of, the source. However, such changes are not excepted if the EPA determines the increase in the maximum achievable hourly emission rate from such change would cause an adverse effect on human health or the environment.
Construction, in connection with a major emitting facility (a type of stationary source), does not include a change at such a facility that does not result in a significant emissions increase or a significant net emissions increase.
In relation to major emitting facilities in nonattainment areas, the terms modifications and modified do not include changes at such facilities that do not result in a significant emissions increase or a significant net emissions increase.
Face Value
as reported to the HouseHow much of this bill its name accounts for.
- Every bill starts at100
- Nothing counted against it: one area of law, and short enough that length doesn't register.
Face Value measures reach, not honesty. A big bill can be accurately named, and a low score is not an accusation — it means the contents reach further than any short title could describe. Count it yourself ↗ How this is worked out
Who lobbied on this
10 organizationsThese organizations told Congress, in their own quarterly disclosures, that they were lobbying on this bill.
- American Public Power Associationwanted it passed
“…Discussed support for H.R. 161, the New Source Review Permitting Improvement Act (all provisions). Discussed H.R. 1267, the PFAS Water Systems Liability Act, regarding how…” filing ↗
- American Chemistry Councilno position stated
“…H.R.161 - New Source Review Permitting Improvement…” filing ↗
- American Electric Powerno position stated
“…Act), regarding Clean Water Act effluent limitation guidelines H.R. 4776 (SPEED Act), regarding amendment to the National Environmental Policy Act H.R. 161 (New Source Review Permitting Improvement Act), regarding permitting reform PFAS and Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and…” filing ↗
- Cleveland-cliffs Inc.no position stated
“…Act, to amend the CAA to ensure regulated facilities have EPAs full implementation guidance prior to having to meet final NAAQS standards. H.R.161, the New Source Review Permitting Improvement Act, to clarify that modifications to existing facilities trigger New Source Review (NSR)…” filing ↗
- Duke Energy Corporationno position stated
“…P.L. 91-190 National Environmental Policy Act (categorical exclusions). P.L. 93-205 Endangered Species Act (migratory bird issues). H.R.161 - New Source Review Permitting Improvement Act No specific legislation: EPA regulations on Clean Air Act Section 111 d and b. Coal combustion…” filing ↗
- Edison Electric Instituteno position stated
“…H.R. 4776, SPEED Act H.R. 161, New Source Review Permitting Improvement Act H.R. 753 Fire Improvement and Reforming Exceptional Events Act (FIRE) Act H.R. 573, Studying…” filing ↗
- Firstenergy Corp.no position stated
“…H.R. 161, New Source Review Permitting Improvement Act (all…” filing ↗
- Interstate Natural Gas Association of Americano position stated
“…H.R. 1, One Big Beautiful Bill Act (provisions relating to the interstate natural gas pipeline sector). H.R. 161, H.R. 161, New Source Review (NSR) Permitting Improvement Act (provisions relating to the interstate natural gas pipeline sector). H.R. 4218,…” filing ↗
- Portland Cement Associationno position stated
“…New Source Review Permitting Act (H.R.…” filing ↗
- Xcel Energyno position stated
“H.R. 161, New Source Review Permitting Improvement…” filing ↗
Most filings say only that an organization lobbied on a bill, not which side it took — where that's the case we say so rather than guessing. Quotes are verbatim from the filing. How this is built.
Discussion
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