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EPA Finalizes Greenhouse Gas Permit for Indeck Wharton Energy $301 Million in economic development and creation of jobs

Release Date: 05/14/2014
Contact Information: Joe Hubbard or Jennah Durant at 214-665-2200 or r6press@epa.gov

DALLAS – (May 13, 2014) Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a final greenhouse gas (GHG) Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) construction permit for the Indeck Wharton Energy Center in Danevang, Texas, southwest of Houston. The project proposes to construct a 650 megawatt natural gas-fired turbine and associated equipment.

"Businesses have an important role in our efforts to reduce emissions and carbon pollution,” said EPA Regional Administrator Ron Curry. “It's everyone's job to protect the environment and bring solutions that benefit communities. Environmental protection and economic growth can both be accomplished when we work together.”

The project will use three turbines, an emergency diesel generator, a gas pipeline heater, a firewater pump engine and, circuit breakers. The projected cost for the project is $301 million.

In June 2010, EPA finalized national GHG regulations, which specify that beginning on January 2, 2011, projects that increase GHG emissions substantially will require an air permit.

EPA believes states are best equipped to run GHG air permitting programs. Texas is working to replace a federal implementation plan with its own state program, which will eliminate the need for businesses to seek air permits from EPA. This action will increase efficiency and allow for industry to continue to grow in Texas.

EPA has finalized 37 GHG permits in Texas, proposed an additional 10 permits, and currently has over
28 additional GHG permit applications under development in Texas.

For all of the latest information on GHG permits in Texas please visit: https://yosemite.epa.gov/r6/Apermit.nsf/AirP

This month EPA is raising awareness and focusing efforts to improve the lives of children and families with asthma. Asthma is a serious, sometimes life-threatening chronic respiratory disease that affects the quality of life for millions of Americans, disproportionately in low income and minority families. More information on efforts to combat asthma disparities: https://www.epa.gov/childrenstaskforce/index.html

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Activities in EPA Region 6: https://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/region6.htm