Begin Actual Construction in the New Source Review Preconstruction Permitting Program

Michael J Mc Ainsh opposes the proposed rule, arguing that the New Source Review process allows harmful projects to be permitted once significant investment has been made. He contends that the rule change will harm the public while allowing polluters to proceed with projects they have already funded.

Harry Whitley, a private individual, opposes the proposed rule change regarding the New Source Review Preconstruction Permitting Program. He argues that the current rule is more practical because it allows for the correction of environmental issues before construction begins, whereas the proposed change would make correcting problems more difficult once construction has started.

Jennifer Buchi expresses opposition to the proposed policy change that would end air quality permitting requirements prior to new construction. She argues that construction projects should be required to prove they will not harm public health before work begins, rather than being allowed to proceed once significant investment has been made.

A private individual named Jessica is requesting that construction not be allowed to begin before the permitting process is complete. She argues that U.S. citizens have a right to be informed about the potential health and environmental impacts of projects.

Courtney Hutchison argues that the proposed permitting program allows data centers to begin construction before obtaining necessary permits for pollution-causing components. The commenter advocates for a "permits first" approach, requiring all environmental studies and permits to be completed before any construction begins.

Ron and Susan Munson oppose the proposal to allow construction to begin before full compliance with air quality standards is ensured. They argue that the EPA must strictly enforce existing regulations to protect human health and the environment from political or economic interests.

Taylor Penrod, a resident of Salt Lake City, opposes the proposed rule because it would allow gas plants and data centers to begin construction without air permits. The commenter argues that this action will harm air quality and exacerbate water shortages in Northern Utah.

Andrew Hutcheson, an individual, opposes the proposed rule allowing data centers to begin construction without air permits. He argues that the proposal compromises public health and environmental protection under the guise of national security.

Tallgrass Energy supports the EPA's proposed revisions to the New Source Review (NSR) preconstruction permitting regulations, noting they provide necessary regulatory clarity. The company argues for further expansions to the exclusion list, specifically requesting that equipment storage on foundations, building shells, and utility connections be explicitly exempt from "begin actual construction" restrictions to reduce project costs and timelines.

American Electric Power Company, Inc. (AEP), an investor-owned electric utility, supports the EPA's proposed rule to clarify the "begin actual construction" definition under the New Source Review (NSR) program. AEP argues that the rule provides necessary regulatory clarity and flexibility, and they specifically request further clarifications to ensure that non-emitting infrastructure, such as foundations and underground piping, can be constructed concurrently with the permitting process to accelerate project timelines and reduce costs.