EPA Sets Tougher Emissions Standards for Residential Wood Heaters

The Environmental Protection Agency is revising its Standards for Performance for New Residential Wood Heaters, in a final rule that takes effect May 15 (here). The amended regulations tighten emissions standards for wood heaters, eliminate exemptions “over a broad suite” of residential wood combustion devices, “strengthen” test methods, and “streamline” the certification process, it said. EPA is also adding a new subpart to its regulations for New Residential Hydronic Heaters and Forced-Air Furnaces. Tougher emission standards will be phased in over two stages, in 2015 and in 2020.