The question probes the understanding of Georgia’s regulatory framework for distributed generation, specifically focusing on the implications of the Georgia Power Company’s Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) and its interaction with state legislation like the Georgia Energy Fair Access Act. The correct answer hinges on the specific limitations and permissions granted to customer-owned generation under these regulations. Georgia Power’s IRP, approved by the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC), outlines the company’s plans for meeting future energy needs, including the integration of distributed energy resources (DERs). The Georgia Energy Fair Access Act, while promoting fair access to the grid, operates within the broader context of these IRPs and PSC approvals. The critical distinction lies in whether the state’s regulatory approach, as reflected in these documents, permits customer-owned generation to sell excess power back to the grid at a retail rate, or if it mandates a different compensation mechanism, such as a wholesale rate or net metering that might be capped or phased out. Understanding that Georgia has moved away from traditional net metering towards specific compensation structures for customer-owned generation, often linked to avoided costs or wholesale rates, is key. The IRP process is the mechanism through which these structures are determined and approved for major utilities like Georgia Power. Therefore, the ability of customer-owned generation to sell excess power at the retail rate is generally not permitted under current Georgia Power tariffs and PSC-approved IRPs, which instead establish specific rates for such transactions, often reflecting the avoided costs of generation and transmission that the utility would otherwise incur.

The Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) has regulatory authority over investor-owned electric utilities in Georgia. This authority includes approving base rates, which are the fundamental charges for electricity service. When a utility seeks to change its base rates, it must file a rate case with the PSC. The PSC then reviews the utility’s proposed rates, considering factors such as the utility’s cost of service, capital investments, operating expenses, and a reasonable rate of return on its invested capital. The PSC’s decision is based on evidence presented by the utility, intervenors (such as consumer advocacy groups), and PSC staff. The process is designed to balance the utility’s need to recover its costs and earn a fair return with the public interest in affordable and reliable electricity. The PSC can approve, deny, or modify the proposed rates. Other state agencies, like the Environmental Protection Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, focus on environmental regulations related to energy generation, not rate setting for investor-owned utilities. Federal agencies like the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) have jurisdiction over wholesale electricity sales and interstate transmission, but not retail rates set by state commissions for intrastate service.

The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) oversees regulations pertaining to air quality, water quality, hazardous waste, and other environmental matters. For energy facilities, particularly those involving combustion or significant water usage, compliance with Georgia’s air quality regulations, specifically those related to emissions standards and permitting, is paramount. The Clean Air Act, as implemented by Georgia through its State Implementation Plan (SIP), sets forth requirements for stationary sources of air pollution. Facilities must obtain permits that specify allowable emission limits, monitoring, recordkeeping, and reporting obligations. The Georgia EPD’s Air Protection Branch is responsible for enforcing these regulations. While other environmental statutes like the Clean Water Act are relevant for facilities with wastewater discharge, and RCRA for hazardous waste management, the most immediate and pervasive regulatory concern for many energy generation facilities, especially those using fossil fuels, revolves around air emissions and the permitting process mandated by the EPD to ensure compliance with federal and state air quality standards. The Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) regulates utility rates and service, not direct environmental compliance with emissions standards. The Georgia Forestry Commission focuses on forest management and fire prevention.

The Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) has broad authority over the regulation of public utilities, including electric power generation and transmission within the state. This authority is primarily derived from Georgia law, particularly the Georgia Electrical Performance Standards Act (O.C.G.A. § 46-3-1 et seq.) and the Georgia Public Service Commission Act (O.C.G.A. § 46-2-1 et seq.). The PSC is responsible for ensuring that utilities provide safe, reliable, and environmentally responsible service at reasonable rates. This includes approving utility integrated resource plans (IRPs), which are long-term strategic plans that outline how a utility will meet its future electricity needs. IRPs consider a variety of factors, including cost, reliability, environmental impact, and customer needs. The PSC’s review process for IRPs involves public hearings and expert testimony, allowing for stakeholder input and ensuring that proposed plans align with the public interest and state energy policy. While federal agencies like the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regulate interstate transmission of electricity, the Georgia PSC maintains jurisdiction over in-state generation, distribution, and retail rates. The PSC’s role is crucial in shaping Georgia’s energy landscape by guiding utility investments and operational decisions, particularly in the context of evolving energy technologies and environmental regulations.

The Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) oversees the regulation of public utilities in Georgia, including electric power generation and transmission. The PSC’s authority stems from Georgia law, particularly Title 46 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OGA). Specifically, the PSC is empowered to approve or disapprove certificates of public convenience and necessity for the construction of new generating facilities. This process ensures that new power plants are needed, will be built in a manner that protects the environment and public safety, and are economically sound. The PSC’s regulatory framework also includes oversight of utility rates, service quality, and long-term resource planning. While the Environmental Protection Division (EPD) of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources handles environmental permitting, the PSC’s role is crucial in determining the necessity and economic viability of the energy infrastructure itself. Federal agencies like the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) have jurisdiction over interstate wholesale electricity sales and transmission, but the PSC retains significant authority over intrastate matters, including the siting and construction of generation within Georgia’s borders, as guided by state statutes and the PSC’s own rules and regulations.

The Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) has the authority to regulate the rates and services of public utilities in Georgia, including electric cooperatives, although their regulatory oversight of electric cooperatives differs from that of investor-owned utilities. Specifically, Georgia law, as codified in O.C.G.A. § 46-3-401, grants the PSC jurisdiction over the “rates, charges, and services of electric membership corporations organized under this article, but only to the extent that such rates, charges, and services are not determined by the membership of such corporation.” This means that while the PSC can intervene in certain aspects, the ultimate authority on rates and services often rests with the cooperative’s members through their elected board of directors. However, the PSC does have a role in approving certain financing arrangements and ensuring compliance with safety and reliability standards. The question probes the extent of this regulatory authority, particularly in the context of member-driven decisions. The specific scenario presented, involving a proposed rate adjustment by an electric membership corporation, directly engages with the interplay between member approval and PSC oversight. The PSC’s power is not absolute but is conditioned by the cooperative’s internal governance structure and the members’ right to self-determination regarding rates and services, as long as these decisions do not violate broader public interest or statutory mandates overseen by the PSC. Therefore, the PSC’s ability to unilaterally override a rate adjustment approved by the cooperative’s membership is limited by the statutory framework that prioritizes member governance.

The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) oversees various environmental regulations, including those pertaining to energy facilities. The Clean Air Act, as implemented in Georgia, requires permits for sources emitting pollutants. Specifically, facilities seeking to construct or modify major sources of air pollutants must obtain a Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) permit if they are located in an attainment area or a Nonattainment New Source Review (NNSR) permit if they are in a nonattainment area. The determination of whether a facility is a “major source” hinges on its potential to emit regulated pollutants. For particulate matter, the threshold is 250 tons per year (tpy) for new sources and 100 tpy for existing sources that are also considered “major” based on other pollutants. However, for sources that are not specifically listed as “major” by definition (e.g., certain stationary sources), the threshold for being considered a major source is 100 tpy of any regulated air pollutant. The question describes a new facility in Georgia with the potential to emit 120 tpy of sulfur dioxide and 90 tpy of nitrogen oxides. Sulfur dioxide is a regulated air pollutant. Since 120 tpy of sulfur dioxide exceeds the 100 tpy threshold for a facility that is not otherwise a major source by definition, this facility would be considered a major source for permitting purposes. Consequently, it would require a PSD permit if located in an attainment area or an NNSR permit if located in a nonattainment area, subject to specific applicability thresholds for those permit types based on the pollutants emitted and the area’s attainment status. The question focuses on the initial determination of whether it qualifies as a major source, which triggers the need for these more stringent permits.

Georgia law, specifically the Georgia Environmental Policy Act (GEPA), O.C.G.A. § 12-16-1 et seq., mandates that state agencies consider the environmental consequences of their actions. When a state agency proposes a major state action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment, an environmental impact statement (EIS) must be prepared. The purpose of the EIS is to provide detailed information about the potential environmental impacts of a proposed project, explore alternatives, and identify mitigation measures. The Public Service Commission (PSC) in Georgia, when regulating utilities like electric power companies, is an agency that must comply with GEPA. If a proposed power generation facility, such as a new natural gas-fired plant, is deemed a major state action and has the potential for significant environmental impacts, the PSC would be required to ensure an EIS is conducted as part of its regulatory review process. This process ensures that environmental considerations are integrated into the decision-making of state agencies, promoting sustainable development and protecting Georgia’s natural resources. The PSC’s role involves reviewing the adequacy of the EIS and considering its findings when approving or denying utility projects.

The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) oversees environmental regulations, including those pertaining to energy production and consumption. When a new industrial facility in Georgia proposes to emit pollutants, it must obtain an air quality permit. The process for obtaining such a permit is governed by the Georgia Air Quality Act and its associated rules, specifically Chapter 391-3-1 of the Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia. This chapter details the requirements for air pollution control, including the application process, emission standards, and monitoring requirements. Facilities are categorized based on their potential to emit, and this categorization dictates the type of permit required, ranging from minor source permits to Title V permits for major sources. The EPD reviews permit applications to ensure compliance with federal Clean Air Act requirements and state-specific standards. This review often involves assessing proposed control technologies and their effectiveness in minimizing emissions. The permitting process is designed to protect public health and the environment by limiting the release of harmful substances into the atmosphere.

The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) oversees various environmental regulations impacting energy production and consumption. One key area is air quality, particularly concerning emissions from power generation facilities. The Clean Air Act, as implemented by Georgia’s State Implementation Plan (SIP), sets standards for pollutants like sulfur dioxide (\(SO_2\)), nitrogen oxides (\(NO_x\)), and particulate matter. Facilities must obtain air quality permits, which may include New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) or National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) requirements. For existing facilities, Title V permits are often required, mandating comprehensive monitoring, recordkeeping, and reporting to ensure compliance with applicable federal and state air quality regulations. The EPD’s role is to enforce these standards through inspections, compliance assistance, and, if necessary, enforcement actions. The concept of “Best Available Control Technology” (BACT) or “Lowest Achievable Emission Rate” (LAER) is often applied during permitting to ensure that new or modified sources employ the most effective pollution control measures. Understanding the interplay between federal mandates and state-specific implementation is crucial for energy sector compliance in Georgia.

The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) oversees the state’s environmental regulations, including those pertaining to energy generation and its impact. Under the Georgia Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Act of 1990, as amended, and subsequent regulations like the Georgia Rules for Solid Waste Management (Chapter 391-1-4), facilities that generate or manage solid waste, including ash from energy production, are subject to specific permitting and operational requirements. While the primary focus of these rules is on waste disposal and management, the generation of waste products like coal ash from power plants directly implicates energy production facilities. The EPD’s authority extends to ensuring that such waste is handled in a manner that protects public health and the environment, which can involve setting standards for storage, treatment, and disposal, and requiring monitoring to prevent contamination of soil and groundwater. The Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) regulates the rates and services of public utilities, including electric companies, and while they consider the cost-effectiveness and reliability of energy sources, their direct regulatory authority over the environmental management of waste products from energy generation is secondary to the EPD’s role. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is the parent agency of the EPD, and the DNR’s broader mission includes environmental protection, but the specific regulatory authority for solid waste management and pollution control rests with the EPD. The Georgia Forestry Commission focuses on forest management and protection, which is not directly related to the regulation of energy production waste.

The Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) oversees the state’s energy policy and regulation. Under Georgia law, specifically the Georgia Electrical Performance Standards Act, utilities are required to file integrated resource plans (IRPs) with the PSC. These plans are forward-looking documents that detail how a utility intends to meet its customers’ electricity needs over a specified period, typically 10-20 years. The IRP process involves evaluating various generation resources, demand-side management programs, and energy efficiency initiatives. The PSC reviews these plans to ensure they are least-cost, reliable, and environmentally responsible, aligning with state energy goals. Public input and stakeholder engagement are integral to this review process. The PSC’s approval of an IRP authorizes the utility to proceed with the proposed investments and strategies. Therefore, a utility’s ability to recover costs for new generation facilities or significant energy efficiency programs is directly contingent upon the PSC’s approval of these initiatives within an IRP. Without this approval, such expenditures may not be deemed prudent and recoverable from ratepayers.

The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) regulates emissions from stationary sources of air pollution. Under the Georgia Air Quality Act and its implementing regulations, specifically Chapter 391-3-1 of the Rules and Regulations for Air Quality Control, facilities are required to obtain permits and comply with emission standards. For a facility that has undergone a significant modification that increases potential to emit (PTE) for a regulated air pollutant, the determination of whether the modification constitutes a major modification for the purposes of Title V operating permits or Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) permitting hinges on comparing the projected actual emissions increase with the emissions increase that would result from the project if it were a new emissions unit. The “projected actual emissions” are the maximum annual emissions of a pollutant that the facility expects to occur during the 5-year period after the modification, taking into account the physical change or change in the method of operation, any resulting increases in hours of operation or in the production rate, and any other factors that may affect actual emissions. The “emissions increase that would result from the project if it were a new emissions unit” is the difference between the PTE of the modified unit and its baseline actual emissions. A modification is considered significant if the projected actual emissions increase from the modified unit exceeds the significant emission rate (SER) for that pollutant, or if the emissions increase from the project as a whole exceeds the SER. In Georgia, the SERs are generally aligned with federal Clean Air Act requirements. For sulfur dioxide (\(SO_2\)), the PSD significant emission rate is 40 tons per year. If the projected actual emissions increase for \(SO_2\) from the modified boiler system at Oakhaven Power Plant is 35 tons per year, this increase does not exceed the 40 tons per year SER for \(SO_2\). Therefore, the modification is not considered a major modification under PSD regulations for \(SO_2\) based on this specific pollutant’s increase.

The Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) has broad authority over the provision of electric public utility services within the state. This authority is primarily derived from Georgia law, specifically the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A.). When an electric utility proposes to construct a new generating facility, such as a solar farm, it must obtain a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) from the PSC. This process involves demonstrating that the proposed facility is needed, that it is in the public interest, and that it meets regulatory requirements. The PSC’s review considers various factors, including environmental impact, economic feasibility, reliability of service, and the utility’s integrated resource plan. While the PSC does not directly “approve” federal environmental permits, it considers whether the utility has adequately addressed federal and state environmental regulations as part of its public interest determination for the CPCN. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regulates wholesale electricity sales and transmission, but the siting and construction of generation facilities within Georgia are primarily under state PSC jurisdiction. The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) issues environmental permits, but the PSC’s CPCN is a prerequisite for such construction to commence and is a critical step in the overall approval process for new electric generation in Georgia. Therefore, the PSC’s approval of a CPCN for a solar facility signifies that the project is deemed necessary and in the public interest, considering all relevant factors, including the utility’s compliance with environmental regulations, even if the PSC itself does not issue the federal environmental permits.

The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) oversees regulations pertaining to air quality, water quality, waste management, and hazardous substances. For renewable energy projects, particularly those involving solar farms, the primary regulatory considerations often fall under environmental impact assessments, land use, and potentially water usage for cleaning or dust suppression. While the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) regulates utility rates and service, and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is a broader agency encompassing parks and wildlife, the EPD is the specific entity responsible for ensuring compliance with environmental standards that would apply to the construction and operation of a large-scale solar facility. Specifically, the EPD’s authority extends to permitting for construction activities that might impact water bodies or generate emissions, and it enforces state-level environmental protection laws, which are often delegated from federal acts like the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act. Therefore, any significant energy project development in Georgia must engage with the EPD to ensure all environmental permits and compliance measures are met.

The Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) regulates investor-owned electric public utilities in Georgia. Under Georgia law, specifically the Georgia Territorial Electric Service Act (O.C.G.A. § 46-3-1 et seq.), the PSC has the authority to approve or disapprove electric service territory designations and any amendments to them. While electric membership corporations (EMCs) are not directly regulated by the PSC in the same manner as investor-owned utilities, their service territories are established and can be adjusted through a process that often involves the PSC, particularly when disputes arise or when amendments are proposed that could impact the broader energy landscape or other regulated entities. The PSC’s role in approving amendments ensures that service territory changes align with public interest and do not create undue burdens or conflicts within the state’s energy infrastructure. This oversight is crucial for maintaining orderly development of electric service and preventing duplicative or conflicting service provision. The PSC’s authority extends to ensuring that all regulated utilities operate efficiently and in a manner that benefits Georgia consumers.

The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) regulates the storage and disposal of hazardous waste. Under the Georgia Hazardous Waste Management Act, facilities that generate, store, treat, or dispose of hazardous waste must comply with specific permitting and operational requirements. For a facility seeking to operate a hazardous waste treatment, storage, and disposal facility (TSDF), the primary regulatory framework is found in the Georgia Rules for Hazardous Waste Management, specifically Chapter 391-4-11. This chapter details the requirements for obtaining a permit, including technical standards for facility design and operation, closure and post-closure care, and financial assurance. The question probes the understanding of which specific Georgia rule governs the permitting of such facilities. Rule 391-4-11 is the comprehensive set of regulations for hazardous waste management in Georgia, encompassing all aspects of the hazardous waste lifecycle, including the permitting of TSDFs. Other rules, such as those related to air quality (Chapter 391-3-1) or water quality (Chapter 391-5-7), while potentially relevant to environmental impact, do not directly govern the permitting of hazardous waste TSDFs themselves. Rule 391-4-12 pertains to the management of underground storage tanks, a distinct regulatory area. Therefore, understanding that Rule 391-4-11 is the central authority for hazardous waste TSDF permitting is key to answering correctly.

The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) oversees the regulation of hazardous waste management under the Georgia Hazardous Waste Management Act and its associated rules, which are largely modeled after the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). A key aspect of this regulation involves the identification and management of hazardous waste. Waste is generally considered hazardous if it exhibits one or more of the characteristics of hazardous waste (ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, toxicity) or if it is specifically listed as hazardous by the EPA or the state of Georgia. In this scenario, the waste generated from the metal finishing process, specifically the spent plating bath solutions containing heavy metals like chromium and nickel, would likely be classified as hazardous waste. This is due to the characteristic of toxicity, as defined by the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) which measures the leachability of certain metals. If the TCLP results for chromium or nickel exceed the regulatory thresholds established in Georgia Rule 391-3-4-.02(2)(a), the waste is classified as hazardous. Furthermore, many spent plating bath solutions are specifically listed as hazardous wastes under RCRA (e.g., F006). Even if not explicitly listed, the presence of heavy metals at concentrations exceeding regulatory limits would render it a characteristic hazardous waste. Therefore, a generator of such waste must comply with Georgia’s hazardous waste regulations, which include obtaining an EPA identification number, adhering to storage requirements, manifesting shipments, and ensuring proper treatment and disposal at a permitted treatment, storage, and disposal facility (TSDF). Failure to do so can result in significant penalties. The primary regulatory framework for this in Georgia is the Georgia Hazardous Waste Management Act and the Georgia Rules for Hazardous Waste Management.

The question concerns the regulatory framework governing the siting of new electric generation facilities in Georgia, specifically focusing on the process of obtaining a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN). Georgia law, primarily through the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC), requires utilities to demonstrate that a proposed facility is necessary and in the public interest before construction can commence. This involves a comprehensive application process that includes detailed environmental impact studies, economic analyses, and consideration of alternative sites and technologies. The PSC evaluates these factors to ensure the facility will meet the state’s energy needs reliably and affordably, while minimizing adverse environmental and social impacts. The Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (PURPA) also influences energy generation, particularly for qualifying cogeneration and small power production facilities, but the core siting approval for major new generation, especially by investor-owned utilities, falls under state PSC jurisdiction. The specific requirement for a CPCN is a critical gatekeeping mechanism designed to prevent imprudent investments and ensure that new energy infrastructure aligns with the state’s long-term energy planning and public welfare.

The Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) oversees the regulation of public utilities in Georgia, including electric generation, transmission, and distribution. A key aspect of this regulation involves ensuring the reliability and affordability of electricity for consumers. When considering the decommissioning of a nuclear power plant, such as the hypothetical scenario involving the Hatch Nuclear Plant, the PSC’s role is to review and approve the utility’s plan for managing the associated costs. Georgia law, particularly through the Georgia Public Service Commission Rules, provides the framework for this oversight. Specifically, Rule 515-3-1-.06, concerning “Cost of Service,” and related provisions on nuclear decommissioning, dictate the process. Utilities typically seek to recover these costs through rate adjustments. The PSC must balance the need for the utility to recover legitimate decommissioning expenses with the imperative to protect ratepayers from excessive or imprudent costs. This involves scrutinizing the utility’s proposed decommissioning cost estimates, the funding mechanisms in place (e.g., trust funds), and the proposed recovery schedules. The PSC’s approval is contingent upon a finding that the plan is reasonable, prudent, and in the public interest, ensuring that the utility is adequately prepared to meet its decommissioning obligations without unduly burdening current or future customers. The commission’s authority extends to approving the methods and amounts of cost recovery, ensuring transparency and accountability in the process.

The Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) regulates investor-owned electric utilities in Georgia. Under Georgia law, specifically the Georgia Territorial Electric Service Act (O.C.G.A. § 46-3-1 et seq.), electric service territories are established for electric suppliers to prevent duplication of facilities and promote efficient service. This Act aims to ensure that each customer is served by a single electric supplier within their designated territory. Electric membership corporations (EMCs) and municipal electric systems operate under different regulatory frameworks, often governed by their respective charters or municipal ordinances, and their territorial rights are not directly defined or enforced by the Georgia PSC in the same manner as investor-owned utilities. The PSC’s authority to grant certificates of public convenience and necessity for electric generation facilities and transmission lines, as well as its oversight of utility rates and service standards, are key aspects of its regulatory power. However, the fundamental establishment and enforcement of exclusive service territories for investor-owned utilities fall under the purview of the Georgia Territorial Electric Service Act, overseen by the PSC.

The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) oversees the permitting and regulation of various industrial and commercial activities that may impact air quality, water quality, and waste management. For facilities engaged in the generation, transmission, or distribution of electricity, particularly those utilizing fossil fuels or renewable energy sources, compliance with Georgia’s air quality regulations is paramount. These regulations are often derived from or are analogous to federal Clean Air Act standards but may include specific state-level requirements or implementation plans. A key aspect of compliance for such facilities involves understanding and adhering to the permitting requirements for emissions. The Georgia Air Quality Control Act, O.C.G.A. § 12-9-1 et seq., and the associated Rules of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Environmental Protection Division, Chapter 391-3-1, govern these emissions. Specifically, facilities emitting significant quantities of regulated pollutants are typically required to obtain an air quality permit. The type of permit depends on the potential to emit and the complexity of the facility’s operations. For major sources of air pollutants, Title V permits, as established under the federal Clean Air Act and implemented in Georgia, are generally required. These permits consolidate all applicable air quality requirements into a single document. Facilities that do not meet the criteria for a Title V permit may fall under other permit categories, such as synthetic minor permits or general permits, depending on their emission profiles and operational characteristics. The question tests the understanding of the primary regulatory body and the general framework for air emissions permitting in Georgia for energy-related facilities, recognizing that specific emission thresholds and pollutant types dictate the exact permit requirements.

The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) oversees the regulation of underground petroleum storage tanks (UPSTs) under Chapter 17 of the Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia. Specifically, Rule 391-3-17-.04 addresses the financial responsibility requirements for owners and operators of these tanks. This rule mandates that owners and operators demonstrate financial assurance to cover the costs associated with corrective action and third-party liability claims arising from a petroleum release. One of the mechanisms for demonstrating this financial assurance is through a Letter of Credit (LOC). A standby Letter of Credit, issued by a financial institution, guarantees that funds will be available to the EPD or a designated third party in the event of a release and subsequent cleanup or liability. The LOC must be irrevocable and must remain effective for a specified period, typically covering the operational life of the tank and a period thereafter, or until a specified amount of financial assurance is no longer required by the EPD. The core principle is ensuring that the financial burden of a release does not fall upon the state or its citizens. The question probes the understanding of how a financial instrument like a Letter of Credit functions within the regulatory framework to guarantee funds for environmental remediation and liability, a key aspect of Georgia’s UPST program.

The Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) has regulatory authority over investor-owned electric utilities in Georgia. This authority includes approving integrated resource plans (IRPs), which are long-term forecasts of a utility’s electricity needs and how it plans to meet them. Georgia law, specifically the Georgia Energy Policy Act of 2001 (as amended), empowers the PSC to oversee these plans. The PSC’s approval process involves evaluating the utility’s proposed generation mix, conservation programs, and other strategies to ensure reliability, affordability, and environmental sustainability. While the PSC has broad authority, it does not directly manage or operate generation facilities itself. Instead, it approves the plans submitted by utilities like Georgia Power or EMCs that are regulated by the PSC. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has jurisdiction over wholesale electricity sales and transmission in interstate commerce, but the day-to-day regulation of retail rates and service for Georgia’s investor-owned utilities falls under the PSC’s purview. The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) regulates environmental aspects of power generation, such as emissions, but not the overall resource planning and rate-making decisions. Therefore, the entity responsible for approving the integrated resource plan for a major investor-owned utility in Georgia is the Georgia Public Service Commission.

The Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) has broad authority over investor-owned electric utilities in the state, including setting rates and approving infrastructure projects. Under Georgia law, specifically the Georgia Utility Facility Environmental and Economic Practices Act (GUFEPA), utilities seeking to construct major transmission lines or power generation facilities must obtain a CPCN (Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity). This process involves demonstrating that the proposed facility is necessary and that it will be built in a manner that minimizes environmental impact and economic burden. The PSC’s review considers factors such as the need for the facility, alternative sites and technologies, environmental impact assessments, and public interest. The commission’s decision on a CPCN application is a quasi-judicial process, often involving extensive public hearings and expert testimony. Therefore, a utility must navigate this regulatory framework to secure approval for significant capital investments.

The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) oversees the permitting and regulation of energy facilities within the state, particularly concerning air emissions. Under the Clean Air Act, facilities are required to obtain permits that limit their pollutant discharges. The Georgia EPD issues various types of air quality permits, including Title V permits for major sources, Synthetic Minor permits, and General Permits. The scenario describes an existing facility that has been identified as potentially exceeding certain emission thresholds for sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) during specific operational periods, necessitating a review of its current air quality control strategy and permitting status. The question probes the understanding of which regulatory instrument is most appropriate for a facility that, while not a major source under all circumstances, has the potential to emit at levels that would classify it as such if not for specific emission controls or operational limitations. A Synthetic Minor permit is designed for facilities that voluntarily limit their potential to emit to below major source thresholds, thereby avoiding the more stringent requirements of Title V permits. These permits typically involve enforceable conditions that restrict emissions. Therefore, if the facility’s uncontrolled potential to emit would classify it as a major source, but its controlled emissions are below those thresholds, a Synthetic Minor permit would be the appropriate regulatory mechanism to manage its emissions and compliance obligations under Georgia law and the federal Clean Air Act.

The Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) regulates investor-owned electric public utilities in Georgia. The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) is responsible for environmental protection, including air and water quality standards, which can indirectly affect energy generation facilities through permitting requirements. The Georgia Forestry Commission manages forest resources, which can be relevant for biomass energy projects or siting of energy infrastructure. The Georgia Regional Transportation Authority (GRTA) focuses on transportation planning and funding, which might be relevant for energy infrastructure projects with transportation components, such as pipelines or transmission lines, but its primary focus is not energy regulation. Therefore, the Georgia PSC holds the direct and primary regulatory authority over the rates, services, and facilities of investor-owned electric utilities in Georgia, including their energy generation and distribution operations.

The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) oversees environmental regulations, including those pertaining to energy production and its environmental impact. When a new power generation facility is proposed in Georgia, a critical step in the permitting process involves demonstrating compliance with air quality standards. Specifically, the facility must obtain an air quality permit, often under the provisions of the Clean Air Act as implemented by Georgia law. The permitting process requires the applicant to detail projected emissions of various pollutants, such as sulfur dioxide (\(SO_2\)), nitrogen oxides (\(NO_x\)), particulate matter (\(PM_{2.5}\) and \(PM_{10}\)), and volatile organic compounds (\(VOCs\)). The applicant must also propose control technologies and emission limits that ensure ambient air quality standards are met and maintained within the state. This often involves a New Source Review (NSR) or Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) analysis, depending on the facility’s potential to emit and its location relative to attainment areas. The EPD reviews these submissions to ensure that the proposed facility will not cause or contribute to a violation of any National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) or any state ambient air quality standards. Failure to adequately address these requirements can lead to permit denial or the imposition of stringent operational conditions. The scenario described involves a proposed facility and the need for regulatory approval for its operation, which is directly tied to air quality permitting under the Georgia EPD’s purview.

The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) regulates the disposal of industrial waste, including byproducts from energy generation. Under the Georgia Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Act of 1990, as amended, and the Georgia Rules for Solid Waste Management (specifically Chapter 391-1-4), facilities generating industrial waste must obtain permits and adhere to specific disposal requirements. For coal combustion residuals (CCR), which are a significant byproduct of coal-fired power plants, Georgia has implemented specific management standards. These standards, often influenced by federal regulations like the EPA’s CCR rule, dictate how CCR must be handled, stored, and disposed of to prevent environmental contamination, particularly of groundwater. Facilities must demonstrate compliance through regular monitoring and reporting. The question hinges on understanding which regulatory body in Georgia is primarily responsible for overseeing such waste management and the legal framework that empowers this oversight. The Georgia EPD is the designated state agency tasked with implementing and enforcing environmental protection laws, including those pertaining to industrial waste disposal and management of byproducts from energy production within the state of Georgia.

The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) oversees the state’s environmental regulations, including those pertaining to energy production and its impact. Under Georgia law, specifically the Georgia Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Act of 1990 (O.C.G.A. § 12-8-20 et seq.) and related rules, facilities that generate or manage waste, including byproducts from energy generation, are subject to permitting and operational standards. When a new solid waste handling facility, such as one designed to manage ash from a coal-fired power plant, is proposed, it must undergo a rigorous review process by the EPD. This process includes demonstrating compliance with siting requirements, operational plans, and closure requirements to protect public health and the environment. The EPD’s role is to ensure that such facilities are designed, constructed, operated, and closed in a manner that prevents pollution of air, water, and soil. The permitting process itself is a key mechanism for this oversight, requiring detailed applications and public notice. The specific requirements are detailed in Chapter 391-1-2 of the Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia, which govern solid waste management facilities. Therefore, a facility managing ash from a power plant would fall under these solid waste regulations, requiring an EPD permit.