Declaration of greenhouse gases as priority pollutants

Last updated: 6 February 2023

This regulation declares greenhouse gases (GHG), including methane, as priority pollutants under the National Environmental Management Air Quality Act of 2004. Thus, any person conducting a production process set out in Annexure A that involves the emission of GHGs in excess of 0.1 megatons annually (reported as carbon dioxide equivalent), or if so directed by the Minister of Environmental Affairs, is required to submit a pollution prevention plan for approval.

Annexure A contains a list of production processes, including the production or refining of crude oil and natural gas as well as the production of liquid fuels from coal or gas.

The regulation also sets requirements for monitoring, evaluating, and reporting on the implementation of approved pollution prevention plans.

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