Offset-Policy Concept

Die 1976 eingefuehrte Offset-Policy erlaubt es Firmen, in Belastungsgebieten (!) neue Industrieanlagen zu errichten, sofern sie die dadurch entstehenden Zusatzemissionen durch die Absenkung der Emissionsmenge bei bestehenden (eigenen oder fremden) Emissionsquellen ueberkompensiert. Eingesetzt werden muss dabei die beste Vermeidungstechnologie. (1)

The offset policy is one for new sources. Primarily, the source needs to satisfy LAER. Also, all of the existing sources in the area that are controlled by the owner of the new source need to be in compliance with emission standards. Lastly, the owner would need to urge existing sources to reduce enough emissions so that the new source would be an overall benefit to the area.(2)

Offset means the use of an Emission Reduction Credit to compensate for emission increases of a nonattainment pollutant from a new major stationary or modified major stationary source ... (3)