EPA sought input on whether and how to set national standards agency-wide for how costs and benefits are calculated when EPA performs economic analyses of the impacts of their actions. These analyses are known as Benefit-Cost Analyses, or BCA. This proposed rule was the next step in the rulemaking process, and applies specifically to BCA for future regulations under the Clean Air Act (CAA), as opposed to agency-wide.
The Proposed Rule included three elements:
- EPA shall prepare a BCA for all future significant regulations under the CAA
- BCAs are to be developed using the best available scientific information in accordance with best practices from the economic, engineering, physical, and biological sciences
- Additional procedural requirements in the presentation of the BCA results, while maintaining the standard practices of measuring net benefits consistent with EO 12866
This proposal was published in the Federal Register on June 11, 2020 and applied specifically to Benefit/Cost Analyses (BCA) for future regulations under the Clean Air Act (CAA). The deadline for comments was August 3, 2020.
NTAA Increasing Consistency and Transparency in CBA Fact Sheet
NTAA submitted a comment to EPA
You can also watch an informational webinar explaining the details of this Proposed Rule.