What is required of a company under the Clean Air Act when applying for an environmental permit?

Under the Clean Air Act, companies are required to implement the best available technology (often abbreviated as BAT) when applying for environmental permits. This mandate is intended to ensure that facilities are using the most effective methods to control emissions and reduce air pollution to the greatest extent possible. By requiring the use of the best available technology, the Act promotes ongoing innovation and encourages the use of updated and more efficient technologies to minimize environmental impact.

This requirement is based on the need to balance economic considerations with essential environmental protections, helping to ensure that air quality standards are met effectively. The focus is not just on compliance with basic emissions levels but on actively seeking the best methodologies and practices that can achieve superior environmental outcomes.