BARCT and RACT

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The California Clean Air Act of 1988 requires that the districts develop attainment plans to achieve the state ambient air quality standards by the earliest practicable date. These plans must include measures that require control technologies for reducing emissions from existing sources.  Emissions reductions from existing stationary sources are achieved through the adoption of rules with an emissions limit meant to reduce air pollution (prohibitory rules) that require the installation of best available retrofit control technology (BARCT) or reasonably achievable control technology (RACT).

RACT: While the California Clean Air Act does not define RACT, RACT for existing sources is generally considered to be those emission limits that would result from the application of demonstrated technology to reduce emissions.

BARCT: BARCT is defined in the California Health and Safety Code, section 40406, as “an emission limitation that is based on the maximum degree of reduction achievable, taking into account environmental, energy, and economic impacts by each class or category of source.”

The following table summarizes when BARCT is required by State law, to ensure the State ozone standard is achieved by the earliest practicable date. More information on best available control technology (BACT) can be found on the BACT Program page. In addition, Title 17, Section 70600 of the California Code of Regulations requires districts to adopt BARCT if the districts are within an area of origin of transported air pollutants, as defined in Section 70500(c).

Requirements

Attainment Designation (for State Ozone Standard)

Moderate (California Health and Safety Code § 40918)

 

Serious (California Health and Safety Code § 40919)

 

Severe (California Health and Safety Code § 40920)

 

Extreme (California Health and Safety Code § 40920.5)

 

BACT

≥ 25 lbs/day

≥ 10 lbs/day

All

All

BARCT

≥ 5 tons/day or ≥ 250 tons/year

(RACT for all others)

All

All

All

 

BARCT/RACT Program Resources

Air District Rules

Webpage that contains background information on air district rules, including the air district rules tool.

Expedited BARCT

Contains air district Expedited BARCT schedules, as required by AB 617. 

Past CARB BARCT/RACT Determinations

List of RACT/BARCT determinations previously made by CARB.

Technology Clearinghouse

Tools to assist with the identification of the best technologies for reducing emissions.