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Texas EMS Rule - What Will It Do For You?

For more information, contact Jeanne Yturri at 512.329.5544.

TNRCC's Environmental Management System (EMS) Rule is a voluntary incentive and recognition program that will benefit the environment and an organization's bottom line! The Texas EMS Rule is the common name for recent amendments to Chapter 90 - Regulatory Flexibility, which were created by House Bills 2997 and 2912. An EMS is designed to be a management process that reduces cost and liability, increases compliance, and reduces an organization's environmental "footprint."

TNRCC is gearing up to conduct facility EMS evaluations. Over 40 permitting, enforcement, field operations and small business assistance personnel have received training to function as EMS auditors. An EMS Evaluation Protocol is being drafted. TNRCC personnel are co-conducting National Environmental Performance Track (NEPT) evaluations with EPA to enhance the synergy between the Texas EMS and federal EMS guidelines.

The TNRCC encourages the use of an EMS by granting site-specific regulatory incentives to companies with an "approved" EMS. An EMS must meet the minimum standards outlined in Chapter 90.32, and demonstrate continuous improvement, improved compliance status, and conformance with EMS documents. A list of incentives, which will be submitted to the Commissioner's for approval on August 23rd, are posted at http://aboutTexasEMS.org.