Effective July 1, 2025, the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) will implement significant increases in both air permit application fees and annual operating permit emissions fees, applicable to the 2024 calendar year emissions data. According to EPD, these adjustments are part of their broader effort to address funding shortfalls resulting from the retirement of several large facilities and to ensure the continued effectiveness of the state’s air quality programs. The revised fee structure aims to cover the reasonable costs associated with reviewing and acting upon permit applications, implementing and enforcing permit terms, and other related activities. Permit holders should review the updated fee schedules and prepare for the upcoming changes to maintain compliance and avoid potential enforcement actions.

Updated Annual Air Permit Fee and Application Fees

The increased annual air permit fees for calendar year 2024 emissions are shown in Table 1 below. As a reminder, fees are due September 2, 2025. The flat fees represent a 30% increase and the per ton-based fees represent an approximate 20% increase from the previous year.

Table 1. Annual Permit Fees

Annual Permit Fee Type Updated Amount

NSPS Fee $2,470

Synthetic Minor Source Fees $2,730

Title V Sources – Maintenance Fee $1,300

Title V Source – Minimum Fee $5,850

Title V Sources – $ per ton of emissions (PM, VOC, NO_X, and SO₂) for coal-fired electric generating units $45.37

Title V Sources – $ per ton of emissions (PM, VOC, NO_X, and SO₂) for all other sources $43.13

The increased Permit Application Fees are summarized in the table below. These rates represent a 50% increase over the existing rates.

Table 2. Permit Application Fees (effective July 1, 2025)

Earlier this year, EPD increased the expedited permit application fees. Effective July 1, 2025, EPD will increase the standard air permit application fees to support the costs associated with reviewing and processing permit applications. These fees vary depending on the type of permit application. It’s important to note that these fees are assessed per application and are separate from annual emissions fees.

What Should Georgia Air Permittees Do?

Georgia air permit holders should regularly review their fee calculation method to ensure accuracy and compliance with EPD requirements. If you are Synthetic Minor source, a Title V (Part 70) Source, or operate certain NSPS sources, be aware of the impact on these fee increases on your Facility operating budget. Permittees subject to Title V (Part 70) permitting must calculate their annual fees based on the total tons of regulated air pollutants emitted, using the current per-ton fee rate set annually by EPD. Facilities must use the most recent emissions data and multiply the total eligible emissions by the published fee rate. Synthetic minor sources pay a flat annual fee, while Title V sources also pay a maintenance fee in addition to their emissions-based fee. Certain NSPS sources pay a flat fee, in addition to any other fee.

Reviewing these calculations annually, especially when submitting emissions inventories or permit renewal documents, helps avoid discrepancies and potential enforcement actions.

Additionally, when submitting an application in Georgia keep in mind the impact of both the increases on January 1, 2025 to expedited permit fees and the increases on July 1, 2025 to the standard permit fees. For example, the cost of an expedited application for a synthetic minor permit amendment in July 2025 is $13,000, up from $7,000 a year ago. Applicants should not submit payment until prompted by EPD staff after application submission. Payments can be made via check or credit card through the Georgia Environmental Connection Online (GECO) system.

For detailed information on the fee schedule and payment instructions, refer to the EPD’s Air Permit Fee Manual and the GECO system.

Air permittees looking for assistance with upcoming permit applications or guidance in navigating these fee increases, please contact our Atlanta, Georgia office or Katie Brubaker, Atlanta Office Manager.