Why is MPCA rewarding ISO 14001 EMSs and not other types?
A. The MPCA offers a flexible air permit option for ISO-conforming EMS users. While MPCA considered accommodating EMSs outside of the ISO standard, it was deemed infeasible since MPCA would have to take on additional and expensive new roles relating to EMS standard development, auditing, and auditor qualification and oversight. In addition, it has became evident that many companies were adopting EMSs based on the ISO standard, and were even having their EMSs audited based on ISO and supporting requirements, without necessarily taking the final step of ISO registration. Basing rewards on the ISO 14001 standard therefore seemed the best balance of state and user needs.
