The EPA’s Residential Wood Heater Program Does Not Provide Reasonable Assurance that Heaters Are Properly Tested and Certified Before Reaching Consumers

View Report

Date Issued

Tuesday, February 28, 2023

Submitting OIG

Environmental Protection Agency OIG

Agencies Reviewed/Investigated

Environmental Protection Agency

Report Number

23-E-0012

Report Description

The EPA’s ineffective residential wood heater program puts human health and the environment at risk for exposure to dangerous fine-particulate-matter pollution by allowing sales of wood heaters that may not meet emission standards.

Report Type

Inspection / Evaluation

Agency Wide

Yes

Number of Recommendations

Questioned Costs

Funds for Better Use

Report updated under NDAA 5274

External Link

https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2023-03/_epaoig_20230228-23-E-0012_2…

Open Recommendations

This report has 3 open recommendations.

Recommendation Number	Significant Recommendation	Recommended Questioned Costs	Recommended Funds for Better Use
4	No	$0	$0
Incorporate the EPA's certification test report expectations set forth in the April 2022 corrective action list into the 2023 revisions to the New Source Performance Standards for residential wood heaters.
5	No	$0	$0
Develop and adopt an EPA cord wood test method that is supported by data to provide the public reasonable assurance that certified appliances meet emission standards.
6	No	$0	$0
Establish mechanisms to promote independence between emissions testing labs and third-party certifiers.