EPA's Ban on Woodstoves

The EPA has proposed new rules that will require wood stoves, fireplaces, fireplace inserts, and certain other wood heaters to burn "cleaner." (Here is a list of the "appliances" the EPA says are covered by the rules). Many are claiming that the new rules will prohibit the sale of 80% of the wood stoves currently on the market. Whether the new rules are needed or even desirable is hotly debated. Certainly, since the purpose of the rules is to maintain air quality in metropolitan areas, it seems unnecessary to apply the rules to rural counties.

Nevertheless, the important point to remember is that the rules' application is prospective only--it does not ban stoves, fireplaces or inserts currently used in your home, but those sold after the regulations take affect. For someone who currently owns a wood stove, fireplace, or fireplace insert, the issue will rear its head if and when you replace or upgrade the stove, fireplace or insert. This is a good reason to take the time and money to properly maintain your wood stove, fireplace, or insert, so--hopefully--you won't need to replace it.

Since this is not an issue I've looked into, I assume that the EPA compliant stoves and fireplaces will cost more, and probably require electricity to run blowers or pumps in order to achieve the required efficiency. As a prepper, a consideration may be whether the stove or fireplace can usefully function even if the electricity were to fail. Anyone that knows more about this subject is encouraged to post a comment.