Further, we have been lead to believe that if the emissions can be achieved from these sources, it will not be necessary to go after small sources. Unfortunately, life in the environmental regulation community does not work that way. EPA rarely regulates small business directly. These SIPS lay out the plan for reducing emissions through an area. Establishment of a SIP is often a political fight.
Small business falls into the category known as area sources.
Typically, a state must reduce a target amount from such area sources. At that point, the agency often issues control requirements known as Reasonably Available Control Technology. If the technology requirement is inappropriate, the industry in faced with a fight to change the proposal. This is done on an area by area basis. Emission reductions on area sources is a regulatory version of carpet bombing.