Category: Compliance Related Resources

ECMPS 2.0 Migration Begins February 13: 5 Things You Must Do Before Reporting Starts in Q1 2026

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On January 29th, 2026, EPA’s Clean Air and Power Division (CAPD) provided a status update on the ECMPS 2.0 re-engineering effort. The blog post can be found here. Also on February 3, 2026, EPA posted an update on how to prepare for the ECMPS 2.0 production release. That post can be found here.

The countdown to JSON reporting using the new ECMPS 2.0 web-based Client Tool has officially begun!! Q1 2026 is the official start date for ECMPS 2.0 reporting, with reports due no later than April 30, 2026.

A few things we’d like to highlight as you prepare for the upcoming reporting obligation:

  1. Evaluate the impacts of the migration
  2. Update data acquisition and handling system (DAHS) to a “JSON capable” release
  3. Confirm Initial Authorizer (IA) has received and executed the Emissions and Allowance System for Energy  (EASEY) program in the Central Data Exchange (CDX)
  4. Assign necessary agents
  5. Identify a Low Mass Emission (LME) unit reporting solution

1. Impact from the ECMPS 1.0 -> 2.0 migration

EPA expects the migration to take place on February 13th, at 5:00 PM ET and last approximately 3 weeks. During this time, no reporting software will be available.

A few things to keep in mind:

  • For those affected, the 2025-Q4 MATS quarterly compliance report deadline is March 2, 2026. EPA doesn’t expect the ECMPS 2.0 platform to be on-line until March 9that the earliest, facilities MUST get these reports submitted before February 13th!  Please keep that in mind when preparing these reports.
  • Users will no longer be able to synchronize with the EPA host from the ECMPS 1.0 Client Tool after February 13th. If there is anything you need to load or populate from EPA database, you should plan to do it prior to the migration. While the Client Tool will be functional on your PC, it will no longer be able to connect to any EPA system.
  • The Field Audit Checklist Tool (FACT) database will also no longer be supported or populated with new data. Like the ECMPS 1.0 Client Tool, we expect it to remain functional in limited capacity, but it will no longer receive data from ECMPS 1.0. Any future queries should be made through the Clean Air Markets Program Data (CAMPD) website at https://campd.epa.gov/.
  • Any resubmissions (MP, QA, or EM) not completed prior to the migration will need to be completed in the web-based ECMPS 2.0 Client Tool using JSON formatted files. Please make sure you have the capability to produce files in this format for any resubmissions going forward.

2. DAHS Readiness

One of the most important considerations, if not the most important, is to confirm that your DAHS can generate a JSON formatted file. Please consult with your DAHS vendor to ensure you are running a release capable of producing these reports.

For VIM Technologies CEMLink6 users, that means running a CEMLink6 v6.2.620.x or greater.  If you have identified that you are running a version lower than this, please reach out immediately to our support group at support@vimtechnologies.com for assistance. We do not expect EPA to modify JSON schemas before the Q1 2026 reporting period, but we will continue to monitor things once the migration is complete and the ECMPS 2.0 interface is back on-line.

3. CDX, ORG ID, and EASEY

We’ve scheduled and performed ECMPS 2.0 readiness training for over 200 different companies, over a 3-week timeframe, as part of our ECMPS 2.0 outreach. We hope you were able to attend one of those sessions and truly hope that it was able to give you direction on how to get your IA set up in CDX with the EASEY Program, an ORG ID assigned and be ready for the sponsorship process once EPA gives us the green light. Part 2 of the training series will take place once the migration is complete and will be dedicated to the ECMPS 2.0 user interface.

EPA created a CDX registration guide that will walk the IA through setting up their account in CDX. To get a copy of the guide click here. There is a wealth of information in this guide, and we recommend anyone impacted by ECMPS 2.0 to read it completely.

We are currently in what EPA calls “Phase 1” which is the bulk pre-registration of IAs. If your Designated Representative (DR) has not received the registration emails referenced in the guide, please contact cbs-support@camdsupport.com with the subject line “CDX Initial Registration.”  Do not email the CDX Help Desk for initial registration or sponsorship questions. The ONLY way to access EMPCS 2.0 once we go production, is for the DR, or their delegates, to begin the process using the unique link provided in the E-mail.

While some of us have prematurely started on Phase 2, EPA has since requested everyone to hold off until all IAs have been set up properly in the EASEY program with the correct ORG ID. This will prevent any re-work later if ORG IDs need to be cleaned up.

4. Assign Agents

Unfortunately, one area where EPA is not budging on, is regarding Contractor Access. This is a topic we have been very vocal about to both EPA and industry for the last 4 years. This is a feature that’s available in CAMD Business System (CBS) and the current stand-alone ECMPS 1.0 Client Tool and one that the vendors (DAHS vendors, Consultants and Stack testers) rely on to access key information. Without an equivalent feature in ECMPS 2.0, industry will be forced to add a significant number of CDX preparer roles and CBS retrieve agents in the new platforms.

VIM will be sending out under separate E-mail a list of VIM employees who are active users in CDX/CBS that we would request to be added as preparer / retrieve agents. This is required to support your systems going forward. Without this access, we will not be able to troubleshoot or assist in any JSON reporting issues you encounter in the new ECMPS 2.0 web-based tool.  If you have a VIM COMPAS contract and rely on VIM to submit your quarterly electronic data reports (EDR), then you will need to assign a Submitter role for your COMPAS contact in CDX and CBS.

5. LME Solution

For LME method sources, ECMPS 2.0 will no longer be capable of producing your JSON formatted quarterly emissions file. This feature is being discontinued by EPA and industry users who currently rely on the ECMPS 1.0 Client Tool to produce these files will need to find an alternative.

In 2023, VIM developed an LME EDR tool for ECMPS 2.0 for the industry to use. It is an advanced web-based utility tool that provides an efficient and cost-effective solution for creating Part 75 LME XML & JSON formatted EDR to import into both ECMPS 1.0 and ECMPS 2.0. If you’d like more information on the tool or would like to take it for a test run, please visit https://lmeedr.com/login or contact our sales group at sales@vimtechnologies.com to set up a live demonstration.

VIM Technologies will continue to stay abreast of the ECMPS 2.0 developments and update this blog as relevant information becomes available.

Please contact our COMPAS group at compas@vimtechnologies.com for more information concerning the ECMPS 2.0 implementation or any other questions you may have regarding the migration.

VIM at 2025 Compliance Services Conference

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Recap: VIM Technologies at the 2025 Compliance Services Conference Vendor Fair

November 3–6, 2025 | Tucson, Arizona

The 2025 Compliance Services Conference Vendor Fair at the Westin La Paloma Resort brought together environmental and regulatory compliance professionals from across the country—and VIM Technologies was proud to be part of this premier event.

As both an exhibitor and featured speaker, VIM showcased innovative compliance solutions and engaged in meaningful conversations about the future of environmental and NERC compliance.

Highlights from VIM Technologies

✅ Expert Insights from Rudi Muenster

Our very own Rudi Muenster delivered two sessions that sparked valuable discussions:

  • Emissions Collection and Monitoring Plan System (ECMPS) 2.0 Update
    Rudi shared the latest developments in ECMPS 2.0, helping attendees understand what these changes mean for emissions monitoring and reporting strategies.
  • Parts 60 & 75 Lessons Learned. Now What?
    This session explored key takeaways from implementing Parts 60 & 75 and provided practical guidance on how organizations can adapt and improve compliance programs moving forward.

✅ Engaging at the VIM Booth

Throughout the event, our team connected with compliance professionals to discuss challenges, share best practices, and demonstrate how VIM’s solutions help organizations:

  • Streamline emissions data management
  • Navigate evolving regulatory requirements
  • Strengthen compliance strategies for long-term success

Why This Matters

Events like the Compliance Services Conference are critical for fostering collaboration and innovation in the compliance space. VIM Technologies remains committed to supporting organizations with tools, expertise, and strategies that make compliance simpler and more effective.

Thank You!

A big thank you to everyone who attended Rudi’s sessions and visited our booth. Your engagement and feedback help us continue to deliver solutions that meet the industry’s most pressing needs.

👉 Want to learn more about VIM’s compliance solutions? Visit our COMPAS Page.

EPA Publishes Proposed Rule to Repeal Certain MATS Amendments

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On June 17, 2025, US EPA published a proposed rule entitled, National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Coal- and Oil-Fired Electric Utility Steam Generating Units, in the Federal Register.  A copy of the proposed rule is available here.

The rule proposes to repeal certain amendments to the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) Rule published on May 7, 2024.  More specifically, EPA is proposing to repeal the amendments listed below.

  • The filterable particulate matter (fPM) emission standard for existing coal-fired electric utility steam generating units (EGUs), which the EPA revised from 0.030 pounds per million British thermal units (lb/MMBtu) to 0.010 lb/MMBtu;
  • The compliance demonstration requirement for the fPM emission standard for all coal- and oil-fired EGUs, which the EPA revised from allowing EGU owners and operators to choose between use of quarterly stack testing, use of continuous parametric monitoring systems (CPMS), or use of PM continuous emission monitoring systems (CEMS) to only allowing use of PM CEMS; and
  • The Hg emission standard for existing lignite-fired EGUs, which the EPA revised from 4.0 pounds per trillion British thermal units (lb/TBtu) to 1.2 lb/TBtu.

In Section IV, Request for Comments, EPA is seeking responses to nine (9) questions related to the proposed action.  Comments on this proposed rule must be received on or before August 11, 2025.

VIM Technologies will continue monitoring the progress of this proposed rule and provide updates as new developments occur. We encourage affected facilities, industry professionals, and interested parties to review the proposed changes in detail and submit comments to ensure that their perspectives are represented in the final decision-making process. If you have questions about compliance or how these potential changes may impact your operations, please contact our COMPAS team.

VIM Attends EPRI 2025 CEMUG Conference

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On May 20 – 21, 2025, VIM attended and exhibited at the EPRI CEMUG Conference in Atlanta, Georgia.  Andy Rothenberger, National Sales Manager, and Dru Sanders, Senior Environmental Compliance Specialist, represented VIM at the conference.  EPA’s Clean Air and Power Division (CAPD) kicked off the conference with several virtual presentations.  Later that afternoon,  Dru gave a presentation entitled, MATS Electronic Reporting, A Look Under the WebFIRE Hood.  WebFIRE is EPA’s publicly accessible database that houses the various MATS Rule (40CFR63, Subpart UUUUU, Appendix E) reports submitted via ECMPS as well as reports required by numerous other subparts in Part 63 which are submitted via CEDRI.  The presentation provided:

  • A summary of the current MATS electronic reporting requirements,
  • An overview of how to access and download reports housed in the WebFIRE database, and
  • A review of several MATS reports to illustrate the inconsistencies of both the report content and format.

The presentation concluded by urging EPA to issue definitive interim guidance that quarterly MATS compliance reports should be submitted only in PDF format until ECMPS 2.0 is formally launched with MATS electronic reporting capability.  Additionally, the language in Section 1.0 of Appendix E to the MATS Rule must be revised to accurately reflect the ongoing electronic reporting requirements via ECMPS 2.0.  It should be noted that one of CAPD presentations discussed uploading MATS XML files into the Electronic Reporting Tool (ERT) to begin checking the XML file formats.  Initially, all formatting errors would result in “Informational Errors.”

If you have any questions or would like a copy of the presentation, please contact Dru at dru.sanders@vimtechnologies.com.  Thanks again to EPRI and Oglethorpe Power for hosting an informative and enjoyable conference.

 

Reflecting on a Great Week at the IEEE/PCA Cement Conference in Birmingham

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Last week, we had the privilege of attending and exhibiting at the IEEE/PCA Cement Conference in Birmingham, Alabama — an event we’re always proud to support. As long-time partners of the cement industry, it was a pleasure to connect once again with so many familiar faces and forge new relationships within this dedicated and innovative community.

This conference continues to be a cornerstone event for us, offering invaluable face-to-face time with customers, industry partners, and peers. These conversations not only strengthen our relationships but also give us deeper insight into the challenges and opportunities that are top of mind for the industry today. From decarbonization strategies to digital transformation, the discussions were rich with purpose and progress.

A notable highlight from this year’s event was the unveiling of the Portland Cement Association’s new identity as the American Cement Association (ACA) — a move that reflects the growing material offering and ambition of the cement industry in the U.S. You can read the full announcement and learn more about this exciting transition on the ACA’s website here.

We’re truly grateful for the continued opportunity to be part of this evolving industry and appreciate everyone who stopped by to connect with our team during the conference. Thank you to the event organizers and all who made the week a success.

We’re already looking forward to reuniting with our cement industry colleagues in Ft. Lauderdale in 2026!

 

VIM Technologies at CAPCA Spring 2025: Conference Highlights

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We had a fantastic time at the CAPCA Spring Conference, held April 9–12, 2025, at the beautiful Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville, NC! We’re so proud to have participated alongside so many great people—our customers, and friends—from Domtar, Duke Energy, Georgia Pacific, Giant Cement, Ingevity, Nucor, Smurfit Westrock, University of South Carolina, and many more. It was a privilege to share the floor with our industry-leading partners: Air Hygiene, Alliance Technical Group, B3 Systems, M&C Technical Group, STI CEMS, and Thermon.

Conference Highlights

The CAPCA Spring Conference brought together the best minds in air quality and environmental compliance for a week of learning, networking, and innovation. Some of our favorite moments included:

  • Deep Dives into CEMS Innovations: We explored the latest advancements in Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems and data-driven approaches for real-time compliance monitoring.
  • Insightful Regulatory Panels: Panels on emerging regulations and best practices for air permit management provided practical takeaways for staying ahead of compliance requirements.
  • Capital Project Commissioning Tips: Experts shared tips and strategies for commissioning capital projects that support environmental compliance and operational excellence.
  • Regulatory Updates: We received valuable updates from the EPA, as well as North Carolina and South Carolina regulatory agencies, helping everyone stay informed on the latest changes.

Thank You for Making It Special

We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who stopped by our booth, joined our conversations, and contributed to the dynamic spirit of the event. Your insights, questions, and enthusiasm are what make the CAPCA community so special.

VIM Technologies is a proud supporter of the Carolina Air Pollution Control Association. We deeply value the relationships and knowledge shared at this conference—insights that drive innovation and help shape tomorrow’s solutions in emissions monitoring and environmental compliance.

We look forward to seeing you again at future CAPCA events!

 

ECMPS 2.0 Rollout Delayed to 2026: What You Need to Know

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On April 22nd, 2025, EPA’s Clean Air and Power Division (CAPD) provided a status update on the ECMPS 2.0 re-engineering effort. The blog post can be found here.

The key takeaway from the message is the delay for ECMPS 2.0 implementation until at least Q1 2026 (from Q3 2025). This announcement didn’t take us by surprise considering the beta testing environment has been unavailable for 9 of the last 10 months!

If you haven’t already done so, we strongly encourage you to get set up with CDX and CBS test accounts and start playing around with the new ECMPS 2.0 web-based client tool. EPA created a quick start guide that will walk you through setting up your test accounts in all applications (CBS, CDX and Login.gov). It also describes the various roles and responsibilities within CDX and what to expect during the official migration expected sometime next year.  To get a copy of the startup guide click here or visit the re-engineering page at https://www.epa.gov/power-sector/ecmps-re-engineering-effort.

We are excited to hear that ECMPS 2.0 beta environment is back on-line, but most importantly to hear that it’s been backfilled with historical MP, QA, and EM data through Q3 2024. The ECMPS 2.0 tool, even when it was on-line, was relatively unusable due to out-of-date records in monitoring plans and the divergence of data between production and beta systems. Any JSON files that were produced by a DAHS likely contained outdated monitoring plan information that weren’t present in the beta system.

Some other good news is that there was no mention of any JSON schema updates. This means that any CEMLink6 DAHS systems running 6.2.620 or greater are equipped with the tools they need to start playing around in the beta environment. If you’re unsure the version you’re running or need help getting your DAHS updated, please contact our support group at support@vimtechnologies.com or call us 1-866-484-6435 and follow the prompts for support.

Unfortunately, one area where EPA is digging in their heels, is regarding Contractor Access. This is a topic we have been very vocal about to both EPA and industry for the last 3 years. This is a feature that’s available in CBS and the current stand-alone ECMPS 1.0 Client Tool and one that the vendors (DAHS, Consultants and Stack testers) rely on to access key information. Without an equivalent feature in ECMPS 2.0, industry will be forced to add a significant number of preparer agents under the sponsor (original DR or ADR) to get the support they need.  It’s imperative that industry press EPA on this subject because it will pose a significant burden to you as it’s currently architected.

VIM will continue to stay abreast of the ECMPS 2.0 developments and update this blog as relevant information becomes available. Please contact our COMPAS group at compas@vimtechnologies.com for more information concerning the ECMPS 2.0 implementation or any questions you may have.

 

President Signs Proclamation Granting MATS Rule Exemption For Certain Sources

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On Tuesday, April 8, 2025, the President issued a Presidential Proclamation exempting specified stationary sources, listed in Annex I of the Proclamation, from compliance with the “National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Coal- and Oil-Fired Electric Utility Steam Generating Units Review of the Residual Risk and Technology Review” (89 Federal Register 38508) (the “Rule”).  A copy of the Proclamation and Annex I list is available HERE.  As specified in the Proclamation, the President’s exemption extends the compliance deadline for two (2) years beyond the Rule’s current compliance date (i.e., for the period beginning July 8, 2027 through July 8, 2029).  During the 2-year exemption period, the coal-fired sources listed in Annex I are subject to the compliance requirements that they are currently subject to under the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) as the MATS Rule existed before the “RTR” MATS Rule (89 Federal Register 38508).

Facilities listed in Annex I must maintain compliance with the pre-RTR MATS standards. Monitoring, reporting, and quality assurance programs should continue to follow the requirements in place before the 2024 RTR amendments.  Affected sources not listed in Annex I must comply with the RTR MATS Rule requirements effective July 8, 2027.  It is unclear if MATS affected sources not listed in Annex I can request a similar Presential exemption.

While the exemption provides temporary relief to some sources, facilities should continue preparing for eventual compliance with the RTR MATS Rule.  Proactive planning and system readiness are essential for long-term compliance.

For more information or to schedule a compliance consultation, please contact VIM Technologies, Inc. (VIM).  VIM remains committed to being a trusted partner in environmental compliance, helping clients navigate regulatory changes with confidence and precision.

Stay tuned to the VIM Technologies News section for ongoing updates and expert insights on air compliance regulations.

 

ECMPS 2.0 Update EPA Announces Q3 2025 Rollout and Key Changes

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On December 20th, 2024, EPA’s Clean Air and Power Division (CAPD) provided a status update on the ECMPS 2.0 re-engineering effort. The blog post can be found here.

Their message addressed the following three (3) key points:

  1. Copies of the ECMPS 2.0 monitoring plan, quality assurance and emissions reporting instructions were posted.
  2. They confirmed that the initial rollout of ECMPS 2.0 would NOT contain any new MATS related records.
  3. ECMPS 2.0 via the new web-based utility has a tentative earliest effective date of Q3 2025. 

Now that EPA has brought the ECMPS 2.0 beta system back on-line and penciled in a deadline of 2025 Q3, industry should be prepared to re-engage with the project. There are no plans to run both systems in parallel so the transition will be aggressive when it occurs. DAHS vendors have what we need to prepare industry for reporting. Detailed below are a few things you can do to prepare for the deadline:

  • EPA has finished migrating security and login capability for the ECMPS 2.0 beta systems from CAMD Business System (CBS) to Central Data Exchange (CDX) and Login.gov. If you haven’t already familiarized yourself with the CDX and Beta startup guide, we encourage you to do so. To access a copy of the startup guide please click here.
  • Reach out to your DAHS vendor to discuss their plans and to schedule an update. Most vendors have been testing in the beta environment since it came back on-line earlier this fall. VIM recently announced to all Part 75 CEMLink customers that an update (Ver. 6.2.620) is available for users who want it to test in the beta environments. We have been encouraging end users to update to familiarize themselves with the new ECMPS 2.0 web-based interface. EPA has been spending time on critical bug fixes rather than usability enhancements, so the look-and-feel of the screens are a bit crude.
  • Provide feedback on your experience with the new interface to EPA. Once your set up with the required test accounts (in CDX and CBS), you can provide feedback to EPA via ecmps-beta@camdsupport.com. It’s important that industry acquaint themselves with the new interface and workflow. There are significant changes to Agent designations and EPA has not re-established “Contractor Access” like we have in the current environment. It’s imperative that industry press EPA on this subject because it will pose a significant burden to you as it’s currently architected.
  • MATS-affected sources should contact their stack test contractors to ensure that they will continue to provide the applicable required MATS stack test data elements specified in Sections 17 through 30 of Appendix E to the MATS Rule in XML format. EPA will likely continue with the “attachment” approach until there are at least a few years of run-time in the new environment.  We don’t expect EPA to re-engage with vendors or industry until at least 2026 to discuss the additional MATS data elements.  

VIM will continue to stay abreast of the ECMPS 2.0 developments and update this blog as relevant information becomes available. Please contact our COMPAS group at compas@vimtechnologies.com for more information concerning the ECMPS 2.0 implementation or any questions you may have.

2024 CEMLink6 & Regulatory Training Recap

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VIM Technologies, Inc. (VIM) is pleased to announce the completion of another highly successful CEMLink6 and Regulatory Training course held in Dallas, Texas on November 5 – 7, 2024. The 3-day training course included three (3) separate tracks: (1) regulatory, (2) CEMLink6 intermediate and (3) CEMLink6 advanced. The regulatory track featured a 2-day focused training on Part 75 as well as a half-day course on Part 60 Appendix F quality assurance/quality control procedures. Other regulatory topics included Part 63 Subparts EEE and LLLL. CEMLink6 tracks covered some of our usual subjects such as Overview Dashboards, Logbook and Calibration Utilities but also some refreshed material in the Configuration/PLC and advanced system troubleshooting sessions. Attendees were provided copies of the presentations prior to the course as well as PDF copies of other supporting documents. There were also opportunities to meet new friends and network. Comments from attendees included:

“I appreciated the flexibility to change tracks to attend the training that was of most interest to me.”

“I would highly recommend this course to my colleagues.”

“The training material was thorough and useful as a reference document.”

Stay tuned for VIM announcements for future online and in-person training classes or visit our training page at www.vimtechnologies.com/training. VIM also provides site-specific training courses tailored to a facility’s monitoring methodology and applicable regulations. Contact us at sales@vimtechnologies.com for more information.