§22-5-12. Operating permits required for stationary sources of air pollution.

No person may operate a stationary source of air pollutants without first obtaining an operating permit as provided in this section. The director shall promulgate legislative rules, in accordance with chapter twenty-nine-a of this code, which specify classes or categories of stationary sources which are required to obtain an operating permit. The legislative rule shall provide for the form and content of the application procedure including time limitations for obtaining the required permits. Any person who has filed a timely and complete application for a permit or renewal thereof required by this section, and who is abiding by the requirements of this article and the rules promulgated pursuant thereto is in compliance with the requirements of this article and any rule promulgated thereunder until a permit is issued or denied. Any legislative rule promulgated pursuant to the authority granted by this section shall be equivalent to and consistent with rules and regulations adopted by the administrator of United States environmental protection agency pursuant to Title IV and Title V of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, 42 U.S.C. §7651 et seq. and 42 U.S.C. §7661 et seq., respectively: Provided, That such legislative rule may deviate from the federal rules and regulations where a deviation is appropriate to implement the policy and purpose of this article taking into account such factors unique to West Virginia.