EPA Expands Digital Reporting For Engine Emissions Testing

• Mandatory ERT submissions beginning February 26, 2025
• Applies to IC engine testing under JJJJ, IIII and ZZZZ
• Emissions reports submitted through CEDRI within 60 days
• Early system setup reduces reporting delays

Facilities that operate stationary internal combustion engines face a new compliance challenge. Beginning February 26, 2025, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires electronic submission of specific emissions test results using the Electronic Reporting Tool (ERT).

Many facilities still rely on manual or semi-digital reporting processes. That approach increases compliance risk as regulators move toward standardized digital reporting systems. Facilities that prepare early can reduce reporting errors avoid delays and maintain regulatory confidence.

The new reporting requirements apply to emissions testing conducted under three federal air rules:

• 40 CFR Part 60 Subpart JJJJ, stationary spark ignition internal combustion engines
• 40 CFR Part 60 Subpart IIII, stationary compression ignition internal combustion engines
• 40 CFR Part 63 Subpart ZZZZ, national emission standards for hazardous air pollutants for reciprocating internal combustion engines
  

EPA introduced electronic reporting to improve transparency and consistency in emissions data. According to the EPA, facilities that adopt electronic reporting often see faster regulatory review and fewer reporting errors. Additional information is available through the EPA’s Electronic Reporting Tool overview.

For operators, the change signals a broader transition toward centralized environmental data systems.

The rule primarily changes how emissions test results are submitted rather than how tests are conducted. Facilities must provide results in standardized electronic formats that regulators can review quickly and compare across facilities.

If EPA supports the emissions test method in ERT, facilities must generate and submit results directly through the tool. This process creates structured data files that allow regulators to analyze compliance trends more efficiently.

Some testing methods remain outside the current ERT framework. In those cases, facilities may attach results within the ERT submission or provide another electronic file format approved under the regulation.

For operators, this means emissions testing programs must now align with both testing protocols and digital reporting standards.

Facilities must submit emissions test reports through the EPA’s Compliance and Emissions Data Reporting Interface (CEDRI) within 60 days after testing. The platform serves as the central reporting system for several federal air programs. More information is available on the EPA’s CEDRI reporting platform.

Facilities that have not previously used CEDRI must first establish access through the EPA’s Central Data Exchange. After registration, organizations assign reporting roles such as Certifier or Delegated Certifier.

Facilities should also plan for additional reporting preparation time. The effort required to complete an ERT submission depends on the complexity of the testing program, the number of test methods involved and the facility’s existing reporting workflows.

Organizations that delay registration or underestimate reporting preparation often face unnecessary compliance pressure during testing cycles.

The ERT requirement reflects a broader regulatory shift. EPA continues to move environmental reporting into centralized digital platforms that improve oversight and accelerate regulatory review.

Facilities that modernize reporting workflows now can adapt more easily as additional programs transition to electronic reporting. Organizations that treat this change as a strategic upgrade rather than an administrative task strengthen compliance performance and reduce regulatory risk.

Early preparation remains the most effective way to navigate the transition and maintain confidence with regulators.