Offset

{
  "id": "MLC-T-ENV-019402",
  "term": "Offset",
  "field": "Environment",
  "definition": "1. The difference between the actual value and the desired value (or set point); characteristic of proportional controllers that do not incorporate reset action.\n\n2. A credit used to compensate for the unavoidable impacts on the environment. Used by companies, governments or other entities in compliance markets to comply with regulatory caps. (adapted from: Willamette Partnership)\n\n3. A method used in the 1990 Clean Air Act to give companies which own or operate large sources in nonattainment areas flexibility in meeting overall pollution reduction requirements when changing production processes. If the owner or operator of the source wishes to increase release of a criteria air pollutant, an offset (reduction of a somewhat greater amount of the same pollutant) must be obtained either at the same plant or by purchasing offsets from another company.\n\n4. A credit used to compensate for the unavoidable impacts on the environment. Used by companies, governments or other entities in compliance markets to comply with regulatory caps.\n\n5. 1.) n. Offsite treatment implemented by a regulated point source on upstream land not owned by the point source for the purposes of meeting its permit limit. 2.) n. Load reductions that are purchased by a new or expanding point source to offset its increased discharge to an impaired waterbody. (Note: EPA considers both types of offsets to be trading programs) 3.) v. to compensate for.\n\n6. Offsite treatment implemented by a regulated point source on upstream land not owned by the point source for the purposes of meeting its permit limit. Load reductions that are purchased by a new or expanding point source to offset its increased discharge to an impaired waterbody. (Note: EPA considers both types of offsets to be trading programs)",
  "synonyms": [
    "DROOP"
  ],
  "subject": "Laws, regulations and executive orders",
  "references": [
    "Drinking Water Technical & Legal Terms",
    "Core Ecosystem Services Research Program Standard Lexicon",
    "Air Permitting Terms",
    "Water Quality Trading Toolkit for Permit Writers Glossary",
    "Water Quality Toolkit Glossary"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/environment/offset/"
}