In 1990, amendments to the Clean Air Act required states to develop programs to help small businesses comply with air quality regulations. These state programs are composed of three components: a small business compliance assistance program (currently Small Business Environmental Assistance Program or SBEAP), a Small Business Ombudsman (SBO), and a Compliance Advisory Panel (CAP). These components work together and are monitored by the US EPA Asbestos and Small Business Ombudsman (EPA ASBO).

To better meet the needs of small businesses, many of these state technical assistance programs have expanded their air quality focus to provide technical assistance in other environmental areas. Services provided by these organizations for small businesses include environmental compliance, pollution prevention, energy, management, technology, and resources assistance.

In an effort to help encourage better communication around the country between state technical assistance programs and EPA, a National Steering Committee (for the state SBO/SBEAPs) and a National CAP (for the state CAPs) were formed. Through these coordinated efforts, state programs are able to tackle issues relevant to their purpose and share information to help avoid duplication of effort.

The Small Business Environmental Home Page (Home Page), funded by EPA ASBO, was developed in 1996 as a resource for small businesses and for the US EPA ASBO, state SBEAPs, state SBOs, NSC, and state and national CAPs. The Home Page is intended to be a “one stop shop” for small businesses and assistance providers who seek information on a wide range of environmental topics. We’re always looking for new resources to offer and improved ways to organize and present information. Please let us know how we may serve you better, what features you like or want to see, and how we can improve (contact Audrey Zelanko, 724.452.4722).

The links provided below can guide you directly to information about the assistance providers described above.

EPA ASBO Web Site
EPA ASBO Factsheet

SBO/SBEAP NSC
SBO/SBEAP NSC Members

Confused by Environmental Regulations? SBEAPs Can Help
SBEAPs -- 2004-2005 Activity Summary Report
SBO/SBEAP Contacts

National and State CAPs
National CAP Contacts
State CAP Contacts