Emergency Generator Fact Sheet

Overview

There are a surprising number of environmental requirements for emergency generators and associated fuel tanks. Generally, at the state or local levels, an air permit is required for the installation and operation of an emergency generator. The specifics depend on the jurisdiction and the generator's size and type. There are also federal regulations that cover air emissions from generators, with the exact requirements based on the age, size, and type of generator. Most states have the authority to implement the federal air programs, and states may impose additional regulations. There may be additional requirements from local building and fire codes. This means that installing and running an emergency generator requires much more management than just turning it on when the power goes out. 

This fact sheet walks through the basics of an emergency generator and the factors impacting regulatory compliance. Updated March 2026