Pennsylvania's Beaver County Now Meets Sulfur Dioxide Clean Air Standards
Published Date: 11/18/2025
Rule
Summary
Great news for Beaver County, Pennsylvania! The EPA says the air there is cleaner now and officially meets the 2010 sulfur dioxide pollution standards. Starting December 18, 2025, the county moves from 'needs improvement' to 'all clear,' with a plan in place to keep the air fresh and safe for everyone.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Beaver County Officially Attainment
The EPA is redesignating parts of Beaver County, Pennsylvania from nonattainment to attainment for the 2010 1-hour primary sulfur dioxide (SO2) standard effective December 18, 2025. The legal designation change covers the area consisting of Industry Borough, Shippingport Borough, Midland Borough, Brighton Township, Potter Township, and Vanport Township.
10-Year Maintenance Plan Approved
The EPA approved Pennsylvania's maintenance plan for the Beaver County area, which the state says will keep the area meeting the 2010 SO2 standard for at least 10 years following redesignation. The maintenance plan includes contingency measures to address any future violations of the 2010 SO2 NAAQS.
Improvements Tied to Facility Closures and Limits
The EPA found the Beaver County area's air quality improvement is due to permanent and enforceable SO2 emissions reductions, including the closures of multiple facilities and permitted SO2 emissions limits at various sources throughout the area. The agency relied on monitoring and emissions data below modeled limits in Pennsylvania's 2017 attainment plan.
SIP Not Applied on Tribal Lands
The EPA states this SIP approval is not approved to apply on any Indian reservation land or in any area where an Indian Tribe has demonstrated jurisdiction. In those areas, the rule will not impose direct federal SIP requirements or substantial direct costs on Tribal governments.
No Significant Small-Entity Economic Impact
The EPA certified that this action (approving the redesignation and SIP revision) is not expected to have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities under the Regulatory Flexibility Act. The rule also states it does not impose requirements beyond those imposed by state law.
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