Rhode Island's Anti-Haze Air Plan Wins EPA Nod
Published Date: 4/9/2026
Rule
Summary
The EPA is giving a thumbs-up to Rhode Island’s updated plan to keep the air clear and protect visibility in special natural areas. This plan helps fight pollution that causes haze and meets clean air rules tied to the 2015 ozone standards. Starting May 11, 2026, Rhode Island will continue working to keep skies clearer without extra costs for businesses or residents.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Rhode Island Haze Plan Approved
The EPA approved Rhode Island's regional haze State Implementation Plan submitted on March 7, 2025, as meeting Clean Air Act requirements for the second implementation period (2018-2028). The approval is effective May 11, 2026 and adds the Rhode Island Regional Haze Plan for the 2nd planning period to the federally approved SIP.
Prong 4 (Visibility) of 2015 Ozone ISIP Approved
EPA approved the remaining element (Prong 4, visibility protection) of Rhode Island's infrastructure SIP submitted September 23, 2020, for the 2015 8-hour ozone standard. That approval is finalized as part of the May 11, 2026 action and confirms Rhode Island meets the visibility-related ISIP requirement for the 2015 ozone NAAQS.
No New Federal Costs for RI Businesses
EPA certified that approving Rhode Island's regional haze SIP does not impose additional federal requirements beyond state law and will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The rule does not add new emission limits or new monitoring, recordkeeping, or reporting requirements as part of this approval.
Approval Does Not Apply on Tribal Lands
The EPA's approval of the Rhode Island SIP is not approved to apply on any Indian reservation land or in any area where EPA or an Indian Tribe has demonstrated Tribal jurisdiction. In those parts of Indian country, the rule will not impose substantial direct costs on Tribal governments or preempt Tribal law.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Take It Personal
Get Your Personalized Policy View
Start a Free Government Policy Watch to see how policy affects your household, then upgrade to PRIA Full Coverage for year-round monitoring.
Already have an account? Sign in