Air Plan Approval; Arizona; Maricopa County Air Quality Department
Published Date: 1/16/2025
Rule
Summary
The EPA just gave a thumbs-up to Maricopa County’s updated air pollution rules, especially for aerospace coatings and certain industrial chemicals. This means cleaner air for folks in the Phoenix-Mesa area, with new rules kicking in on February 18, 2025. Businesses will need to follow these updated standards, but no big costs were flagged, just smarter ways to keep the air fresh!
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Sanctions and FIP Clocks Stopped
EPA’s full approval stops sanctions and Federal Implementation Plan (FIP) clocks that began with EPA’s January 7, 2021 partial disapproval/conditional approval for portions of the Maricopa County RACT SIP. This final approval is effective February 18, 2025.
Aerospace Coatings RACT Approved
The EPA approved Maricopa County’s Reasonably Available Control Technology (RACT) certification for Aerospace Manufacturing and Rework Operations (adopted June 23, 2021). This approval is final and federally enforceable as of February 18, 2025.
Surface Coating Rule 336 Incorporated
The EPA incorporated by reference Maricopa County Rule 336, “Surface Coating Operations and Industrial Adhesive Application Processes,” revised September 1, 2021, into the Arizona SIP. Rule 336 becomes federally enforceable under the Clean Air Act as of February 18, 2025.
Negative Declarations Approved
The EPA approved Maricopa County’s negative declarations for multiple coating and industrial categories for the 2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS (entries listed in Sec. 52.122), as submitted September 17, 2021. The approval is final and effective February 18, 2025.
Cleaner Air Expected in Phoenix‑Mesa Area
The EPA states this action is expected to have a neutral to positive impact on air quality in the Phoenix‑Mesa ozone nonattainment area regulated by Maricopa County. The approval of the RACT certification and Rule 336 is effective February 18, 2025.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-20652, Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Fisheries; General Category October Through November Quota Transfer and Adjustment
NOAA is shifting some bluefin tuna fishing quota to help commercial fishermen catch more fish from October to November 2026. They moved 70.2 metric tons from a reserve and added leftover quota from earlier months, boosting the total catch allowed to 192.9 metric tons. This change helps commercial and charter boats with the right permits fish more bluefin tuna during this period.
2026-20687, Impact Aid Programs
The Department of Education is updating the Impact Aid Program rules to fix typos, update legal references, and improve mailing methods—no big changes to how the program works. These updates affect local schools near federal activities and take effect November 9, 2026. The changes keep everything clear and accurate without adding new paperwork or costs.
2026-20680, Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
If you own or operate Boeing 787-8, 787-9, or 787-10 planes, this new FAA rule updates safety checks and parts to keep your aircraft flying safely. It replaces an older rule by requiring a new part swap and updated maintenance steps, effective November 12, 2026. These changes help prevent problems with the wing slats and might mean some extra maintenance costs but boost safety big time.
2026-20666, Airworthiness Directives; Engine Alliance Engines
If you fly planes with Engine Alliance GP7270, GP7272, or GP7277 engines, listen up! The FAA found a risky part in the high-pressure turbine that could cause serious trouble during takeoff. Starting October 23, 2026, airlines must swap out this part to keep flights safe—so get ready to replace it soon and avoid any costly delays or dangers.
2026-20685, Removal of Obsolete Portion of Regulation Relating to Care and Treatment of Ineligible Individuals
The Indian Health Service is cleaning up old rules that no longer apply to charging people who aren’t eligible for their care. This change won’t affect how they currently operate or cost anyone extra. The update takes effect on December 7, 2026, making the rules clearer and simpler for everyone.
2026-20632, Special Local Regulations; San Francisco Bay Navy Fleet Week Parade of Ships and Blue Angels Demonstration, San Francisco, CA
From October 8 to 11, 2026, the Coast Guard will block off parts of San Francisco Bay for the Navy Fleet Week Parade of Ships and Blue Angels air show to keep everyone safe. Boats and people who aren’t authorized won’t be allowed in certain areas during specific times. If you’re planning to be on the water, expect some changes and plan ahead to avoid delays or fines.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2024-30576, Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Sanctuary; Final Regulations
NOAA is officially protecting the huge Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Sanctuary, covering over 582,000 square miles around the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. New rules will help keep its amazing wildlife, culture, and history safe. These changes kick in after a 45-day review by Congress starting January 16, 2025, with Hawaii’s governor able to weigh in on state waters.
Next: 2025-00380, Air Plan Approval; Montana; Missoula, Montana Oxygenated Fuels Program Removal, Carbon Monoxide, Limited Maintenance Plan
The EPA is giving the green light to Montana’s plan to switch off the oxygenated fuels program in Missoula from a must-do rule to a backup plan for carbon monoxide pollution. This change won’t mess with air quality and kicks in on February 18, 2025. Residents and businesses in Missoula can expect no new costs or restrictions, just a smarter way to keep the air clean.