EPA Greenlights New York's Methanol Tank Pollution Cuts
Published Date: 3/24/2025
Rule
Summary
The EPA is giving a thumbs-up to New York’s updated air plan for Knowlton Technologies in Watertown. This update focuses on cutting pollution from two big methanol tanks to keep the air clean and meet ozone rules. No extra costs or delays are expected, and the plan passed smoothly with zero complaints.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Knowlton Must Use VOC RACT Controls
Knowlton Technologies LLC in Watertown must follow control options that address volatile organic compound (VOC) Reasonably Available Control Technology (RACT) for two 10,000-gallon underground storage tanks holding virgin methanol. The EPA approved New York’s source-specific SIP revision for this facility after proposing approval on November 26, 2024, and receiving no comments.
Local Ozone Pollution Controls Upheld
The EPA approved New York’s SIP revision for Knowlton Technologies to cut pollution from two 10,000-gallon methanol tanks so the area meets the ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards (the 2008 and 2015 ozone NAAQS). The approval is specifically for the facility at 213 Factory Street, Watertown, New York.
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
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-13667 — Minor New Source Review Program Air Permitting Public Participation Requirements for State Implementation Plans
The EPA wants to give states more freedom to decide how much public input is needed when approving small air pollution sources or changes. This means local air agencies can tailor public participation to fit their community’s needs while still protecting air quality. If you’re involved in air permits, watch for comment deadlines and possible virtual hearings this summer!
2026-13263 — Revisions To Establish the Sixth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 6) for Public Water Systems
The EPA is rolling out the sixth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 6) to check for new, sneaky chemicals in public drinking water. Big water systems serving 3,300+ people and some smaller ones will test for 30 different contaminants, including certain PFAS and pesticides, to keep our water safe. Comments and feedback are open until late August 2026, and the EPA will host fun online meetings to chat about the plan!
2026-12927 — U.S. Ecology Nevada, Inc. High Mercury Subcategory Wastes Land Disposal Restrictions Variance
The EPA is giving U.S. Ecology Nevada a special green light to handle and dispose of high-mercury waste a bit differently than usual. This means mercury waste treated in Pennsylvania can now be safely sent to U.S. Ecology’s Nevada site for disposal under new rules starting July 27, 2026. This change helps protect people and the environment while keeping mercury waste management efficient and cost-effective.
2026-11047 — National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants From Hazardous Waste Combustors: Residual Risk and Technology Review
The EPA just updated rules for places that burn hazardous waste, like incinerators and boilers, to keep the air safe and clean. They confirmed current standards work well but added new limits on harmful gases like hydrogen fluoride and hydrogen cyanide. These changes start June 3, 2026, and include easier electronic reporting and some new rules for startup and shutdown times—helping protect health without big costs.
2026-10641 — Hazardous and Solid Waste Management System: Disposal of Coal Combustion Residuals From Electric Utilities; Federal CCR Permit Program; Reopening of Comment Period
The EPA is reopening the comment period until June 29, 2026, for its proposed rule to create a federal permit program for safely disposing of coal ash from power plants. This affects electric utilities that handle coal waste and aims to improve environmental safety while possibly impacting their costs. Now’s the time for everyone to share their thoughts and help shape the rules!
2026-10387 — Phasedown of Hydrofluorocarbons: Reconsideration of Certain Regulatory Requirements Promulgated Under the Technology Transitions Provisions of the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020
The EPA is updating rules to phase down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), chemicals used in cooling systems like refrigerators and air conditioners. These changes affect businesses in refrigeration, supermarkets, semiconductor manufacturing, and more, allowing some older equipment made before 2025 to keep running. The new rules kick in on July 27, 2026, helping industries transition smoothly while cutting harmful emissions.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-04903 — Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; 2025 Recreational Accountability Measure and Closure for Gag in the South Atlantic
Starting in 2025, recreational fishers in the South Atlantic will have a shorter season to catch gag grouper to keep the fish population healthy. This change comes because too many fish were caught in 2024, so the season will close earlier to prevent overfishing. If you love fishing for gag, plan ahead and watch for the new closure date to avoid fines and help protect the fish for the future.
Next: 2025-04913 — Methodology for Calculating Earnings on Court-Ordered Payments
The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board finalized a rule on how to calculate earnings and losses for court-ordered payments from Thrift Savings Plan accounts. This affects TSP participants who have to share money with spouses, ex-spouses, kids, or dependents. The rule stays the same as proposed, so everyone knows exactly how payments will be figured—no surprises, just clear math!