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
2026-10086 — Extending the Compliance Deadline for the PFOA and PFOS Maximum Contaminant Levels
The EPA is giving water systems more time to meet safety rules for two harmful chemicals, PFOA and PFOS, by extending the deadline from April 2029 to April 2031 if they ask for it. This helps water providers get ready without rushing, keeping our drinking water safe. The EPA wants your thoughts and will hold a public hearing in July 2026 to hear from everyone.
2026-10085 — Rescission of Regulatory Determinations and Removal of Related Provisions for Four PFAS Substances (PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO-DA (GenX), and the Mixture of These Three PFAS Plus PFBS)
The EPA is proposing to undo its rules for four PFAS chemicals (PFHxS, PFNA, GenX, and a mix including PFBS) in drinking water because the original process wasn’t done right. This means public water systems won’t have to monitor or treat these chemicals for now. People and water providers should weigh in by July 20, 2026, and a virtual hearing happens July 7.
2026-09895 — Effluent Limitations Guidelines and Standards for the Steam Electric Power Generating Point Source Category-Unmanaged Combustion Residual Leachate
The EPA is updating rules for steam electric power plants to better control dirty water leaking from leftover coal waste. This change affects existing power plants and is expected to save up to $1 billion a year while protecting water quality. Comments on the proposal are open until June 17, 2026, so now’s the time to speak up!
2026-09524 — Begin Actual Construction in the New Source Review (NSR) Preconstruction Permitting Program
The EPA is updating rules about when companies can start building big projects that might affect air quality. Now, they can begin building parts that don’t release pollution before getting a full air permit, making things clearer and easier. This change mainly affects businesses planning major construction and could speed up projects without extra costs, but comments are due by June 29, 2026.
2026-09179 — Definition of Hazardous Waste Applicable to Corrective Action for Releases From Solid Waste Management Units; Withdrawal
The EPA has decided to cancel its plan to change the rules about what counts as hazardous waste for cleaning up pollution at certain waste sites. This means businesses and cleanup crews won’t have to deal with the confusing new rules that were proposed. The withdrawal takes effect immediately, so no extra costs or changes will happen right now.
2026-08750 — Extension of Postponement of Effectiveness for Certain Provisions of Trichloroethylene (TCE); Regulation Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)
The EPA is hitting the pause button again on some rules about a chemical called TCE, which is used in workplaces. This means certain limited uses of TCE won’t have to follow new restrictions just yet, while courts review the rules. If you work with TCE, this delay gives you more time before changes kick in, starting May 18, 2026.
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!