Allegheny's Air Gets EPA Green Light: Cleaner Skies Ahead
Published Date: 4/28/2025
Rule
Summary
Great news for Allegheny County! The EPA says the air there now meets the 2010 sulfur dioxide pollution standards, so the area is officially upgraded from 'needs work' to 'all clear.' Pennsylvania’s plan to keep the air clean is also approved, meaning healthier air for everyone without extra costs or delays.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Allegheny County Upgraded to Attainment
The EPA approved Pennsylvania’s November 14, 2023 request to redesignate Allegheny County from nonattainment to attainment for the 2010 1-hour primary sulfur dioxide (SO2) National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS). That means the area now officially meets the 2010 SO2 standard.
Pennsylvania’s SO2 Maintenance Plan Approved
The EPA approved Pennsylvania’s State Implementation Plan revision that includes Allegheny County’s maintenance plan for the 2010 1-hour primary SO2 standard. The approval means the state’s plan to keep the air meeting the 2010 SO2 standard is accepted under the Clean Air Act.
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
2026-11047 — 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.
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!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-07240 — Revocation of Class E Airspace; Pinecreek, MN
The Class E airspace at Pinecreek, MN is officially being removed because the airport is closing and the instrument procedures are no longer in use. Pilots flying in this area will need to adjust their plans since the airspace rules are changing. This update takes effect soon and won’t cost anyone extra—just a smoother, simpler sky!
Next: 2025-07261 — Air Plan Approval; Kansas; Annual Emission Inventory and Fees
The EPA just gave a thumbs-up to Kansas for updating its air pollution fee rules and emissions tracking. This means Kansas will have new fees for certain pollution classes and better funding for its air permits program. These changes start soon and help keep things fair without hurting air quality.