Vermont's Air Haze Plan Clears EPA Hurdle for Better Views
Published Date: 5/23/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The EPA is set to approve Vermont’s updated plan to clear up the air and keep our skies beautiful for the next few years. This plan helps reduce haze in special natural areas, making sure Vermont stays on track with clean air goals. It affects local communities and businesses, with no big costs expected, and kicks in for the second phase starting soon.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
EPA Proposes Approval of Vermont SIP
If you live or run a business in Vermont, the EPA is proposing to approve Vermont’s Regional Haze State Implementation Plan submitted July 1, 2024 for the second implementation period. The EPA says the submission satisfies requirements under the Clean Air Act and the Regional Haze Rule (sections 110 and 169A).
Visibility Improvements for Class I Areas
The plan aims to reduce anthropogenic impairment of visibility in mandatory Class I Federal areas in Vermont during the second implementation period. The document notes this action affects local communities and businesses and states there are "no big costs expected."
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
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-19071, Partial Repeal of the Carbon Pollution Standards for Fossil Fuel-Fired Electric Generating Units
The EPA is rolling back most of the 2024 rules that limited carbon pollution from fossil fuel power plants. This change affects coal and gas plants by easing some strict limits on emissions and carbon capture technology. The new rules kick in on November 16, 2026, potentially saving money for power plants but raising questions about pollution control.
2026-19072, Rescission of the Greenhouse Gas Findings for Fossil Fuel-Fired Power Plants and Repeal of Regulations for Power Plant Greenhouse Gas Emissions Under Clean Air Act Section 111
The EPA is proposing to cancel all greenhouse gas rules for fossil fuel power plants, saying the law doesn’t let them regulate these emissions for climate reasons. This change affects power plants across the U.S. and could impact future pollution limits and costs. Comments on this proposal are open until November 2, 2026, so now’s the time to speak up!
2026-18317, Updated Definition of “Waters of the United States”
The purpose of this supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking is for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of the Army ("the agencies") to supplement and seek additional comment on certain aspects of an earlier proposal, published on November 20, 2025, to revise the regulations defining the scope of waters federally covered under the Clean Water Act in light of the U.S. Supreme Court's 2023 decision in Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency. As stated in the agencies' November 20, 2025 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), the agencies intend for this rulemaking to provide greater regulatory certainty and increase Clean Water Act program predictability and consistency by clarifying the definition of "waters of the United States." After consideration of the public comments received on the NPRM, the agencies are issuing this notice to supplement the NPRM with additional regulatory options on certain aspects of the proposed rule.
2026-14112, Amendments and Nonconformance Penalties for Model Year 2027 and Later Heavy-Duty Highway Engines and Amendments to Inducement Provisions for SCR-Equipped Diesel Engines
Starting with model year 2027, the EPA is updating rules for big truck engines to make sure they last longer and pollute less. They’re also letting engine makers pay penalties if their engines don’t meet standards, and tightening rules for special pollution-control systems on diesel engines. These changes affect truck and engine makers and kick in soon, with public feedback due by August 29, 2026.
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!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-09095, Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
If you fly certain Airbus helicopters, the FAA wants you to upgrade some key parts in the main gearbox to keep things safe. They’re asking for a new fix that includes swapping out bolts and modifying a suspension bar link, plus stopping the use of some old parts. This update means you’ll need to act soon to avoid safety risks and keep your helicopter flying smoothly.
Next: 2025-09285, Amendment of Class D, Amendment of Class E4, and Amendment of Class E5 Airspace Over Nantucket, MA
The FAA is updating the airspace rules around Nantucket Memorial Airport to make flying safer and clearer for pilots using instruments. They’re fixing boundaries for Class D, E4, and E5 airspace because some areas don’t match current flight paths or rules. These changes won’t cost money but will help keep flights smooth and on track starting soon.