EPA Approves Colorado's Plan to Tackle Denver Smog
Published Date: 6/18/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The EPA is giving a thumbs-up to Colorado’s plan to clean up smog in the Denver Metro/North Front Range area by using smart pollution controls. This means local businesses and communities will follow new rules to keep the air cleaner, helping everyone breathe easier. The EPA is also pausing penalties while Colorado shows it’s on the right track, so no extra costs hit just yet.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Deferral of Clean Air Act Sanctions
The EPA is making an interim final determination to defer application of Clean Air Act sanctions tied to its prior disapproval while Colorado addresses the RACT issues for the Denver Metro/North Front Range nonattainment area. That means penalties associated with the prior disapproval will be paused for now while the State’s corrections are evaluated.
Approval of Colorado RACT Plan
If you live or operate in the Denver Metro/North Front Range area, the EPA is proposing to approve Colorado’s State Implementation Plan submittals that address Reasonably Available Control Technology (RACT) for the 2008 ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards. This action would recognize that the State has met the Clean Air Act requirements for a former Serious nonattainment area and resolves EPA’s prior disapproval of specific RACT determinations.
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
2026-13667, 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: 2025-11261, Approval of Air Quality Implementation Plans; California; Regional Haze State Implementation Plan for the Second Implementation Period
The EPA is giving a thumbs-up to California’s updated plan to clear up regional haze and improve air quality in special natural areas. This plan helps keep the skies clearer by cutting pollution and follows new rules for the next few years. It affects communities near these protected spots and supports cleaner air without extra costs right now.
Next: 2025-11264, Air Quality Plans; Guam; Guam Environmental Protection Agency; New Source Review
The EPA wants to approve new rules for Guam that help control air pollution from big factories and construction projects. These changes affect businesses that need permits before building or changing big pollution sources. People can share their thoughts now before the rules become official, which will help keep Guam’s air cleaner without causing surprise costs or delays.