EPA Half-Approves Colorado's Hazy Air Cleanup Plan
Published Date: 7/16/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The EPA is giving Colorado a thumbs-up on some parts of its plan to clear up regional haze but a thumbs-down on others, especially where the state didn’t fully explain how it will shut down certain pollution sources. This affects Colorado’s air quality efforts and aims to keep our skies clearer in special protected areas. The EPA also wants to tidy up Colorado’s rules by putting all haze plans in one spot, helping everyone stay on track.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
EPA Partially Rejects Colorado Haze Plan
If you operate a pollution-emitting facility in Colorado, the EPA is proposing to partially disapprove Colorado's 2022 regional haze State Implementation Plan (SIP) for the second implementation period because it includes "insufficiently justified enforceable source closures" that the EPA says do not meet statutory requirements. The proposal also includes a partial approval of other parts of the 2022 SIP that address making reasonable progress to prevent and remedy anthropogenic visibility impairment in mandatory Class I Federal areas for the second implementation period.
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: 2025-13341 — Air Quality State Implementation Plans; Approval and Promulgations: Montana: Infrastructure Requirements for the 2015 Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards
The EPA is giving a thumbs-up to Montana’s plan to keep the air clean and meet 2015 ozone pollution rules. This update makes sure Montana’s air quality program is strong and uses the latest science for tracking pollution. People in Montana can expect better air quality management without new costs or delays.
Next: 2025-13343 — Air Plan Approval; Ohio; Second Maintenance Plan for the Ohio Portion of the Campbell-Clermont, KY-OH SO2 Maintenance Area
The EPA is set to approve Ohio’s plan to keep the air clean in Pierce Township, Clermont County, for another 10 years by controlling sulfur dioxide pollution. This plan helps make sure the air stays safe and healthy through 2034 without extra costs for residents or businesses. If you live or work there, you can breathe easier knowing the air quality rules are staying strong!