EPA Nods to Texas Smog Rules in Houston Area
Published Date: 7/24/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The EPA is giving a thumbs-up to Texas’ updated air pollution rules for the Houston-Galveston-Brazoria area to help clean up smog caused by certain chemicals. This means businesses in that area need to follow these new rules to reduce harmful emissions, keeping the air healthier. The EPA is still taking comments and will finalize the plan soon, so changes and costs might come into play for local industries.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
VOC-Emitting Businesses Must Meet RACT
The EPA proposes to determine that Texas’ rules meet Reasonably Available Control Technology (RACT) requirements for sources of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in the Serious Houston-Galveston-Brazoria (HGB) 2008 8-hour ozone nonattainment area. That means businesses in the HGB area that emit VOCs are subject to these RACT requirements and must follow the Texas SIP rules to control emissions. The EPA is taking comments on this supplemental proposal before finalizing the action.
Approval Aims to Reduce Smog Locally
The EPA’s supplemental proposal approves Texas’ updated rules to help clean up smog caused by Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in the Houston-Galveston-Brazoria (HGB) area, supporting the 2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS. This action is intended to keep the air healthier for people who live and work in the HGB area. The EPA is still taking public comment before finalizing the decision.
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: 2025-13882, Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, Fort Lauderdale, FL
The Coast Guard wants to change when the SE 17th Street Bridge in Fort Lauderdale opens to boats, especially during weekday rush hours, to help reduce car traffic jams. This affects drivers and boaters who use the bridge and waterway. If approved, boats might have to wait longer during busy times, but cars will move smoother—no extra costs involved!
Next: 2025-13906, Air Plan Revisions; California; Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District; New Source Review; Stationary Source Permits
The EPA is set to approve updated air pollution rules for the Mojave Desert area in California, helping local businesses get clearer permits for new or changed pollution sources. These changes fix past problems and keep the air cleaner without extra penalties for now. This update means smoother permit processes and a cleaner environment, with no new costs or sanctions hitting right away.