EPA Rejects Most Objections to Texas Refinery Pollution Permit
Published Date: 8/14/2025
Notice
Summary
The EPA reviewed a petition from local groups asking to block a pollution permit for Valero’s Houston refinery tanks. They agreed with some concerns but denied others, meaning Valero can keep most of its permit. This affects the community near the refinery and keeps air quality rules in check without big delays or costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Partial EPA Objection to Valero Permit
On July 18, 2025 the EPA granted in part and denied in part a petition (filed December 3, 2024) asking the agency to object to the Clean Air Act Title V operating permit for the Valero Houston Refinery Tank Farm in Harris County, Texas. The EPA agreed with some concerns raised by local groups but denied others, which the EPA says means Valero may keep most of its permit.
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
2026-10085 — 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.
2026-10086 — 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.
2026-09895 — 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: 2025-15490 — Notice of the Department of Energy Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) “Still Interested” Inquiry
The Department of Energy wants to clear up old FOIA requests made before October 1, 2024, and check if people still want their info. This helps speed things up and cut down the backlog for DOE Headquarters (but not other DOE parts). If you asked for info before FY 2025, keep an eye out and respond so your request doesn’t get dropped!
Next: 2025-15495 — Notice of Lodging of Proposed Consent Decree Under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act
The government and Navajo Nation are teaming up to clean up two uranium-contaminated sites in New Mexico, with United Nuclear Corporation and General Electric footing a $62.5 million bill. The plan involves digging up dangerous waste and safely storing it to protect people and the environment. The public has 30 days to share their thoughts before the cleanup officially moves forward.