EPA Gives Polluters Extra Time to Comment on Smog Rules

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: 2025-15610 — Miscellaneous Corrections, Clarifications, and Improvements

The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) is fixing and clarifying some rules about pension premiums and plan endings to make them easier to understand and follow. These updates affect employers who manage single-employer pension plans and could change when and how much they pay. The changes are part of PBGC’s effort to keep things clear and fair, with no surprise costs or deadlines.

Next: 2025-15630 — Special Conditions: Jet Aviation AG, Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Model GVI Airplane; Installation of Therapeutic Oxygen System

Jet Aviation AG is updating the Gulfstream GVI airplane with a new oxygen system that shares oxygen between pilots and passengers for health benefits. Since current safety rules don’t cover this cool new setup, special safety standards are being added to keep everyone safe. This affects the airplane’s design and ensures it meets top safety levels before flying.