EPA Approves Texas Smog Control Plan for Dallas Area
Published Date: 9/5/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The EPA is giving a thumbs-up to Texas’s plan to cut smog-causing chemicals in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, which includes 10 counties. This plan updates rules to control pollution from big sources, helping the region breathe easier and meet clean air goals. Businesses and residents can expect cleaner air soon, with no big new costs announced right now.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Major sources must meet VOC RACT
If you operate a major industrial source in the Dallas–Fort Worth area (Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Johnson, Kaufman, Parker, Rockwall, Tarrant, or Wise Counties), the EPA is proposing to approve Texas’s May 12 and May 13, 2020 revisions to 30 Texas Administrative Code Chapter 115 to implement the Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) Reasonably Available Control Technology (RACT) requirement for the DFW Serious-area plan for the 2008 8-hour ozone standard. This means covered facilities in those counties will be required to meet the VOC RACT rules included in that SIP revision.
Cleaner air for Dallas–Fort Worth residents
If you live in Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Johnson, Kaufman, Parker, Rockwall, Tarrant, or Wise Counties, the EPA is proposing to approve Texas’s May 12 and May 13, 2020 SIP revisions that implement VOC RACT under 30 TAC Chapter 115 to help the Dallas–Fort Worth area meet the Serious classification requirements for the 2008 8-hour ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standard. The proposal is intended to reduce smog-forming pollution and help the region meet clean air goals.
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
2026-11047 — 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.
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!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-17080 — Air Plan Approval; Texas; Reasonably Available Control Technology in the Houston-Galveston-Brazoria Ozone Nonattainment Area
The EPA is giving a thumbs-up to Texas’ updated air pollution rules for the Houston-Galveston-Brazoria area, making sure they control smog-causing nitrogen oxides well enough. This means cleaner air for people living there, with no new costs or delays expected. The EPA is also asking for public feedback before making it official.
Next: 2025-17094 — Safety Zone; Patapsco River, Francis Scott Key Bridge
The Coast Guard wants to set up two temporary safety zones around the Francis Scott Key Bridge on the Patapsco River to keep everyone safe during demolition and construction work. Boats and people won’t be allowed in these zones unless they get special permission. This rule helps protect lives without costing anyone extra money and is open for public comments.