Smog Checks Save San Joaquin Valley Air – Approved?
Published Date: 11/14/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The EPA is proposing to approve California’s plan to keep the air cleaner in the San Joaquin Valley by sticking to smog check rules for 1997 ozone pollution standards. This means California has met its promise to have backup plans ready if air quality slips. People living and working in the Valley can expect continued efforts to reduce smog without new costly changes right now.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Failure Finding Triggered Local Alternative Fee Rule
EPA’s September 25, 2025 finding that the San Joaquin Valley failed to attain the 1997 ozone standard triggered the San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District’s alternative fee rule (District Rule 3171), which the District adopted to meet SIP requirements under CAA sections 182(d)(3) and 185. This rule may result in fees tied to the area’s nonattainment status.
Smog Check Exemption Shortened If Triggered
If EPA finds the San Joaquin Valley failed to meet ozone rules, California’s Smog Check Contingency Measure would shrink the new-vehicle testing exemption from eight model years to seven model years in that nonattainment area. EPA made a finding of failure to attain the 1997 ozone standard on September 25, 2025, and CARB is in the process of implementing the Smog Check Contingency Measure for the San Joaquin Valley.
Smog Check Gives Small Emissions Cuts
CARB estimates that implementing the Smog Check Contingency Measure in the San Joaquin Valley would cut about 0.112 tons per day (tpd) of NOX and 0.056 tpd of VOC in summertime conditions. CARB and EPA estimate one year’s worth of progress (OYW) for the area as multiple tons per day, and the Smog Check measure provides roughly one to two percent of that recommended OYW of progress.
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
2026-19072, Rescission of the Greenhouse Gas Findings for Fossil Fuel-Fired Power Plants and Repeal of Regulations for Power Plant Greenhouse Gas Emissions Under Clean Air Act Section 111
The EPA is proposing to cancel all greenhouse gas rules for fossil fuel power plants, saying the law doesn’t let them regulate these emissions for climate reasons. This change affects power plants across the U.S. and could impact future pollution limits and costs. Comments on this proposal are open until November 2, 2026, so now’s the time to speak up!
2026-19071, Partial Repeal of the Carbon Pollution Standards for Fossil Fuel-Fired Electric Generating Units
The EPA is rolling back most of the 2024 rules that limited carbon pollution from fossil fuel power plants. This change affects coal and gas plants by easing some strict limits on emissions and carbon capture technology. The new rules kick in on November 16, 2026, potentially saving money for power plants but raising questions about pollution control.
2026-18317, Updated Definition of “Waters of the United States”
The purpose of this supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking is for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of the Army ("the agencies") to supplement and seek additional comment on certain aspects of an earlier proposal, published on November 20, 2025, to revise the regulations defining the scope of waters federally covered under the Clean Water Act in light of the U.S. Supreme Court's 2023 decision in Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency. As stated in the agencies' November 20, 2025 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), the agencies intend for this rulemaking to provide greater regulatory certainty and increase Clean Water Act program predictability and consistency by clarifying the definition of "waters of the United States." After consideration of the public comments received on the NPRM, the agencies are issuing this notice to supplement the NPRM with additional regulatory options on certain aspects of the proposed rule.
2026-14112, Amendments and Nonconformance Penalties for Model Year 2027 and Later Heavy-Duty Highway Engines and Amendments to Inducement Provisions for SCR-Equipped Diesel Engines
Starting with model year 2027, the EPA is updating rules for big truck engines to make sure they last longer and pollute less. They’re also letting engine makers pay penalties if their engines don’t meet standards, and tightening rules for special pollution-control systems on diesel engines. These changes affect truck and engine makers and kick in soon, with public feedback due by August 29, 2026.
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!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-19882, Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Data Reporting and Recordkeeping Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA); Revision to Regulation
The EPA is updating rules for companies that make or import PFAS chemicals, asking them to report certain info about these substances from 2011-2022. The changes add some smart exceptions to ease reporting on things companies probably don’t know, saving time and hassle. Comments on the proposal are open until late December 2025, so affected businesses should get ready to weigh in!
Next: 2025-19895, Phasedown of Hydrofluorocarbons: Reconsideration of Certain Regulatory Requirements Promulgated Under the Technology Transitions Provisions of the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020; Extension of Comment Period
The EPA is giving everyone more time to share their thoughts on new rules about cutting down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), chemicals that harm the environment. This affects businesses and manufacturers who use or make these chemicals, as the rules could change how they operate and spend money. You now have until November 21, 2025, to send in your comments and help shape the final decisions.