Pennsylvania's Beaver County Now Meets Sulfur Dioxide Clean Air Standards
Published Date: 11/18/2025
Rule
Summary
Great news for Beaver County, Pennsylvania! The EPA says the air there is cleaner now and officially meets the 2010 sulfur dioxide pollution standards. Starting December 18, 2025, the county moves from 'needs improvement' to 'all clear,' with a plan in place to keep the air fresh and safe for everyone.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Beaver County Officially Attainment
The EPA is redesignating parts of Beaver County, Pennsylvania from nonattainment to attainment for the 2010 1-hour primary sulfur dioxide (SO2) standard effective December 18, 2025. The legal designation change covers the area consisting of Industry Borough, Shippingport Borough, Midland Borough, Brighton Township, Potter Township, and Vanport Township.
10-Year Maintenance Plan Approved
The EPA approved Pennsylvania's maintenance plan for the Beaver County area, which the state says will keep the area meeting the 2010 SO2 standard for at least 10 years following redesignation. The maintenance plan includes contingency measures to address any future violations of the 2010 SO2 NAAQS.
Improvements Tied to Facility Closures and Limits
The EPA found the Beaver County area's air quality improvement is due to permanent and enforceable SO2 emissions reductions, including the closures of multiple facilities and permitted SO2 emissions limits at various sources throughout the area. The agency relied on monitoring and emissions data below modeled limits in Pennsylvania's 2017 attainment plan.
SIP Not Applied on Tribal Lands
The EPA states this SIP approval is not approved to apply on any Indian reservation land or in any area where an Indian Tribe has demonstrated jurisdiction. In those areas, the rule will not impose direct federal SIP requirements or substantial direct costs on Tribal governments.
No Significant Small-Entity Economic Impact
The EPA certified that this action (approving the redesignation and SIP revision) is not expected to have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities under the Regulatory Flexibility Act. The rule also states it does not impose requirements beyond those imposed by state law.
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: 2025-20095, Air Plan Approval; Arizona; Yuma 2015 8-Hour Ozone Nonattainment Area; Redesignation Request and Maintenance Plan
The EPA is officially giving a thumbs-up to Arizona’s plan that shows Yuma’s air is cleaner and meets ozone pollution standards from 2015. This means Yuma moves from a ‘problem area’ to a ‘good air zone,’ with rules to keep the air fresh through 2037. The change kicks in December 18, 2025, helping local drivers and communities breathe easier without extra costs.
Next: 2025-20097, Air Plan Approval; AK, Fairbanks North Star Borough; 2006 24-Hour PM2.5 Serious Area and 189(d) Plan
The EPA just gave a big thumbs-up to Alaska’s plan to clean up the air in Fairbanks North Star Borough by cutting down tiny pollution particles called PM2.5. This plan sets clear rules for tracking pollution, controlling emissions, and making sure the air gets healthier by December 18, 2025. Residents, drivers, and businesses will see changes that help protect their lungs without breaking the bank.