EPA Cracks Down on Stinky Dry Cleaning Pollution in Arizona
Published Date: 11/19/2025
Rule
Summary
The EPA just gave a thumbs-up to new rules in Maricopa County that cut down smelly and harmful chemicals from dry cleaners using petroleum solvents. This means cleaner air for folks in the area starting December 19, 2025, with businesses following updated guidelines to keep pollution in check. No big costs are expected, just a fresh breath of cleaner air!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Dry cleaners now federally enforceable
Maricopa County Rule 333 (Petroleum Solvent Dry Cleaning), revised September 25, 2013, was approved into the Arizona SIP and becomes fully federally enforceable under Clean Air Act sections 110 and 113 as of December 19, 2025. Dry cleaning operations in Maricopa County that use petroleum solvents are therefore regulated under this federally-approved rule.
EPA: no big small-business burden
The EPA certified under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) that this SIP approval does not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. That means small business owners (including self-employed dry cleaners) are not expected to face a significant economic burden from this action.
Rule excludes Indian reservation lands
The SIP approval does not apply on any Indian reservation land or in any other area where the EPA or an Indian Tribe has demonstrated the Tribe has jurisdiction. In those areas of Indian country, the rule will not have Tribal implications and will not impose substantial direct costs on Tribal governments or preempt Tribal law.
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