Foreign Pollution Saves Arizona City from Clean Air Penalties
Published Date: 11/19/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The EPA says the Phoenix-Mesa area in Arizona would have met clean air rules for ozone by August 2024 if it weren’t for pollution coming from outside the U.S. This means the area won’t face stricter penalties or reclassification and can keep its current status. People and businesses in Phoenix-Mesa can breathe a little easier knowing the EPA recognizes international pollution’s role here.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Phoenix-Mesa Keeps Moderate Status
The EPA proposes to determine the Phoenix-Mesa area would have met the 2015 ozone standard by the August 3, 2024 Moderate attainment date but for pollution coming from outside the United States. If finalized, the Phoenix-Mesa area will remain classified as a Moderate nonattainment area and will not be reclassified to a higher category under Clean Air Act section 181(b)(2), so the automatic reclassification and attendant consequences tied to failure to attain would not apply.
EPA Eases 179B(b) Demonstration Burden
The EPA proposes a new interpretation of Clean Air Act section 179B(b) under which states seeking a retrospective 179B(b) determination will no longer be expected to show they "could not attain" the standard by implementing on-the-books measures and potential controls (for example, RACM/RACT) in order to qualify for approval. Approval still does not relieve a state of its obligation to adopt and submit required SIP elements for its classification, except for contingency measures tied to a failure-to-attain finding.
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
2026-09895 — 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!
2026-09524 — Begin Actual Construction in the New Source Review (NSR) Preconstruction Permitting Program
The EPA is updating rules about when companies can start building big projects that might affect air quality. Now, they can begin building parts that don’t release pollution before getting a full air permit, making things clearer and easier. This change mainly affects businesses planning major construction and could speed up projects without extra costs, but comments are due by June 29, 2026.
2026-09179 — Definition of Hazardous Waste Applicable to Corrective Action for Releases From Solid Waste Management Units; Withdrawal
The EPA has decided to cancel its plan to change the rules about what counts as hazardous waste for cleaning up pollution at certain waste sites. This means businesses and cleanup crews won’t have to deal with the confusing new rules that were proposed. The withdrawal takes effect immediately, so no extra costs or changes will happen right now.
2026-08750 — Extension of Postponement of Effectiveness for Certain Provisions of Trichloroethylene (TCE); Regulation Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)
The EPA is hitting the pause button again on some rules about a chemical called TCE, which is used in workplaces. This means certain limited uses of TCE won’t have to follow new restrictions just yet, while courts review the rules. If you work with TCE, this delay gives you more time before changes kick in, starting May 18, 2026.
2026-07061 — Hazardous and Solid Waste Management System: Disposal of Coal Combustion Residuals From Electric Utilities; Legacy/CCRMU Amendments
The EPA is updating rules on how electric utilities handle coal waste, making it easier to manage and reuse safely. These changes affect power plants and waste managers by allowing more flexible cleanup and reuse options, with a public comment deadline on June 12, 2026. The updates could save money and speed up cleanup while protecting the environment.
2026-06808 — Reconsideration of Standards of Performance for New, Reconstructed, and Modified Sources and Emissions Guidelines for Existing Sources: Oil and Natural Gas Sector Climate Review
The EPA is making some technical fixes to rules for oil and natural gas companies about how they handle gas flaring and monitoring. These changes don’t change pollution limits but clarify how to report and test emissions. The new rules take effect June 8, 2026, helping companies stay on track without extra costs or delays.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-20325 — Standards for Business Practices of Interstate Natural Gas Pipelines
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission wants to update rules for interstate natural gas pipelines to use the newest Version 4.0 business standards. These changes make it easier to share important gas and electric info during cold snaps or emergencies. Pipeline companies and energy users should get ready to comment by January 20, 2026, and expect smoother coordination that could help avoid costly disruptions.
Next: 2025-20363 — Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
The FAA wants all Airbus H160-B helicopter owners to fix a problem where some window parts can get loose by hand, which isn’t safe. They’re proposing a rule to update these windows and stop installing the faulty ones or doors. Comments are open until January 5, 2026, and owners should expect some costs to make these safety fixes.