EPA Approves South Carolina's Ozone Maintenance Plan
Published Date: 11/20/2025
Rule
Summary
The EPA just gave a thumbs-up to South Carolina’s plan to keep the air clean in the Charlotte-Gastonia-Rock Hill area through 2036. This plan focuses on controlling pollution from cars and trucks in York County to meet ozone standards. The new rules kick in December 22, 2025, helping protect health without extra costs for the community.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
York County Air-Quality Plan Approved
The EPA approved South Carolina's plan to keep the 2008 8-hour ozone standard in the York County portion of the Charlotte-Gastonia-Rock Hill area through January 11, 2036. The plan and its pollution controls for cars and trucks are now part of South Carolina's State Implementation Plan and take effect December 22, 2025.
New NOX/VOC Motor-Vehicle Budgets Adopted
EPA incorporated the York County motor-vehicle emissions budgets for nitrogen oxides (NOX) and volatile organic compounds (VOC) for 2018 and 2036 into the State Implementation Plan. These budgets are found adequate for transportation conformity as part of the final action effective December 22, 2025.
Transportation Conformity Deadline
The rule requires transportation partners to demonstrate conformity to the new NOX and VOC budgets within 24 months of the rule's effective date. With the rule effective December 22, 2025, conformity must be demonstrated within 24 months from that date (i.e., by December 22, 2027) pursuant to 40 CFR 93.104(e)(3).
No New Federal Costs for Small Entities in SC
EPA states this approval merely adopts state law into the federal SIP and does not impose additional federal requirements beyond state law. EPA certified that the action "does not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities."
Catawba Indian Nation Reservation Note
The Catawba Indian Nation Reservation is within York County. The rule notes that state and local environmental laws apply to the Reservation under the Catawba Indian Nation Claims Settlement Act, and the Nation may impose higher environmental standards on the Reservation if it chooses.
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
2026-13263 — 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.
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.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-20442 — Domestic Competitive Products Pricing and Mailing Standards Changes
Starting January 18, 2026, the Postal Service is raising prices on popular shipping options like Priority Mail Express and Priority Mail by about 5-7%. This affects anyone sending packages or using extra mailing services, with some flat rate envelopes and boxes getting pricier. No changes to mailing rules, just new prices to keep things running smoothly!
Next: 2025-20451 — Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters
If you own or work with Leonardo AW169 helicopters, listen up! The FAA is updating safety rules that require replacing certain float parts within 24 months or during your next scheduled maintenance. This keeps the helicopters safe and flying smoothly, with no surprise costs announced yet—just a smart move to avoid bigger problems later.