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.
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