Maine Air Rules Get Grammar Check and Digital Upgrade
Published Date: 11/20/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The EPA wants to approve some small but important updates to Maine’s air pollution permit rules. These changes make the rules clearer, fix grammar, and get ready for a new online application system. If you’re involved in air permits in Maine, you can comment on these updates until December 22, 2025.
Analyzed Economic Effects
8 provisions identified: 8 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Online public notices replace newspaper ads
Maine now allows public notices of intent to file and draft permit availability to be posted on the Maine DEP website instead of placed in a print newspaper. This change was included in the state's July 29, 2024 submittal and is part of the rule effective July 8, 2024.
Concurrent public comment and EPA review allowed
Maine's rule allows the state's 30-day public comment period on a draft permit to run at the same time as EPA's 45-day review period, except when public or affected-state comments lead Maine DEP to make substantive changes. This concurrent process is part of the revisions submitted July 29, 2024.
Portable engines deemed insignificant (in some cases)
Maine's revisions clarify that portable engines not used to power process equipment are considered insignificant activities under Part 70. This clarification was adopted by Maine DEP and included in the July 29, 2024 submittal.
60-day requirement for transfer applications
Maine's Part 70 rule requires that transfer applications be completed within 60 days, consistent with the underlying federal regulation. This requirement was included in the state revisions submitted July 29, 2024.
Electronic applications and signatures allowed
If you apply for an air emission license in Maine, you may sign applications electronically as long as the signature meets the Cross-Media Electronic Reporting rules (40 CFR part 3). Maine submitted this change on July 29, 2024 and the state rule became effective on July 8, 2024.
Public records available electronically
Maine DEP may keep records for public inspection electronically instead of keeping a paper copy at the Augusta office. The change was adopted by Maine DEP and became effective on July 8, 2024.
No redlined previous-application requirement
Applicants for license renewals no longer must submit redlined versions of prior applications under Maine's updated Part 70 rule adopted July 8, 2024. The change was included in the state's July 29, 2024 submittal to EPA.
State, not applicant, provides drafts to affected states
Maine codified that the Maine DEP — rather than the permit applicant — will provide draft licenses to affected states when appropriate. That alignment with longstanding practice was included in Maine's July 29, 2024 submission.
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