EPA OKs Texas, Oklahoma Haze Plans for Clearer Park Views
Published Date: 12/5/2025
Rule
Summary
The EPA is giving a thumbs-up to Texas and Oklahoma’s plans to clear up regional haze and improve air quality through 2026 and beyond. This means cleaner skies for residents and businesses in both states, with progress tracked and rules set to keep pollution in check. The new rules kick in January 5, 2026, helping protect health and the environment without new costs for most folks.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Cleaner skies for Texas and Oklahoma
The EPA approved portions of Texas and Oklahoma regional haze plans, effective January 5, 2026, covering the first planning period (including 2007–2018), Texas's 2014 five-year progress report, and Texas's second planning period through 2028. The approvals are intended to reduce regional haze and improve visibility and air quality in affected Class I areas in both states.
Texas second-period plan adds no new limits
In approving Texas's July 20, 2021 SIP revision for the second planning period, the EPA notes Texas determined it was not necessary to incorporate any new emissions limitations, schedules of compliance, or other measures for stationary sources into the 2021 Plan. Texas weighed the four statutory factors and concluded no additional stationary-source measures were needed for reasonable progress.
EPA presumes reasonable progress if below URP
The EPA adopted a policy that for the regional haze second planning period a state presumptively demonstrates reasonable progress for a Class I area if (1) visibility conditions for that area are projected to be below the Uniform Rate of Progress (URP) for the end of the planning period and (2) the state considered the four statutory factors in CAA section 169A(g)(1). The URP is calculated from 2000–2004 baseline conditions to estimated natural conditions in 2064, and states must calculate the URP for the end of each planning period (for example, 2028 for the second planning period).
Oklahoma SIP approval extends to Indian country areas
The EPA approved Oklahoma's SAFETEA request to administer its EPA-approved environmental regulatory programs in the requested areas of Indian country in Oklahoma; this approval applies statewide in Oklahoma except for specified excluded Indian country lands (1) Indian allotments with unextinguished Indian title under 18 U.S.C. 1151(c), (2) lands held in trust by the United States for an individual Indian or Tribe, and (3) fee lands owned by a Tribe acquired under a treaty where the Tribe never allotted the land. The approval supersedes prior SIP approvals that had excluded Indian country for the geographic areas covered by Oklahoma's SAFETEA request.
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
2026-10086 — 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.
2026-10085 — Rescission of Regulatory Determinations and Removal of Related Provisions for Four PFAS Substances (PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO-DA (GenX), and the Mixture of These Three PFAS Plus PFBS)
The EPA is proposing to undo its rules for four PFAS chemicals (PFHxS, PFNA, GenX, and a mix including PFBS) in drinking water because the original process wasn’t done right. This means public water systems won’t have to monitor or treat these chemicals for now. People and water providers should weigh in by July 20, 2026, and a virtual hearing happens July 7.
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.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-21962 — Expiration of Interim Final Rule: Control of Communicable Diseases; Foreign Quarantine
The CDC’s special COVID-19 travel rules that made airlines share passenger info have officially expired as of November 21, 2025. This means the extra data collection stops, but older quarantine rules from 2017 still stay in place. If you fly or work in travel health, no new costs or changes are coming from this expiration.
Next: 2025-22029 — Special Local Regulations; Marine Events Within the Captain of the Port Charleston
On December 13, 2025, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., the Coast Guard will enforce special rules in parts of Charleston Harbor for the Parade of Boats. During this time, only authorized boats can enter or stay in the area to keep everyone safe. If you’re boating nearby, expect some restrictions and follow the Coast Guard’s instructions to avoid trouble.