EPA Judges California Valley's Anti-Smog Homework Assignment
Published Date: 12/11/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The EPA is proposing to approve updates to air pollution rules in California’s San Joaquin Valley to help meet clean air goals for ozone pollution from 2008 and 2015. This affects local residents and businesses by aiming to improve air quality without new costs right now. You can share your thoughts by January 12, 2026, before the EPA makes a final decision.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Major Emitters Could Owe Annual Section 185 Fees
If the EPA finalizes a finding that the San Joaquin Valley failed to attain the 2008 or 2015 ozone standards by the applicable attainment date, SJVAPCD Rules 3172 and 3173 require all major sources of volatile organic compounds (VOC) or nitrogen oxides (NOx) to pay annual fees computed under Clean Air Act section 185(b). The rules were adopted December 21, 2023 and were submitted to EPA on March 13, 2024; they become applicable when EPA finalizes a failure-to-attain finding for the 2008 standard (Rule 3172) or the 2015 standard (Rule 3173).
Proposed Incorporation Into Federal SIP
The EPA is proposing to approve SJVAPCD Rules 3172 and 3173 into the California State Implementation Plan; if EPA takes final action they would be incorporated by reference and become federally enforceable. The proposal is based on EPA's finding that the rules meet CAA requirements and the agency is taking public comment until January 12, 2026.
EPA Certifies No Significant Small-Entity Impact
The EPA certified that this proposed action is not expected to have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities under the Regulatory Flexibility Act. That certification appears in the proposal's statutory and executive order review section.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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