EPA Officially Approves Tennessee's Plan To Make Air Less Blurry
Published Date: 12/11/2025
Rule
Summary
The EPA just gave a thumbs-up to Tennessee’s updated plan to clear up regional haze and protect the air you see in special natural areas. This plan, effective January 12, 2026, helps keep the skies clearer by cutting pollution from local sources. It mainly affects Tennessee’s environment and communities near protected parks, with no new costs for businesses announced.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Eastman SO2 Limits Made Federally Enforceable
EPA incorporated specific permit conditions for Eastman Chemical Company into Tennessee's SIP, making them federally enforceable as of January 12, 2026. The incorporated items include the permanent shutdown of Boilers 18–20 (shutdowns occurred on October 21, 2024; February 24, 2025; and May 20, 2025), a combined SO2 limit of 1,396 tons per year for Boilers 23 and 24 (any 12 consecutive months) in Permit No. 079592, a 30-day rolling average SO2 limit of 1,248 lb/hr for Boilers 18–24, 30, and 31 in Permit No. 080222, and SO2 lb/hr limits of 317 and 293 for Boilers 30 and 31 in Permit No. 576501, plus associated monitoring, recordkeeping, and reporting requirements.
Tennessee Regional Haze Plan Approved
EPA approved Tennessee's February 23, 2022 regional haze SIP revision as meeting Clean Air Act requirements for the second planning period; the final rule is effective January 12, 2026. The plan is intended to make reasonable progress toward preventing and remedying human-caused visibility impairment in mandatory Class I Federal areas in Tennessee.
EPA Says No Significant Small-Business Burden
EPA certified that this SIP approval is "not having a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities" under the Regulatory Flexibility Act. EPA also states the action does not impose additional federal requirements beyond state law and is not a significant regulatory action under Executive Order 12866.
Rule Does Not Apply in Indian Country
EPA stated that the SIP approval is not approved to apply on any Indian reservation land or in any area where EPA or an Indian Tribe has demonstrated Tribal jurisdiction; in those areas the rule does not impose substantial direct costs on Tribal governments.
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
2026-10085 — 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.
2026-10086 — 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.
2026-09895 — 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: 2025-22562 — Air Plan Approval; Ohio; Carmeuse Lime, Inc. SO2
The EPA is giving a thumbs-up to new sulfur dioxide (SO2) pollution limits for Carmeuse Lime’s plant in Ohio, helping keep the air cleaner in Seneca County. These updated rules kick in on January 12, 2026, making sure the plant controls its emissions better. This means healthier air for the community without extra costs for taxpayers.
Next: 2025-22565 — Air Plan Approval; South Carolina; Second Planning Period Regional Haze Plan
The EPA just gave a thumbs-up to South Carolina’s updated plan to clear up regional haze and protect the state’s beautiful natural areas. This plan, effective January 12, 2026, helps keep the air cleaner and the skies clearer for everyone, especially near special protected spots called Class I areas. South Carolina’s plan meets all the rules and shows real progress without extra costs for businesses or residents.