EPA Approves South Carolina's Haze-Busting Plan for Parks
Published Date: 12/11/2025
Rule
Summary
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.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
South Carolina Haze Plan Approved
You in South Carolina — especially near protected "Class I" areas like large parks and wildernesses — are affected by EPA's approval of the State's regional haze plan. EPA approved South Carolina's SIP revision (submitted March 3, 2022) as meeting Clean Air Act requirements and found it shows progress on cleaner air and clearer skies; the final rule is effective January 12, 2026 and EPA stated the approval shows progress without imposing extra costs on businesses or residents.
URP Presumption in SIP Reviews
EPA states that for the regional haze second planning period, if visibility at a Class I area affected by a State is projected to be below the Uniform Rate of Progress (URP) and the State has taken the four statutory factors into consideration, the State will presumptively have demonstrated "reasonable progress" for that area. EPA also states that states must still take the four statutory factors into consideration and that EPA will review state determinations.
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