EPA Tightens Pollution Screws on Michigan and Minnesota Taconite Factories
Published Date: 1/2/2026
Rule
Summary
The EPA is setting new pollution limits for five taconite plants in Michigan and Minnesota to cut harmful nitrogen oxide and sulfur dioxide emissions. They’re also updating how these limits are calculated and making reporting easier by requiring electronic submissions. These changes kick in on February 2, 2026, helping protect the air while keeping the taconite industry on track.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Final NOX and SO2 Limits for Five Plants
The EPA finalized specific nitrogen oxide (NOX) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission limits for indurating furnaces at five named taconite facilities, effective February 2, 2026. NOX limits (rolling 30-day average) include: 3.0 lbs NOX/MMBtu for Tilden Line 1; 1.5 lbs NOX/MMBtu crossline for Hibbing Lines 1–3; 3.0 lbs NOX/MMBtu crossline for UTAC Lines 1–2; and 1.6 lbs NOX/MMBtu for Minorca. SO2 limits (rolling 30-day average) include: 189 lbs SO2/hr for Tilden Line 1; 247.8 lbs SO2/hr aggregate for Hibbing Lines 1–3; 68.2 lbs SO2/hr for Minorca; and 17.0 lbs SO2/hr aggregate for Northshore Furnaces 11 and 12.
Mandatory Electronic Reporting
The EPA is revising reporting provisions so required reports from the covered taconite facilities must be submitted to the Agency electronically, effective February 2, 2026. The rule text also states this action does not impose a Paperwork Reduction Act information collection burden.
Public Access to Emissions Data
The EPA states that reported compliance and emissions information will be made publicly accessible on the Agency's website (www.epa.gov/air-emissions-inventories) and is also available via the Freedom of Information Act. The Agency affirms these data and semiannual/quarterly reports can be accessed by the public for review.
No Small-Entity Economic Impact
Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act certification, the EPA states this action will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities and will not impose requirements on small businesses because none of the five affected taconite sources are owned by small entities. This certification is part of the rule effective February 2, 2026.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-19071, Partial Repeal of the Carbon Pollution Standards for Fossil Fuel-Fired Electric Generating Units
The EPA is rolling back most of the 2024 rules that limited carbon pollution from fossil fuel power plants. This change affects coal and gas plants by easing some strict limits on emissions and carbon capture technology. The new rules kick in on November 16, 2026, potentially saving money for power plants but raising questions about pollution control.
2026-19072, Rescission of the Greenhouse Gas Findings for Fossil Fuel-Fired Power Plants and Repeal of Regulations for Power Plant Greenhouse Gas Emissions Under Clean Air Act Section 111
The EPA is proposing to cancel all greenhouse gas rules for fossil fuel power plants, saying the law doesn’t let them regulate these emissions for climate reasons. This change affects power plants across the U.S. and could impact future pollution limits and costs. Comments on this proposal are open until November 2, 2026, so now’s the time to speak up!
2026-18317, Updated Definition of “Waters of the United States”
The purpose of this supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking is for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of the Army ("the agencies") to supplement and seek additional comment on certain aspects of an earlier proposal, published on November 20, 2025, to revise the regulations defining the scope of waters federally covered under the Clean Water Act in light of the U.S. Supreme Court's 2023 decision in Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency. As stated in the agencies' November 20, 2025 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), the agencies intend for this rulemaking to provide greater regulatory certainty and increase Clean Water Act program predictability and consistency by clarifying the definition of "waters of the United States." After consideration of the public comments received on the NPRM, the agencies are issuing this notice to supplement the NPRM with additional regulatory options on certain aspects of the proposed rule.
2026-14112, Amendments and Nonconformance Penalties for Model Year 2027 and Later Heavy-Duty Highway Engines and Amendments to Inducement Provisions for SCR-Equipped Diesel Engines
Starting with model year 2027, the EPA is updating rules for big truck engines to make sure they last longer and pollute less. They’re also letting engine makers pay penalties if their engines don’t meet standards, and tightening rules for special pollution-control systems on diesel engines. These changes affect truck and engine makers and kick in soon, with public feedback due by August 29, 2026.
2026-13667, Minor New Source Review Program Air Permitting Public Participation Requirements for State Implementation Plans
The EPA wants to give states more freedom to decide how much public input is needed when approving small air pollution sources or changes. This means local air agencies can tailor public participation to fit their community’s needs while still protecting air quality. If you’re involved in air permits, watch for comment deadlines and possible virtual hearings this summer!
2026-13263, Revisions To Establish the Sixth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 6) for Public Water Systems
The EPA is rolling out the sixth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 6) to check for new, sneaky chemicals in public drinking water. Big water systems serving 3,300+ people and some smaller ones will test for 30 different contaminants, including certain PFAS and pesticides, to keep our water safe. Comments and feedback are open until late August 2026, and the EPA will host fun online meetings to chat about the plan!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-24203, Taking of Marine Mammals Incidental to Commercial Fishing Operations; Harbor Porpoise Take Reduction Plan; Change to Gillnet Gear Requirements
Starting January 2, 2026, fishermen using gillnets in the New Jersey Atlantic Sturgeon Bycatch Reduction Area can use a new, smaller twine size that matches Monkfish fishery rules. This change helps protect harbor porpoises and Atlantic sturgeon while letting fishermen follow one simple gear rule. Comments on this update are open until February 2, 2026, so everyone can weigh in!
Next: 2025-24212, Shape-Based Labeling Lists; Correction
The USPS fixed a mistake in a recent rule about shape-based labeling for letters, flats, and parcels. The rule now officially starts on February 1, 2026, not January 2. This update affects mailers who use these labels and gives them extra time to get ready without any new costs.