Huntington County, Indiana: EPA Declares Air Clean and Green!
Published Date: 1/9/2026
Rule
Summary
Great news for Huntington County, Indiana! The EPA says the air there is now clean enough to meet sulfur dioxide pollution standards, so they’re officially changing its status from 'needs improvement' to 'all clear.' Indiana’s plan to keep the air clean is approved and kicks in starting January 9, 2026, with no extra costs for locals—just fresher air ahead!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Huntington redesignated attainment
If you live in Huntington Township in Huntington County, Indiana, EPA has redesignated the area from nonattainment to attainment for the 2010 sulfur dioxide (SO2) National Ambient Air Quality Standard effective January 9, 2026. EPA also approved Indiana's maintenance plan to keep the area meeting the 2010 SO2 standard.
Permitting shift: Nonattainment NSR to PSD
As of January 9, 2026, sources in the Huntington area are relieved of Nonattainment New Source Review (NSR) permitting requirements and instead will be subject to Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) permitting requirements, which the rule describes as less restrictive. EPA invoked 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(1) to make the rule effective on the publication date.
Isolatek limits and annual reporting added to SIP
EPA approved incorporation of Commissioner's Order 2023-Air-02 into Indiana's federally enforceable State Implementation Plan, which includes enforceable SO2 emission limits and reporting/recordkeeping for the Isolatek facility. Indiana also commits to annual emissions submittals for the Isolatek facility to verify continued attainment of the 2010 SO2 standard.
EPA finds no significant small-entity impact
EPA certified that this approval does not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities and states the action does not impose information collection burdens, unfunded mandates, or significant effects under listed executive orders. The certification appears in the rule's statutory and executive order reviews.
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