EPA Approves New York's Plan to Curb Emissions at Diagnostics Plant
Published Date: 1/9/2026
Rule
Summary
The EPA is giving a thumbs-up to New York’s updated air plan for Ortho Clinical Diagnostics in Rochester. This update means the facility will use better technology to cut down on smelly and harmful chemicals from one of its machines, helping keep the air cleaner. The new rules kick in on February 9, 2026, with no extra costs expected for the company or the public.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Rochester plant must cap VOCs
If you live near Rochester, New York, the Ortho Clinical Diagnostics facility must limit volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from its solvent-based film coating machine ("72 Machine") to no more than 21,600 pounds per year on a 12-month rolling basis. This limit is federally approved and becomes effective February 9, 2026 to reduce smelly and harmful chemicals in the air.
Permit condition federally enforceable; no new costs
The facility's State Facility Permit Condition 13 (issued October 31, 2022; expires October 30, 2032), which includes the 21,600 lb/yr VOC limit plus monitoring, reporting, and recordkeeping, is incorporated into the federally enforceable SIP as of February 9, 2026. EPA reviewed control options and found thermal oxidation, catalytic oxidation, and ducting to be not cost-effective for the 72 Machine, and certified that this approval does not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.
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
2026-09895 — 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.
2026-07061 — Hazardous and Solid Waste Management System: Disposal of Coal Combustion Residuals From Electric Utilities; Legacy/CCRMU Amendments
The EPA is updating rules on how electric utilities handle coal waste, making it easier to manage and reuse safely. These changes affect power plants and waste managers by allowing more flexible cleanup and reuse options, with a public comment deadline on June 12, 2026. The updates could save money and speed up cleanup while protecting the environment.
2026-06808 — Reconsideration of Standards of Performance for New, Reconstructed, and Modified Sources and Emissions Guidelines for Existing Sources: Oil and Natural Gas Sector Climate Review
The EPA is making some technical fixes to rules for oil and natural gas companies about how they handle gas flaring and monitoring. These changes don’t change pollution limits but clarify how to report and test emissions. The new rules take effect June 8, 2026, helping companies stay on track without extra costs or delays.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-00269 — Transportation of Fuel for Agricultural Aircraft Operations
Starting March 10, 2026, drivers with a Class A commercial license hauling up to 1,000 gallons of jet fuel for seasonal farm aircraft won’t need a special hazardous materials endorsement. This change helps farmers and fuel haulers save time and money while keeping things safe. If anyone wants to challenge this rule, they must speak up by February 9, 2026.
Next: 2026-00313 — Changes to Agriculture Risk Coverage, Price Loss Coverage, and Dairy Margin Coverage Programs
Farmers and dairy producers get some good news! The USDA updated the Agriculture Risk Coverage, Price Loss Coverage, and Dairy Margin Coverage programs to boost support from 2026 through 2031. Changes include higher milk coverage limits, new ways to set production history, and updated payment rules—all starting January 12, 2026, helping farmers plan ahead and protect their income.