Indiana's Regional Haze Plan Gets EPA's Clear Skies Nod
Published Date: 1/26/2026
Rule
Summary
The EPA just gave a thumbs-up to Indiana’s updated plan to clear up regional haze and keep the air fresh in special natural areas. This plan, effective February 25, 2026, helps Indiana meet clean air goals without extra costs for businesses or residents. It’s all about making sure everyone enjoys clearer skies while protecting the environment for years to come.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
EPA Adopts New URP Presumption Policy
EPA is affirming a policy that, for the second implementation period, if a Class I Federal area impacted by a State is below the Uniform Rate of Progress (URP) for 2028 and the State has considered the four statutory factors (costs, time, energy/non-air impacts, and remaining useful life), EPA will presumptively find the State has demonstrated reasonable progress. EPA describes this as a change in Agency policy and cites prior related rulemakings (e.g., West Virginia approval published July 7, 2025).
EPA Finds Key Indiana Sources Effectively Controlled
EPA determined that multiple large Indiana sources reviewed (including Duke-Gibson Units 1–5, Alcoa-Warrick Units 1–4, AEP-Rockport MB1 and MB2, IKEC-Clifty Creek Units 1–6, and Duke-Cayuga Units 2 and 3) are ‘‘effectively controlled’’ for the second implementation period, and that site-specific four-factor analyses would not likely indicate additional controls are necessary.
Consent Decree Ends Operations at Lehigh/Heidleberg Kilns
EPA notes that pursuant to an amended Federal consent decree, Lehigh (now Heidelberg Materials US Cement LLC-Mitchell Plant) will permanently end operations of Kilns 1, 2, and 3 by the end of 2025, and that future new kilns will install and operate selective catalytic reduction (SCR) and meet the New Source Performance Standards (40 CFR 60, subpart F).
EPA Approves Indiana Regional Haze SIP
The EPA is approving Indiana’s 2021 Regional Haze State Implementation Plan (SIP) for the second implementation period and finalized that approval effective February 25, 2026. The approval finds Indiana’s SIP meets Clean Air Act requirements (sections 110 and 169A) and the Regional Haze Rule (40 CFR 51.308) for long-term strategies to prevent and remedy visibility impairment affecting mandatory Class I Federal areas.
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