Oklahoma's Anti-Haze Plan Gets EPA Green Light
Published Date: 2/12/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The EPA is proposing to approve Oklahoma’s updated plan to reduce regional haze and improve air quality in special protected areas for the next five years. This plan affects communities near national parks and wilderness areas by aiming to keep the skies clearer and healthier. People can comment on this plan until March 16, 2026, and the state will continue working to meet clean air goals without new major costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
EPA proposes approving Oklahoma's haze plan
EPA is proposing to approve Oklahoma's regional haze State Implementation Plan (SIP) submitted August 9, 2022 to meet Clean Air Act regional haze requirements for the second implementation period (the 2018–2028 planning period). The approval would recognize Oklahoma's long-term strategy for preventing and remedying manmade visibility impairment in mandatory Class I areas, including the Wichita Mountains Wilderness.
Measured visibility improved at Wichita Mountains
Oklahoma's SIP reports visibility at Wichita Mountains Wilderness improved from 2000–2004 baseline levels (clearest days 9.92 deciviews; most impaired days 22.18 deciviews) to 2015–2019 current levels (clearest days 8.65 deciviews; most impaired days 17.58 deciviews). The SIP states a 21 percent improvement for the 20 percent most impaired days between the baseline and 2015–2019 current conditions.
Oklahoma identifies out-of-state Class I areas
Oklahoma identified three mandatory Class I Federal areas outside the State that may be affected by Oklahoma emissions: Caney Creek Wilderness Area (Arkansas), Upper Buffalo Wilderness Area (Arkansas), and Hercules-Glades Wilderness Area (Missouri). EPA agrees Oklahoma properly identified these areas as potentially affected.
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Key Dates
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