Arizona's Gila County Ozone Fix Approved by EPA
Published Date: 2/12/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The EPA is proposing to approve Arizona’s plan to reduce ozone pollution in Gila County, part of the Phoenix-Mesa area. This update requires businesses to use better pollution controls to meet cleaner air standards by following smart technology rules. People and companies in Gila County should get ready, and comments on this plan are open until March 16, 2026.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
No RACT Controls for Gila County
The EPA proposes to approve Arizona’s March 26, 2025 RACT SIP for the Gila County portion of the Phoenix‑Mesa ozone nonattainment area, which certifies there are no sources subject to RACT in that portion. ADEQ submitted negative declarations after finding no air‑permitted sources, and the EPA found the area represents less than 0.5% of the nonattainment area and is entirely National Forest and National Park land. For a Moderate ozone nonattainment area the major source threshold is 100 tons per year of emissions; the SIP says no sources meet that threshold in this Gila County portion.
No New Federal Burden On Small Entities
The EPA states this proposed approval would not impose federal requirements beyond state law and is certified as not having a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. If finalized, the negative declarations will be added into the Arizona SIP and into 40 CFR 52.122, and the public may comment until March 16, 2026.
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
2026-10086 — Extending the Compliance Deadline for the PFOA and PFOS Maximum Contaminant Levels
The EPA is giving water systems more time to meet safety rules for two harmful chemicals, PFOA and PFOS, by extending the deadline from April 2029 to April 2031 if they ask for it. This helps water providers get ready without rushing, keeping our drinking water safe. The EPA wants your thoughts and will hold a public hearing in July 2026 to hear from everyone.
2026-10085 — Rescission of Regulatory Determinations and Removal of Related Provisions for Four PFAS Substances (PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO-DA (GenX), and the Mixture of These Three PFAS Plus PFBS)
The EPA is proposing to undo its rules for four PFAS chemicals (PFHxS, PFNA, GenX, and a mix including PFBS) in drinking water because the original process wasn’t done right. This means public water systems won’t have to monitor or treat these chemicals for now. People and water providers should weigh in by July 20, 2026, and a virtual hearing happens July 7.
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.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-02843 — Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Oklahoma; Regional Haze State Implementation Plan for the Second Implementation Period
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.
Next: 2026-02853 — Subsistence Management Regulations for Public Lands in Alaska-2027-28 and 2028-29 Subsistence Taking of Fish and Shellfish Regulations
This proposed rule updates the rules for fishing and shellfish gathering on Alaska’s public lands for 2027-28 and 2028-29. It affects subsistence users by setting new seasons, limits, and methods to keep things fair and sustainable. Public meetings and comment periods are open in 2026, so folks have a chance to weigh in before final decisions are made in early 2027.