Arizona's Hayden SO2 Plan Gets EPA Thumbs Up
Published Date: 3/4/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The EPA is proposing to approve Arizona’s plan to clean up sulfur dioxide pollution in the Hayden area, helping it meet air quality standards from 1971 and 2010. This plan affects local industries and residents by setting pollution limits and requiring progress steps to keep the air safe. Comments are open until April 3, 2026, and the plan aims to protect health without new costs for the community.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Cleaner Air for Hayden Residents
You live nearer cleaner air if you are in the Hayden area: the EPA is proposing to approve Arizona’s Hayden SO2 Plan to meet the 1971 and 2010 sulfur dioxide (SO2) standards and to protect public health. The Plan includes enforceable limits, work practices, and monitoring (including numerical fugitive emissions limits) codified in state rules with an effective date of February 7, 2026, and the EPA is seeking comments by April 3, 2026; the proposal states the Plan "aims to protect health without new costs for the community."
New Enforceable Limits for Hayden Smelter
Local industry in the Hayden nonattainment area (including the Hayden copper smelter) will be subject to the Plan’s enforceable requirements: numerical fugitive emissions limits, work practice standards, and recordkeeping/reporting requirements are included in the SIP submission and incorporated into state rules (Rule B1302 and related Appendix 14) that were effective February 7, 2026. The EPA is proposing to approve these SIP revisions as meeting Clean Air Act requirements.
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: 2026-04338 — Approval and Promulgation of State Air Quality Plans for Designated Facilities and Pollutants; Texas; Control of Emissions From Existing Municipal Solid Waste Landfills
The EPA is proposing to approve Texas’s plan to control pollution from existing trash landfills. This means landfill operators in Texas will follow new rules to reduce harmful gas emissions, helping clean the air. Comments on this plan are open until April 3, 2026, and the changes aim to protect health without big costs for businesses.
Next: 2026-04366 — Paper Manifest Sunset Rule; Modification of the Hazardous Waste Manifest Regulations
The EPA wants to stop using paper forms for tracking hazardous waste and switch to electronic ones, saving about $28.5 million a year and making waste tracking safer and clearer. This change affects waste transporters, certain waste generators, and facilities handling hazardous waste pharmaceuticals. Comments on the plan are open until May 4, 2026, so now’s the time to weigh in!