EPA Backs California's Smog Safety Net for Valley Residents
Published Date: 3/23/2026
Rule
Summary
The EPA just gave a thumbs-up to California’s plan to keep the air cleaner in the San Joaquin Valley by sticking to smog check rules for ozone pollution. This means the state met its promise to have backup plans ready if ozone levels get too high, helping protect people’s health. The new approval kicks in on April 22, 2026, keeping the valley on track without extra costs right now.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
EPA Approves CA Ozone Contingency Plan
The EPA approved California's Smog Check Contingency Measure State Implementation Plan as meeting the attainment-related contingency measure requirements for the 1997 ozone standard in the San Joaquin Valley. The EPA also finalized that California fulfilled its commitment to develop, adopt, and submit attainment contingency measures. This approval is effective April 22, 2026, and the agency states this keeps the valley on track without extra costs right now.
Smog Check Exemption Narrowed
The Smog Check Contingency Measure in the approved SIP would narrow the exemption for new vehicles from eight model years old to seven model years old in a nonattainment area if triggered. The rule notes this measure has already been triggered for the San Joaquin Valley after an EPA determination of failure to attain the 1997 ozone standard.
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