Foreign Pollution Saves Phoenix from Tougher Clean Air Rules, EPA Says
Published Date: 3/23/2026
Rule
Summary
The EPA says the Phoenix-Mesa area in Arizona would have met clean air ozone standards by August 3, 2024, if it weren’t for pollution coming from outside the U.S. Because of this, the area stays classified as 'Moderate' nonattainment and won’t face stricter rules or extra costs. This means Arizona doesn’t have to submit extra plans to improve air quality for now.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Phoenix-Mesa Avoids Stricter Reclassification
The EPA found the Phoenix-Mesa, Arizona area would have met the 2015 ozone standard (70 parts per billion) by the Moderate attainment date of August 3, 2024, but for pollution from outside the U.S. Because of that finding, the area remains a Moderate nonattainment area and will not be reclassified to a more severe category.
No New Contingency Plan Submission Required
As a result of the EPA's determination, the State of Arizona is no longer required to submit attainment and reasonable further progress (RFP) contingency measures for the Phoenix-Mesa 2015 ozone nonattainment area. The area remains subject to other Moderate-area requirements but not the contingency-measures submission obligation.
No Significant Impact on Small Businesses
The EPA certified under the Regulatory Flexibility Act that this action will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities and that it will not impose any requirements on small entities.
Tribes Within Area Not Subject to New Costs
The EPA identified Tribal lands within the Phoenix-Mesa area (Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation; Gila River Indian Community; Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community; and Tohono O'odham Nation) and stated the action has Tribal implications but will not impose substantial direct compliance costs on Tribes or preempt Tribal law.
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
2026-10085 — 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.
2026-10086 — 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.
2026-09895 — 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: 2026-05596 — Air Plan Approval; Texas; Reasonably Available Control Technology in the Houston-Galveston-Brazoria Ozone Nonattainment Area
The EPA just gave a thumbs-up to Texas’ updated air pollution plan for the Houston-Galveston-Brazoria area, aiming to cut smog-causing chemicals like VOCs and NOX. This means cleaner air for residents and businesses, with new rules kicking in on April 22, 2026. Texas industries will follow smarter pollution controls without big costs, helping the region breathe easier and meet air quality goals.
Next: 2026-05607 — Air Plan Approval; Texas; Reasonably Available Control Technology in the Dallas-Fort Worth Ozone Nonattainment Area
The EPA is giving a thumbs-up to Texas’ updated air pollution rules for big factories in the Dallas-Fort Worth area to help cut smog-causing chemicals. These changes kick in on April 22, 2026, and aim to make the air cleaner without breaking the bank. If you’re a business owner or live in DFW, expect better air and smarter pollution controls soon!