EPA Approves Texas Plan to Curb Factory Smog in Dallas-Fort Worth
Published Date: 3/23/2026
Rule
Summary
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!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
DFW Major Sources Must Meet RACT
The EPA approved Texas' updates to Chapters 115 and 117 so major sources in the Dallas‑Fort‑Worth (DFW) 2008 ozone Serious nonattainment area must meet Reasonably Available Control Technology (RACT) for volatile organic compounds (VOC) and nitrogen oxides (NOX). "Major source" for VOCs in a Serious area is defined as more than 50 tons per year. The approval is final and takes effect April 22, 2026.
Cleaner Air in DFW From RACT Implementation
EPA says implementing RACT in the DFW Serious ozone area is designed to help improve air quality by reducing VOC and NOX emissions. The SIP revisions approved address major‑source RACT controls and associated analyses; EPA finalized approval effective April 22, 2026. This action is intended to assist with cleaner air in the DFW nonattainment area.
Wise County Gets Different RACT Limits
The EPA approval recognizes different RACT emission specifications for Wise County versus the other nine DFW counties. For example, Wise County does not have gas‑fired boilers and Texas set different ESAD/RACT rates for certain equipment there (the record cites a Wise County RACT level of 0.55 lb/MMBtu for some units rated less than 10,000 hp and other county limits such as 0.032 lb/MMBtu for large stationary gas turbines in nine counties). Texas explained Wise County limits reflect economic and technical feasibility for local units.
Negative Declarations for Specific Industries
Texas submitted and EPA approved CTG (Control Technique Guideline) negative declarations saying certain industry categories do not have major sources in the DFW area, so those categories are not subject to new RACT requirements. Listed categories include fiberglass boat manufacturing materials; surface coating for flat wood paneling; letterpress printing; shipbuilding and ship repair surface coating operations; vegetable oil manufacturing; rubber tire manufacturing; and several categories for Wise County (e.g., graphic arts—rotogravure and flexography, flexible package printing, and wood furniture manufacturing).
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