Virginia Tweaks Air Pollution Rules: One Chemical Gets a Free Pass
Published Date: 4/23/2026
Rule
Summary
Virginia is updating its air pollution rules to match the EPA’s latest definition of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This change means one specific chemical, HFO-1336mzz(E), won’t count as a VOC anymore, helping businesses and the environment. The new rule kicks in on May 26, 2026, so folks in Virginia’s air quality and industry sectors should take note!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
HFO-1336mzz(E) Removed from VOC List
Trans-1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluorobut-2-ene (HFO-1336mzz(E)) is added to the list of compounds excluded from the regulatory definition of volatile organic compound (VOC) in Virginia's SIP. The EPA approved the change for Virginia and the approval is federally effective on May 26, 2026. The EPA previously determined (88 FR 8226, February 8, 2023) that HFO-1336mzz(E) has negligible contribution to tropospheric ozone and a low likelihood of risk to public health or the environment.
EPA Certifies No Major Small‑Biz Costs
The EPA certified that this approval will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities under the Regulatory Flexibility Act and will not result in expenditures of $100,000,000 or more under the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act. As a result, RFA sections 603 and 604 and a UMRA statement are not required for this rule.
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
2026-08750 — Extension of Postponement of Effectiveness for Certain Provisions of Trichloroethylene (TCE); Regulation Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)
The EPA is delaying some rules about the chemical TCE until court decisions are finished. This delay affects certain allowed uses of TCE that had special workplace rules. Businesses using TCE under these exemptions get more time before new restrictions kick in, helping them avoid sudden costs or changes.
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 to make cleanup safer and smarter. These changes affect power plants by easing some rules, adding new ways to monitor and close waste sites, and allowing more beneficial reuse of coal waste. Comments are open until June 12, 2026, so utilities and communities can weigh in before the new rules take effect.
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 smart tweaks to rules for oil and natural gas companies about how they handle gas flaring and monitoring. These changes fix technical details without changing pollution limits and bring back some important reporting rules accidentally removed last year. The new rules kick in on June 8, 2026, so companies should get ready to follow the updated steps without extra costs.
2026-06275 — Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) Program: Standards for 2026 and 2027, Partial Waiver of 2025 Cellulosic Biofuel Volume Requirement, and Other Changes
The EPA just set new rules for renewable fuels in 2026 and 2027, including how much biofuel must be used. They’re also easing the 2025 cellulosic biofuel goals because production fell short and removing renewable electricity from the program. These changes affect fuel producers and sellers, kick in mostly mid-2026, and aim to keep cleaner fuels flowing without breaking the bank.
2026-05167 — National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Ethylene Oxide Emissions Standards for Sterilization Facilities Residual Risk and Technology Review Reconsideration
The EPA is updating rules for sterilization facilities that use ethylene oxide, a chemical that can be harmful if not controlled. They’re rolling back some strict standards from 2024, fixing technical errors, and changing how facilities prove they’re following the rules. If you run or work with these facilities, get ready for new deadlines and ways to stay in compliance by mid-2026.
2026-04646 — Standards of Performance for New Stationary Sources and Emission Guidelines for Existing Sources: Large Municipal Waste Combustors Voluntary Remand Response and Five-Year Review
The EPA is updating pollution rules for big trash-burning plants to cut harmful emissions like lead, mercury, and dioxins. These changes affect both new and existing facilities, tighten limits, remove some loopholes, and improve reporting, all starting May 11, 2026. This update will clean up the air by reducing over 3,200 tons of pollution each year, helping communities breathe easier without breaking the bank.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-07884 — Air Plan Approval; Missouri; Construction Permits Required
The EPA just gave a thumbs-up to Missouri’s updated rules for construction permits that keep the air clean. This means businesses building or changing air pollution sources will see new fees and clearer rules starting May 26, 2026. These changes won’t mess with Missouri’s air quality goals but will make the permit process smoother and fairer.
Next: 2026-07889 — Finding of Failure To Attain and Reclassification of Tribal Portions of the Greater Connecticut Ozone Nonattainment Area as Serious for the 2015 Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards
The EPA found that the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan tribal lands in Greater Connecticut didn’t meet the 2015 ozone air quality standards on time. Because of this, these areas are now officially labeled as 'Serious' for ozone pollution, meaning stricter rules will kick in to clean the air. This change starts May 26, 2026, and could mean new efforts (and costs) to improve air quality for the tribes and nearby communities.