Kentucky Trash Heaps Get EPA Nod for Cleaner Air Rules
Published Date: 4/23/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
Kentucky is getting the green light from the EPA to enforce new rules that cut harmful gas emissions from old trash landfills. This plan affects landfill operators who must now follow clear limits and keep records to protect the air we breathe. Comments on this plan are open until May 26, 2026, so everyone has a chance to weigh in before it kicks in.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Kentucky landfills must meet new limits
If you operate an existing municipal solid waste (MSW) landfill in Kentucky that began construction, modification, or reconstruction on or before July 17, 2014, you must follow the State Plan (KAR 61:036) which sets emission limits and requires monitoring, operating, recordkeeping, and reporting. KAR 61:036 became effective in Kentucky on June 3, 2021 and incorporates the federal Emission Guidelines (40 CFR part 60, subpart Cf).
Federal plan will shift to Kentucky plan
The MSW landfill Federal Plan currently in effect in Kentucky (40 CFR part 62, subpart OOO) will stop applying to sources in Kentucky and those sources will become subject to Kentucky's State Plan once EPA approves the Commonwealth's June 11, 2024 submittal. After EPA approval, the State Plan becomes federally enforceable.
EPA keeps approval flexibility for testing methods
EPA retains authority to approve alternative methods to determine nonmethane organic compound (NMOC) concentration or a site-specific methane generation rate constant (k) as provided in 40 CFR 60.30f(c). This means operators may request site-specific or alternative testing methods for those measurements from the EPA Administrator.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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