EPA Tells Hawaii: Not So Fast on Those Power Plant Shutdowns
Published Date: 5/29/2026
Rule
Summary
The EPA gave Hawaii a thumbs-up on some parts of its plan to clear up regional haze but said no to others, especially the plan to shut down certain power plants on Hawaii and Maui. This means Hawaii must tweak its long-term strategy to better protect the air and visibility in special natural areas. The new rules kick in on June 29, 2026, and could affect local energy and environmental efforts.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Planned Plant Shutdowns Not Approved
The EPA disapproved Hawaii's long-term strategy that included enforceable shutdown deadlines for six boiler units at the Kanoelehua-Hill and Kahului Generating Stations (islands of Hawaii and Maui) and optional shutdowns at the Maalaea Generating Station. Hawaiian Electric withdrew consent for these closures (letter dated August 29, 2025), and EPA found Hawaii did not provide the necessary assurances against unlawful takings, so those enforceable shutdowns are not approved into the SIP.
Federal Plan or Revised SIP Required
Because EPA disapproved portions of Hawaii's 2024 regional haze plan (including the long-term strategy, reasonable progress goals, and certain Federal Land Manager consultation elements), EPA says a Federal Implementation Plan (FIP) or an approved SIP revision will be required to satisfy those outstanding regional haze rule requirements. The partial approval/partial disapproval action is final and effective June 29, 2026.
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
2026-13667 — Minor New Source Review Program Air Permitting Public Participation Requirements for State Implementation Plans
The EPA wants to give states more freedom to decide how much public input is needed when approving small air pollution sources or changes. This means local air agencies can tailor public participation to fit their community’s needs while still protecting air quality. If you’re involved in air permits, watch for comment deadlines and possible virtual hearings this summer!
2026-13263 — Revisions To Establish the Sixth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 6) for Public Water Systems
The EPA is rolling out the sixth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 6) to check for new, sneaky chemicals in public drinking water. Big water systems serving 3,300+ people and some smaller ones will test for 30 different contaminants, including certain PFAS and pesticides, to keep our water safe. Comments and feedback are open until late August 2026, and the EPA will host fun online meetings to chat about the plan!
2026-12927 — U.S. Ecology Nevada, Inc. High Mercury Subcategory Wastes Land Disposal Restrictions Variance
The EPA is giving U.S. Ecology Nevada a special green light to handle and dispose of high-mercury waste a bit differently than usual. This means mercury waste treated in Pennsylvania can now be safely sent to U.S. Ecology’s Nevada site for disposal under new rules starting July 27, 2026. This change helps protect people and the environment while keeping mercury waste management efficient and cost-effective.
2026-11047 — National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants From Hazardous Waste Combustors: Residual Risk and Technology Review
The EPA just updated rules for places that burn hazardous waste, like incinerators and boilers, to keep the air safe and clean. They confirmed current standards work well but added new limits on harmful gases like hydrogen fluoride and hydrogen cyanide. These changes start June 3, 2026, and include easier electronic reporting and some new rules for startup and shutdown times—helping protect health without big costs.
2026-10641 — Hazardous and Solid Waste Management System: Disposal of Coal Combustion Residuals From Electric Utilities; Federal CCR Permit Program; Reopening of Comment Period
The EPA is reopening the comment period until June 29, 2026, for its proposed rule to create a federal permit program for safely disposing of coal ash from power plants. This affects electric utilities that handle coal waste and aims to improve environmental safety while possibly impacting their costs. Now’s the time for everyone to share their thoughts and help shape the rules!
2026-10387 — Phasedown of Hydrofluorocarbons: Reconsideration of Certain Regulatory Requirements Promulgated Under the Technology Transitions Provisions of the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020
The EPA is updating rules to phase down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), chemicals used in cooling systems like refrigerators and air conditioners. These changes affect businesses in refrigeration, supermarkets, semiconductor manufacturing, and more, allowing some older equipment made before 2025 to keep running. The new rules kick in on July 27, 2026, helping industries transition smoothly while cutting harmful emissions.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-10745 — Air Plan Approval; Virginia; Repeal of Existing Stationary Source Regulations
The EPA is giving a thumbs-up to Virginia for removing two old pollution rules that no longer apply because the related factories and operations don’t exist anymore. This change kicks in on June 29, 2026, and won’t cost anyone extra or cause new rules. Basically, Virginia’s cleaning up its rulebook to keep things simple and up-to-date!
Next: 2026-10755 — Air Plan Approval; Maryland; Clean Data Determination for the Baltimore, MD Nonattainment Area for the 2015 Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards
Great news for Baltimore! The EPA says the air in Baltimore now meets the 2015 ozone pollution standards based on recent clean air data. Because of this, Maryland won’t have to submit certain air quality plans or extra pollution controls for now, saving time and resources as long as the air stays clean. This change kicks in on June 29, 2026, helping the community breathe easier and focus on other priorities.