EPA Backs Minor Update to Philadelphia Gas Works Pollution Plan
Published Date: 5/29/2026
Rule
Summary
The EPA is giving a thumbs-up to Pennsylvania’s update for the Philadelphia Gas Works Richmond Plant’s pollution control plan. This change removes an old rule but doesn’t change how much pollution the plant can release. The update kicks in on June 29, 2026, keeping the air clean without costing extra money or adding new limits.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Avoiding Engine Damage Requirement
Pennsylvania removed a timing-setting requirement that would have required the three 295-horsepower Caterpillar engines at PGW Richmond to be set 4 degrees retarded. The state said changing timing that way would damage the engines, so removing the condition avoids that damaging modification.
Removal of Engine Timing Condition
The EPA approved Pennsylvania's change that removes Condition 1(B)(2) from the Philadelphia Gas Works Richmond Plant RACT Plan. The revision takes effect on June 29, 2026 and the EPA states this removal results in no change of emission allowances under RACT.
No Significant Cost to Small Entities
The EPA certified that approving this SIP revision does not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities and is not a significant regulatory action. That certification applies to this final action effective June 29, 2026.
Revised RACT Plan Becomes Federally Enforceable
The EPA incorporated the revised RACT Plan Approval for PGW Richmond by reference and stated the materials are fully federally enforceable under Clean Air Act sections 110 and 113 as of the rule's effective date. That federal enforceability is in place starting June 29, 2026.
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