EPA Moves to Reclassify Ozone-Polluted Areas
Published Date: 6/12/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
Some states are being reclassified because their air has more ozone pollution than allowed. This means they need to update their plans to clean the air faster and follow new rules. These changes affect local governments and businesses, with deadlines to meet and possible costs to help make the air healthier.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
State Ozone Reclassification Requires SIP Updates
If you live in a state that is reclassified for ozone, your state must update its State Implementation Plan to clean the air faster and follow new rules. The reclassification means state and local authorities must change how they control ozone pollution to make the air healthier.
Local Governments and Businesses Face Deadlines, Costs
Local governments and businesses in reclassified areas will have deadlines to meet new requirements and may incur costs to comply with rules aimed at reducing ozone pollution. These costs and deadlines come from the need to update plans and implement faster emission controls.
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
2026-11047 — 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.
2026-10086 — Extending the Compliance Deadline for the PFOA and PFOS Maximum Contaminant Levels
The EPA is giving water systems more time to meet safety rules for two harmful chemicals, PFOA and PFOS, by extending the deadline from April 2029 to April 2031 if they ask for it. This helps water providers get ready without rushing, keeping our drinking water safe. The EPA wants your thoughts and will hold a public hearing in July 2026 to hear from everyone.
2026-10085 — Rescission of Regulatory Determinations and Removal of Related Provisions for Four PFAS Substances (PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO-DA (GenX), and the Mixture of These Three PFAS Plus PFBS)
The EPA is proposing to undo its rules for four PFAS chemicals (PFHxS, PFNA, GenX, and a mix including PFBS) in drinking water because the original process wasn’t done right. This means public water systems won’t have to monitor or treat these chemicals for now. People and water providers should weigh in by July 20, 2026, and a virtual hearing happens July 7.
2026-09895 — Effluent Limitations Guidelines and Standards for the Steam Electric Power Generating Point Source Category-Unmanaged Combustion Residual Leachate
The EPA is updating rules for steam electric power plants to better control dirty water leaking from leftover coal waste. This change affects existing power plants and is expected to save up to $1 billion a year while protecting water quality. Comments on the proposal are open until June 17, 2026, so now’s the time to speak up!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-11765 — Reforms To Remove SBA's 8(a) Program's Rebuttable Presumption of Social Disadvantage for Individually Owned Firms Only; Reforms Do Not Impact Entity-Owned Firms
The SBA is changing the rules for its 8(a) program to remove the automatic assumption that individuals from certain groups are socially disadvantaged. This change only affects businesses owned by individuals, not those owned by tribes or other organizations. Comments on this proposal are open until July 13, 2026, and the update aims to make the program fairer and more in line with the law.
Next: 2026-11844 — Receipt of Pesticide Petitions Filed for Residues of Pesticide Chemicals in or on Various Commodities-January 2026
The government received new requests to allow tiny amounts of certain pesticides on different foods. This affects farmers, food makers, and shoppers by potentially changing what pesticide residues are allowed on fruits, veggies, and more. These updates could happen soon, so keep an eye out for new rules that might impact food safety and farming costs.