EPA Wants States to Decide How Much You Hear About Pollution
Published Date: 7/7/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
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!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
States May Drop Public Comment
The EPA proposes to remove federal minimum public participation requirements for minor New Source Review (NSR) programs in State Implementation Plans (SIPs). If finalized, State and local air agencies could decide whether, when, and how long to allow public comment or hearings on permits for small new sources and minor changes, and EPA proposes deleting the transitional provision at 40 CFR 51.161(c).
Permit Process Burden Could Drop
The proposal would give air agencies discretion to reduce or eliminate public participation requirements for minor NSR. The EPA explicitly asks for comment on how a final rule would affect how agencies process small-source permit applications and on any estimated reduction in administrative burden if agencies choose to revise participation rules.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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