Pennsylvania VOC Rules Head for EPA Approval
Published Date: 7/16/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The EPA is proposing to approve Pennsylvania’s updated air pollution rules to better control smelly and harmful chemicals called VOCs that cause ozone pollution. This affects certain factories and businesses that must follow new cleaner technology rules to meet air quality standards from 2008 and 2015. Comments on these changes are open until August 17, 2026, and the updates help keep our air fresher without big costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Interim final determination stays EPA sanctions
Alongside this proposed approval, the EPA issued an interim final determination (IFD) that Pennsylvania's SIP revisions address the deficiencies cited in the EPA's August 16, 2024 disapproval. The IFD stays emission offset sanctions that were set to begin March 16, 2026, and defers the imposition of highway funding sanctions that would have followed on September 16, 2026.
EPA proposes PA RACT SIP approval
The EPA is proposing to approve four Pennsylvania SIP revisions submitted on May 10, 2023; January 20, 2026; February 17, 2026; and April 10, 2026 that certify Reasonably Available Control Technology (RACT) for volatile organic compound (VOC) Control Technique Guidelines (CTG) under the 2008 and 2015 ozone standards. If finalized, certain factories and businesses in Pennsylvania covered by those CTGs must follow the certified RACT/CTG rules to control VOC emissions to meet the 2008 and 2015 ozone NAAQS.
Permit conditions to become federally enforceable
Pennsylvania asked the EPA to incorporate portions of three source-specific redacted permits into the SIP for facilities subject to the CTG for manufacture of high-density polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene resins. The permits proposed for SIP incorporation are for Multiplastic Extrusions Hazelton (Permit 40-00083), Rohm & Haas Co Bristol (Permit 09-00015), and Shell Chemical Appalachia (Permit 04-00740); EPA is also proposing that BASF Monaca's previously approved permit (04-00306) remains sufficient.
EPA found no new RACT technologies
In its review of Pennsylvania's submissions, the EPA states it has not identified any new control technologies that are reasonably available considering technological and economic feasibility for the CTG source categories addressed. The EPA proposes that Pennsylvania's existing and newly adopted rules meet VOC CTG RACT for the 2008 and 2015 ozone NAAQS.
Negative declaration for large petroleum dry cleaners
Pennsylvania reaffirmed a negative declaration that there are no existing Large Petroleum Dry Cleaner facilities in the Commonwealth; the EPA retained the December 14, 2020 negative declaration in its August 16, 2024 reconsideration and Pennsylvania reasserts no sources in this category.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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