EPA Approves New Jersey Ozone Pollution Plan
Published Date: 7/23/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The EPA is proposing to approve New Jersey’s plan to control air pollution and meet ozone standards set in 2008 and 2015. This plan helps keep the air cleaner for everyone, especially in areas with serious ozone problems. Businesses and communities will follow updated rules soon, with public comments open until August 24, 2026.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
EPA proposes approval — cleaner air
EPA is proposing to approve New Jersey's State Implementation Plan (SIP) revisions dated November 23, 2021 and March 3, 2025 that certify Reasonably Available Control Technology (RACT) for the 2008 and 2015 8-hour ozone standards. The proposed approval covers the 2008 Serious classification for the New York‑Northern New Jersey‑Long Island area, the 2015 Moderate classification for the New York Metro Area, the statewide 2015 ozone RACT obligation in the Ozone Transport Region, and the 2015 Moderate classification for the New Jersey portion of the Philadelphia‑Wilmington‑Atlantic City area — actions the EPA says will help keep the air cleaner for everyone.
RACT applicability thresholds retained
New Jersey retained a major source applicability threshold of 25 tons per year (tpy) statewide for VOC and NOX for purposes of RACT, and the document notes RACT requirements elsewhere that apply at 50 tpy for VOC or 100 tpy for NOX under certain classifications. That means facilities emitting at or above those thresholds are subject to RACT-level controls and related SIP requirements.
Fewer facility-specific RACT variances
New Jersey reports that the number of case-by-case (source-specific) RACT variance determinations has been reduced from 40 to 13 because many facilities now operate in compliance with revised RACT limits; EPA notes remaining source-specific SIPs are pending and will be addressed in separate future actions.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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