EPA Greenlights Virginia's Park Ozone Plan Extension
Published Date: 8/14/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve a state implementation plan (SIP) revision submitted by the Commonwealth of Virginia (the Commonwealth or Virginia). This revision pertains to the Commonwealth's plan, submitted by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (VADEQ), for maintaining the 1997 8-hour ozone national ambient air quality standard (NAAQS) (referred to as the 1997 ozone NAAQS) in the Madison & Page Counties (Shenandoah NP), VA, Area (Shenandoah NP Area or Area) for the second 10-year maintenance period. This action is being taken under the Clean Air Act (CAA).
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Contingency Rules Could Trigger New Controls
Virginia’s maintenance plan includes contingency measures that the State will adopt if emissions rise above the attainment-year inventory or an ozone monitor records an exceedance or violation. Possible measures listed include the OTC Architectural and Industrial Coatings (AIM) Model Rule (Oct 13, 2014), the OTC Consumer Products Model Rule (May 21, 2013), and the OTC Solvent Degreasing Model Rule (2012). If triggered, notification is either from EPA or three months after a certified exceedance/violation, the regulation must be adopted within 6 months of that date, implemented 6 months after adoption, and compliance must be achieved within 12 months of adoption.
EPA Approval of Virginia SIP Revision
The EPA is proposing to approve Virginia’s second 10-year maintenance plan for the 1997 8-hour ozone standard covering the Madison and Page Counties (Shenandoah NP) Area. This proposed approval would add the plan into the Virginia State Implementation Plan (SIP) and, according to EPA, would not impose additional federal requirements beyond those already in state law.
1997 Ozone Conformity Requirements Ended
For the Shenandoah NP Area, general conformity and transportation conformity requirements for the 1997 ozone NAAQS stopped applying as of February 2, 2026 (transportation conformity stopped applying on February 2, 2026). This means transportation and related projects in the Area are no longer subject to those 1997-ozone-specific conformity checks after that date.
Continued Air Monitoring Commitment
Virginia commits to continue operating its air quality monitoring network for the Shenandoah NP Area in accordance with 40 CFR part 58 and to track attainment status during the second maintenance period through review of air quality and emissions data. EPA proposes that these commitments meet requirements for continued monitoring and verification of attainment.
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