EPA Nods at SC Air Permit Tweaks: Snore-Inducing State Plan Update
Published Date: 8/19/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA or Agency) is proposing action on changes to South Carolina's State Implementation Plan (SIP) to revise regulations prescribing minor source permitting program requirements, including minor new source review (NSR) requirements, involving, in part, minor source permitting public participation, in SIP revisions submitted by the State of South Carolina through the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC DHEC) on October 1, 2007; July 18, 2011; August 8, 2014; July 27, 2016; and April 24, 2020. This proposal supplements previous proposals the EPA published on August 17, 2017, and January 21, 2025. This proposal is being issued pursuant to the Clean Air Act (CAA or Act).
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
State Discretion Over Minor NSR Public Input
The EPA is proposing to approve portions of South Carolina's minor source permitting rules only if the EPA finalizes its July 7, 2026, proposal that would let states decide whether and how to require public participation for minor New Source Review (NSR) permits. If the July 7, 2026 NPRM is finalized as proposed, South Carolina could administer minor NSR public notice and comment differently than the current Federal 40 CFR 51.161 approach for minor sources.
General Construction Permits Allowed
South Carolina's revised Regulation 61-62.1 now allows the State to issue general construction permits for similar true minor sources. The rule says sources can request coverage under a general permit, the State can grant coverage to qualifying sources, and a source granted authorization under a general construction permit has a final permit action for judicial review.
Synthetic Minor Permit Timing and Notices
South Carolina's revisions require owners of synthetic minor sources to record and notify the State of construction start and the actual initial startup date, and to submit operating permit requests within 15 days following startup (changed from prior-to-startup). The revisions also say the State may, rather than will, inspect for compliance before issuing operating permits.
Operating Permit Startup and Temporary Operation Rules
South Carolina's revised operating permit rules (Regulation 61-62.1, Section II(F)) require owners to record and notify the State of the actual date of initial startup and allow a source that certifies construction was completed per its construction permit to operate under that construction permit until the operating permit is issued. Written requests for new or revised operating permits must list sources placed into operation and their startup dates.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-13667, Minor New Source Review Program Air Permitting Public Participation Requirements for State Implementation Plans
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!
2026-13263, Revisions To Establish the Sixth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 6) for Public Water Systems
The EPA is rolling out the sixth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 6) to check for new, sneaky chemicals in public drinking water. Big water systems serving 3,300+ people and some smaller ones will test for 30 different contaminants, including certain PFAS and pesticides, to keep our water safe. Comments and feedback are open until late August 2026, and the EPA will host fun online meetings to chat about the plan!
2026-12927, U.S. Ecology Nevada, Inc. High Mercury Subcategory Wastes Land Disposal Restrictions Variance
The EPA is giving U.S. Ecology Nevada a special green light to handle and dispose of high-mercury waste a bit differently than usual. This means mercury waste treated in Pennsylvania can now be safely sent to U.S. Ecology’s Nevada site for disposal under new rules starting July 27, 2026. This change helps protect people and the environment while keeping mercury waste management efficient and cost-effective.
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.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-16914, Rescission of Rural Development's Construction and Repair Regulation
The Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBCS), Rural Housing Service (RHS), and Rural Utilities Service (RUS), together make up the Rural Development (RD or the Agency) mission area within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). RD is issuing this proposed rule to rescind its regulation regarding construction and repairs. RD found this regulation to be unnecessary and unduly burdensome. In addition, it makes changes to RBCS regulations by removing references to the construction and repair regulations. The plain language summary of the proposal is available on Regulations.gov in the docket for rulemaking.
Next: 2026-16932, Air Plan Partial Approval and Partial Conditional Approval; South Carolina; Control of Oxides of Nitrogen and Source Testing Requirements
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA or Agency) is proposing to partially approve and partially conditionally approve changes to South Carolina's State Implementation Plan (SIP) to revise source testing requirements and regulations prescribing control requirements for certain stationary sources of nitrogen oxides (NO<INF>X</INF>) submitted by the State of South Carolina, through the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SC DES), on October 1, 2007; July 27, 2016; September 5, 2017; April 24, 2020; and February 4, 2022. This action is being proposed pursuant to the Clean Air Act (CAA or Act).