EPA Greenlights California Smog Budget Tweaks
Published Date: 9/14/2026
Rule
Summary
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA or "Agency") is taking final action to approve a revision to the State of California's state implementation plan (SIP) for the San Joaquin Valley (SJV) area. The revision includes an update to the SJV area's motor vehicle emissions budgets ("budgets") for nitrogen oxides (NO<INF>X</INF>) and volatile organic compounds (VOC) for the 2008 8- hour ozone national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS or "standards"). These updated budgets for 2026, 2029, and 2031 were developed with the latest modeling method approved for California. These updated budgets apply to all subareas within the SJV. Upon the effective date of this rule, the updated budgets will supersede the existing approved SJV subarea budgets for the 2008 ozone NAAQS that were based on an earlier emissions model. The EPA is approving the updated SJV ozone budgets in accordance with the requirements of the Clean Air Act (CAA or "Act") and the EPA's regulations.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Updated SJV NOX and VOC Budgets
The EPA approved revised motor vehicle emissions budgets for nitrogen oxides (NOX) and volatile organic compounds (VOC) for the San Joaquin Valley for the 2008 8-hour ozone standard for the years 2026, 2029, and 2031, effective October 14, 2026. The rule lists county-specific budgets in tons per average summer day (for example, Fresno NOX: 8.4 (2026), 7.8 (2029), 7.6 (2031); Fresno VOC: 4.4 (2026), 3.9 (2029), 3.6 (2031); Kern NOX: 10.6, 10.3, 10.3; Kern VOC: 3.7, 3.3, 3.1).
Revised Budgets Required for Conformity
On October 14, 2026, the previously approved San Joaquin Valley budgets for the 2008 ozone standard will no longer apply for transportation conformity purposes. The San Joaquin Valley metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) must use the revised 2026, 2029, and 2031 budgets in future transportation conformity determinations.
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
2026-18317, Updated Definition of “Waters of the United States”
The purpose of this supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking is for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of the Army ("the agencies") to supplement and seek additional comment on certain aspects of an earlier proposal, published on November 20, 2025, to revise the regulations defining the scope of waters federally covered under the Clean Water Act in light of the U.S. Supreme Court's 2023 decision in Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency. As stated in the agencies' November 20, 2025 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), the agencies intend for this rulemaking to provide greater regulatory certainty and increase Clean Water Act program predictability and consistency by clarifying the definition of "waters of the United States." After consideration of the public comments received on the NPRM, the agencies are issuing this notice to supplement the NPRM with additional regulatory options on certain aspects of the proposed rule.
2026-14112, Amendments and Nonconformance Penalties for Model Year 2027 and Later Heavy-Duty Highway Engines and Amendments to Inducement Provisions for SCR-Equipped Diesel Engines
Starting with model year 2027, the EPA is updating rules for big truck engines to make sure they last longer and pollute less. They’re also letting engine makers pay penalties if their engines don’t meet standards, and tightening rules for special pollution-control systems on diesel engines. These changes affect truck and engine makers and kick in soon, with public feedback due by August 29, 2026.
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.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-18734, Safety Zone; Lake Erie, Oregon, OH
The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone for navigable waters of Lake Erie within a 300-yard radius of an overwater drone display at 41[deg]41'15.9" N, 83[deg]22'14.7" W. The safety zone is needed to protect personnel, vessels, and the marine environment from potential hazards associated with an overwater drone display. Entry of vessels or persons into this zone is prohibited unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port, Sector Detroit, or their designated representative.
Next: 2026-18766, Expanded Examination Cycle for Certain Small Insured Depository Institutions and U.S. Branches and Agencies of Foreign Banks
The OCC, Board, and FDIC (collectively, the Agencies) are jointly issuing and requesting public comment on an interim final rule to implement section 903 of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act. The interim final rule raises the asset threshold for certain supervised institutions with less than $6 billion in total assets to qualify for an 18-month on-site examination cycle. The interim final rule also makes parallel changes to the Agencies' regulations governing the on- site examination cycle for U.S. branches and agencies of foreign banks, consistent with the International Banking Act of 1978 (IBA).