Sacramento's Air Clean Enough to Pause EPA Rules
Published Date: 9/14/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA or "Agency") is proposing to issue a clean data determination (CDD) for the Sacramento Metro, California nonattainment area to reflect our finding that the area is attaining the 1997 8-hour ozone national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS or "standards"). This finding is based on quality-assured and certified ambient air quality monitoring data from 2023 through 2025. If we finalize this CDD, certain Clean Air Act (CAA) requirements that apply to the Sacramento Metro area will be suspended for so long as the area continues to attain the 1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS. We are taking comments on this proposal and plan to follow with a final action.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Planning Requirements Suspended While Area Attains
The EPA is proposing a Clean Data Determination (CDD) for the Sacramento Metro area based on quality-assured monitoring data from 2023 through 2025 showing attainment of the 1997 8-hour ozone standard (design value ≤ 0.08 ppm). If finalized, the CDD would suspend planning requirements such as an attainment demonstration, RACM analysis, an RFP plan, contingency measures, and other attainment-related SIP planning requirements for as long as the area continues to attain the standard.
Permits, Inventories, and Fee Rules Stay in Effect
Even if the CDD is finalized, the EPA says it would not suspend requirements for emissions inventories, nonattainment New Source Review (NSR) permitting, or CAA section 185 fee programs. Those obligations remain in effect for the Sacramento Metro area, and EPA will work with remaining districts to ensure any outstanding section 185 fee rule requirements are met.
CDD Is Not a Redesignation to Attainment
The EPA proposes that a CDD would not redesignate the Sacramento Metro area to attainment. The area would remain designated nonattainment with a Severe-15 classification until the State submits and EPA approves a formal redesignation request and a maintenance plan showing the area will continue to attain the standard for 10 years.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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