EPA Adds New Answers to Its Clean-Air Compliance Dashboard
Published Date: 10/30/2026
Notice
Summary
The EPA just updated its dashboard with new answers and rules about air pollution controls from June 2025 to July 2026. This helps businesses and facilities understand how to follow clean air laws better, including new approved ways to test pollution. These updates keep everyone on track with the Clean Air Act and make compliance clearer and easier, with no surprise costs or deadlines right now.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Six Broadly Applicable Alternative Test Methods Approved
The EPA identified six broadly applicable alternative test methods approved between 2022 and 2025 (ALT-152-A Aug 13, 2024; ALT-152-B Sep 29, 2025; ALT-158 Mar 27, 2025; ALT-159 Jun 25, 2025; ALT-160 Jul 27, 2022; ALT-162 Sep 10, 2025). Source owners and operators may voluntarily choose to use these alternatives in lieu of otherwise required test methods for the specified source categories (examples: VR-based Method 9 training alternatives; Xplorobot Laser Gas Imager as an alternative to optical gas imaging or Method 21 for certain crude oil and natural gas facilities; EPA Method 320 in place of Method 18 for Subpart JJJJ; updated SW-846 methods for PVC production; IR-208 and IR-8400DC NDIR instruments for measuring TNMOC at bulk gasoline terminals). If a source elects to use an alternative under 40 CFR part 63, it must continue to use that alternative until otherwise authorized, and sources should notify their regulatory agency prior to use.
39 Compliance Rulings Added to EPA Dashboard
The EPA added 39 applicability determinations, regulatory interpretations, alternative monitoring decisions, and other determinations to the Applicability Determination Dashboard (ADD) on September 22, 2026. These determinations cover written responses the EPA made from June 2025 through July 2026 and are searchable by facility name, affected subpart, or response date at the ADD website.
Approvals Can Be Revisited or Retracted
The EPA will revisit broadly applicable alternative test method approvals if it receives written objections or requests indicating an approval should be limited or withdrawn; any objection and resolution will be announced publicly. If the EPA decides to retract an approval, it will consider providing an appropriate transition period for users to seek case-by-case approval or transition to another approved method.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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