Smog Checks Save San Joaquin Valley Air – Approved?
Published Date: 11/14/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The EPA is proposing to approve California’s plan to keep the air cleaner in the San Joaquin Valley by sticking to smog check rules for 1997 ozone pollution standards. This means California has met its promise to have backup plans ready if air quality slips. People living and working in the Valley can expect continued efforts to reduce smog without new costly changes right now.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Failure Finding Triggered Local Alternative Fee Rule
EPA’s September 25, 2025 finding that the San Joaquin Valley failed to attain the 1997 ozone standard triggered the San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District’s alternative fee rule (District Rule 3171), which the District adopted to meet SIP requirements under CAA sections 182(d)(3) and 185. This rule may result in fees tied to the area’s nonattainment status.
Smog Check Exemption Shortened If Triggered
If EPA finds the San Joaquin Valley failed to meet ozone rules, California’s Smog Check Contingency Measure would shrink the new-vehicle testing exemption from eight model years to seven model years in that nonattainment area. EPA made a finding of failure to attain the 1997 ozone standard on September 25, 2025, and CARB is in the process of implementing the Smog Check Contingency Measure for the San Joaquin Valley.
Smog Check Gives Small Emissions Cuts
CARB estimates that implementing the Smog Check Contingency Measure in the San Joaquin Valley would cut about 0.112 tons per day (tpd) of NOX and 0.056 tpd of VOC in summertime conditions. CARB and EPA estimate one year’s worth of progress (OYW) for the area as multiple tons per day, and the Smog Check measure provides roughly one to two percent of that recommended OYW of progress.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-06275 — Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) Program: Standards for 2026 and 2027, Partial Waiver of 2025 Cellulosic Biofuel Volume Requirement, and Other Changes
The EPA just set new rules for renewable fuels in 2026 and 2027, including how much biofuel must be used. They’re also easing the 2025 cellulosic biofuel goals because production fell short and dropping renewable electricity as a qualifying fuel. These changes affect fuel producers and sellers, kick in mostly by mid-2026, and aim to keep America’s fuel cleaner and greener without breaking the bank.
2026-05167 — National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Ethylene Oxide Emissions Standards for Sterilization Facilities Residual Risk and Technology Review Reconsideration
The EPA is proposing changes to rules for sterilization facilities that use ethylene oxide, a chemical that can be harmful if not controlled. They want to remove some strict risk-based limits, fix technical mistakes, and update how facilities prove they’re following the rules. If you run or work with these facilities, get ready for new deadlines and clearer standards by mid-2026, which could affect how you manage emissions and compliance costs.
2026-04646 — Standards of Performance for New Stationary Sources and Emission Guidelines for Existing Sources: Large Municipal Waste Combustors Voluntary Remand Response and Five-Year Review
The EPA is updating pollution rules for big trash-burning plants to cut harmful emissions like lead, mercury, and dioxins. These changes affect both new and existing facilities, tighten limits, remove some loopholes, and improve reporting, all starting May 11, 2026. This update will help clean the air by reducing over 3,200 tons of pollution each year, making communities healthier and safer.
2025-21788 — Oil and Natural Gas Sector Climate Review: Extension of Deadlines in Standards of Performance for New, Reconstructed, and Modified Sources and Emissions Guidelines for Existing Sources
The EPA is giving oil and natural gas companies more time to meet new pollution control rules and report their emissions. Deadlines for fixing leaks, monitoring equipment, and submitting state plans are pushed back to help everyone get ready without rushing. These changes keep the climate goals on track while easing the financial and timing pressure on the industry.
2025-20402 — Updated Definition of “Waters of the United States”
The EPA and Army Corps are updating the rules that decide which waters are protected under the Clean Water Act, following a 2023 Supreme Court decision. This change helps everyone know exactly which waters are covered, making it easier to protect lakes, rivers, and wetlands while respecting state and tribal rights. People and businesses affected should share their thoughts by January 5, 2026, as this update could impact water projects and environmental protections.
2025-19882 — Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Data Reporting and Recordkeeping Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA); Revision to Regulation
The EPA is updating rules for companies that make or import PFAS chemicals, asking them to report certain info about these substances from 2011-2022. The changes add some smart exceptions to ease reporting on things companies probably don’t know, saving time and hassle. Comments on the proposal are open until late December 2025, so affected businesses should get ready to weigh in!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-19882 — Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Data Reporting and Recordkeeping Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA); Revision to Regulation
The EPA is updating rules for companies that make or import PFAS chemicals, asking them to report certain info about these substances from 2011-2022. The changes add some smart exceptions to ease reporting on things companies probably don’t know, saving time and hassle. Comments on the proposal are open until late December 2025, so affected businesses should get ready to weigh in!
Next: 2025-19895 — Phasedown of Hydrofluorocarbons: Reconsideration of Certain Regulatory Requirements Promulgated Under the Technology Transitions Provisions of the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020; Extension of Comment Period
The EPA is giving everyone more time to share their thoughts on new rules about cutting down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), chemicals that harm the environment. This affects businesses and manufacturers who use or make these chemicals, as the rules could change how they operate and spend money. You now have until November 21, 2025, to send in your comments and help shape the final decisions.
Take It Personal
Get Your Personalized Policy View
Start a Free Government Policy Watch to see how policy affects your household, then upgrade to PRIA Full Coverage for year-round monitoring.
Already have an account? Sign in