EPA Approves Arizona's Fine Particle Air Rules
Published Date: 12/18/2025
Rule
Summary
The EPA is giving a thumbs-up to Arizona’s plan to keep the air clean by following the 2012 fine particle pollution rules. This means Arizona will update its air quality rules, including adding La Paz County to a special air region, starting January 20, 2026. People and businesses in Arizona should get ready for these changes, which help protect health without adding big costs right now.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Emergency Episode Plans Added to SIP
The EPA is incorporating Arizona’s emergency episode rules into the SIP, including AAC R18-2-220, the "Procedures for the Prevention of Emergency Episodes," and Maricopa County Regulation VI Rule 600, effective January 20, 2026. These approved plans meet CAA section 110(a)(2)(G) requirements for emergency episode planning for PM2.5.
EPA Approves Arizona PM2.5 SIP Elements
The EPA is approving many of Arizona’s State Implementation Plan (SIP) elements for the 2012 fine particulate (PM2.5) standard, effective January 20, 2026. The approval covers specific CAA infrastructure requirements including sections 110(a)(2)(A), (B), (C) for minor sources, (D)(ii), (E), (F), (G), (H), (J), (K), (L), and (M).
La Paz County Added to Mohave-Yuma AQCR
The EPA is revising federal regulations to add La Paz County to the Mohave-Yuma Intrastate Air Quality Control Region and to the delimited area at 40 CFR 81.268, effective January 20, 2026. The revised classification table for the Mohave-Yuma AQCR (La Paz, Mohave, Yuma) is finalized in the rule text.
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: 2025-23253 — Curing Missed Loan Payments
If you’re a federal employee or service member with a TSP loan, good news! Starting December 18, 2025, missed loan payments can be automatically caught up through resumed payroll deductions, making it easier to stay on track. No more hassle with checks or extra payments—just let your paycheck do the work and avoid loan defaults.
Next: 2025-23263 — Safety Zone; Chicago River (Main Branch), Chicago, IL
On New Year's Eve, from 11:30 p.m. to 12:15 a.m., the Coast Guard will block off part of the Chicago River for a fireworks show to keep everyone safe. Boat owners and anyone on the water must get special permission to enter or stay in this area during that time. This temporary safety zone helps protect people, boats, and the environment without any extra fees.
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