Oklahoma's Anti-Haze Plan Gets EPA Green Light
Published Date: 2/12/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The EPA is proposing to approve Oklahoma’s updated plan to reduce regional haze and improve air quality in special protected areas for the next five years. This plan affects communities near national parks and wilderness areas by aiming to keep the skies clearer and healthier. People can comment on this plan until March 16, 2026, and the state will continue working to meet clean air goals without new major costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
EPA proposes approving Oklahoma's haze plan
EPA is proposing to approve Oklahoma's regional haze State Implementation Plan (SIP) submitted August 9, 2022 to meet Clean Air Act regional haze requirements for the second implementation period (the 2018–2028 planning period). The approval would recognize Oklahoma's long-term strategy for preventing and remedying manmade visibility impairment in mandatory Class I areas, including the Wichita Mountains Wilderness.
Measured visibility improved at Wichita Mountains
Oklahoma's SIP reports visibility at Wichita Mountains Wilderness improved from 2000–2004 baseline levels (clearest days 9.92 deciviews; most impaired days 22.18 deciviews) to 2015–2019 current levels (clearest days 8.65 deciviews; most impaired days 17.58 deciviews). The SIP states a 21 percent improvement for the 20 percent most impaired days between the baseline and 2015–2019 current conditions.
Oklahoma identifies out-of-state Class I areas
Oklahoma identified three mandatory Class I Federal areas outside the State that may be affected by Oklahoma emissions: Caney Creek Wilderness Area (Arkansas), Upper Buffalo Wilderness Area (Arkansas), and Hercules-Glades Wilderness Area (Missouri). EPA agrees Oklahoma properly identified these areas as potentially affected.
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: 2026-02842 — Air Plan Approval; Illinois; Moderate Attainment Plan Elements for the Chicago and Metro East Areas for the 2015 Ozone Standard
The EPA is giving a thumbs-up to Illinois’ plan to clean up the air in Chicago and Metro East by cutting ozone pollution. This plan includes rules for car emissions, inspections, and new pollution sources, aiming for better air by 2023. If approved, it helps keep the air healthier without extra costs, but folks can share their thoughts by March 16, 2026.
Next: 2026-02845 — Air Plan Revisions; Arizona; Arizona Department of Environmental Quality; Gila County Reasonably Available Control Technology
The EPA is proposing to approve Arizona’s plan to reduce ozone pollution in Gila County, part of the Phoenix-Mesa area. This update requires businesses to use better pollution controls to meet cleaner air standards by following smart technology rules. People and companies in Gila County should get ready, and comments on this plan are open until March 16, 2026.
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