Klamath Falls Officially Deemed 'Clean Air' Zone
Published Date: 3/4/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The EPA is proposing to officially recognize Klamath Falls, Oregon, as meeting clean air standards for tiny pollution particles called PM2.5. This means the area’s air is cleaner now, and a plan is in place to keep it that way through 2037. Local rules and vehicle pollution limits will be updated, affecting residents and drivers, with public comments open until April 3, 2026.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 2 mixed.
New Burn Curtailment Triggers and Limits
Klamath County updated burn notifications with specific PM2.5 thresholds: “burning allowed” when forecast 24-hour PM2.5 is below 22 micrograms per cubic meter, “exempt wood burning devices only” when forecasts have the potential to exceed 22 µg/m3 but not exceed 35 µg/m3, and “no burning allowed” when forecasts have the potential to exceed 35 µg/m3 for a 24-hour average. Daily burn notifications run from October 15 through March 15.
Klamath Falls Redesignated Attainment
EPA proposes to redesignate the Klamath Falls, Oregon area to attainment for the 2006 24-hour PM2.5 standard and to approve a maintenance plan that demonstrates continued attainment through 2037. If finalized, the area’s redesignation and the maintenance plan would be incorporated into the Oregon State Implementation Plan (SIP).
Bigger Low‑Income Exemption Threshold
Klamath County revised the ordinance to define “low income” as 250 percent of the Federal poverty level for purposes of issuing certificates of exemption. The document gives the example that 250 percent of the Federal poverty level for a four-person household is $80,375 (FY2025), compared with the prior HUD very-low-income limit of $40,700 for a four-person household.
Woodstove Changeouts, Sales Ban, and Removal Rule
The SIP includes a woodstove changeout program that provided financial incentives and replaced 180 woodstoves to date, with Oregon projecting 411 replacements by 2028. The plan also prohibits sale and installation of non-certified solid-fuel heating devices and requires removal/destruction of non-certified devices at the time of home sale.
Tighter Device Rules and Opacity Limits
The updated ordinance removes previous exemptions for pellet stoves, fireplaces, cook stoves, and masonry heaters during burn curtailments and removes a 3-minute-per-hour opacity exemption; it enforces a 20 percent opacity limit except during the first 10 minutes of operation. Some devices and open burning categories that were previously exempt are now subject to curtailments.
Motor Vehicle Budget and Road‑Sanding Agreement in SIP
EPA proposes to approve the Klamath Falls motor vehicle emissions budget into the Oregon SIP and has approved an Interagency Agreement to Reduce Particulate Emissions from Winter Road Sanding into the SIP. These items are part of the maintenance strategy to control PM2.5 emissions from transportation and road sanding activities.
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: 2026-04321 — Proposed Deletion From the National Priorities List
The EPA plans to remove six sites and partially remove two others from the National Priorities List because cleanup is done. This means these places are safer now, but future actions can still happen if needed. People have until April 3, 2026, to share their thoughts on this plan.
Next: 2026-04338 — Approval and Promulgation of State Air Quality Plans for Designated Facilities and Pollutants; Texas; Control of Emissions From Existing Municipal Solid Waste Landfills
The EPA is proposing to approve Texas’s plan to control pollution from existing trash landfills. This means landfill operators in Texas will follow new rules to reduce harmful gas emissions, helping clean the air. Comments on this plan are open until April 3, 2026, and the changes aim to protect health without big costs for businesses.
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