EPA Approves Texas Plan to Curb Landfill Farts
Published Date: 3/4/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
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.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Reduced Landfill Air Emissions in Texas
EPA proposes that Texas’s plan implements the MSW Landfills Emission Guidelines to control landfill gas and components such as methane and nonmethane organic compounds from existing landfills (those with construction, modification, or reconstruction on or before July 17, 2014). If approved, these state-enforceable rules aim to reduce harmful landfill emissions in Texas.
Texas Landfill Operators Must Comply
If you operate a municipal solid waste landfill in Texas, EPA is proposing to approve Texas’s state plan (30 TAC Sec. 113.2400–113.2412) so those state rules will become federally enforceable for existing landfills. The state plan implements the MSW Landfills Emission Guidelines (40 CFR part 60, subpart Cf) and, once approved, replaces the federal plan currently in effect in Texas.
Existing TCEQ-Approved Systems Exempted
Landfill gas collection and control systems in Texas that were approved by TCEQ and installed per 30 TAC Sec. 115.152 are considered to meet the technical requirements of the federal Emission Guidelines (40 CFR 60.33f(b) and (c)). This avoids duplicative federal and state requirements for those systems.
Closed Landfills Exempted If Idle Since 1993
Texas’s plan explicitly exempts municipal solid waste landfills that have not accepted waste since October 9, 1993, and have no additional design capacity; such closed landfills are not subject to gas collection and control requirements tied to the 50 megagrams/year (Mg/yr) NMOC threshold. EPA proposes to approve this use of 40 CFR 60.24(f).
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: 2026-04333 — Air Plan Approval; OR; Klamath Falls PM2.5 Redesignation to Attainment and Maintenance Plan
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.
Next: 2026-04339 — Air Plan Approval; Arizona; Attainment Plan for the Hayden SO2 Nonattainment Area for the 1971 and 2010 Sulfur Dioxide National Ambient Air Quality Standards
The EPA is proposing to approve Arizona’s plan to clean up sulfur dioxide pollution in the Hayden area, helping it meet air quality standards from 1971 and 2010. This plan affects local industries and residents by setting pollution limits and requiring progress steps to keep the air safe. Comments are open until April 3, 2026, and the plan aims to protect health without new costs for the community.
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