EPA Approves Virginia's Removal of Two Old Air Quality Rules
Official: Air Plan Approval; Virginia; Repeal of Existing Stationary Source Regulations
Reading: The EPA approval of Virginia's SIP revision maintaining the state's air quality framework by removing obsolete regulations for industries no longer present—a routine housekeeping action that does not weaken or strengthen overall air-quality protection.
This is a routine update that keeps Virginia's air quality plan current with actual industrial activity.
In clear language
The EPA has approved Virginia's request to remove two outdated air quality regulations from its pollution-control plan because there are no longer any petroleum refineries or large appliance coating facilities operating in the state. These rules, which set emission standards for these industries, are no longer needed since the sources they regulated no longer exist in Virginia. This is a routine update that keeps Virginia's air quality plan current with actual industrial activity.
How does this affect you?
Pick the type of resident or organization you most identify with — we'll generate a plain-language breakdown of what changes for you and what you can do about it.
Who does this affect?
- Virginia residents and regulators (no longer need to enforce rules for non-existent industries)
- Any potential future petroleum refineries or appliance coating manufacturers considering Virginia (would not be covered by these specific standards if they locate there)
- EPA and state environmental agencies overseeing air quality compliance
What can you do?
- If you live in Virginia, monitor your state's updated air quality standards to understand which industries remain regulated
- Stay informed about Virginia's air quality through your state environmental agency, as other regulations will still protect your air
Timeline
- Effective: 2026-06-29
- Effective: 2026-06-29
- Effective: 2026-06-29
- Effective: 2026-06-29
- Effective: 2026-06-29
- Effective: 2026-06-29
- 2026-06-29 (Effective date)
No New Jersey official has a verified action on this policy yet.
Related policies
- Federal RegisterJun 8, 2026EPA proposes to weaken pollution controls on a Wyoming power plant
The EPA is proposing to remove a requirement that a Wyoming coal power plant (Dave Johnston Unit 3) either close or install strict pollution-control equipment to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions that cause regional haze. The power company PacifiCorp asked the EPA to withdraw this requirement, and the EPA is agreeing to reconsider it. This change would allow the plant to operate with less stringent pollution controls than previously required.
- Federal RegisterJun 5, 2026EPA Fixes a Typo in the Rule Extending When Businesses Must Report Their Greenhouse Gas Emissions
The EPA published a correction to a rule it issued in February 2026 that moved back the deadline for certain businesses to report their greenhouse gas emissions from March 31, 2026 to October 30, 2026. The correction fixes only a typing mistake in the official document and does not change any of the actual requirements or deadlines. Businesses that emit greenhouse gases still have until October 30, 2026 to submit their annual emissions reports.
- Federal RegisterJun 4, 2026EPA Splits Philadelphia-Area Air Quality Oversight Zone Between Three States
The EPA is redrawing the air quality monitoring boundaries for a region covering parts of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, and Delaware. This change splits what was one oversight area into three separate zones, while keeping the same geographic area covered overall. The redrawing follows requests from Maryland and Delaware and affects how ozone pollution is tracked and managed in New Jersey.
- Federal RegisterJun 4, 2026EPA Approves California's Plan to Reduce Ozone Pollution in San Joaquin Valley with Conditions
The EPA conditionally approved California's plan for reducing ozone pollution in the San Joaquin Valley to meet federal air quality standards. The approval is conditional on California submitting additional pollution-reduction measures within one year. This plan uses previously approved ozone-reduction strategies and becomes part of the enforceable state air quality plan.