EPA Approves New York's Plan to Reduce Pollution from Big Six Towers Power Plant
Official: Approval of Source-Specific Air Quality Implementation Plan; New York; Big Six Towers Inc.
Reading: The EPA approval requires Big Six Towers to implement Reasonably Available Control Technology (RACT) for nitrogen oxide emissions, which tightens pollution controls and strengthens protection of federal ozone air quality standards.
The rule takes effect September 14, 2026.
In clear language
The EPA has approved New York State's plan to require Big Six Towers Inc., a power plant in Woodside, Queens, to use the best available pollution-control technology to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions from its three oil-fired engines. This approval helps New York meet federal air quality standards for ozone and protects air quality in the region. The rule takes effect September 14, 2026.
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?
- Residents in and around Woodside, Queens and nearby communities who breathe the air downwind of the power plant
- Big Six Towers Inc. and other industrial facilities required to install and operate air pollution controls
- New York State environmental agencies responsible for meeting federal ozone air quality standards
What can you do?
- Monitor local air quality reports through the EPA's AirNow website or NY State Department of Environmental Conservation to track improvements
- Advocate for continued enforcement of pollution controls at industrial facilities in your area
Timeline
- Effective: 2026-09-14
- Effective: 2026-09-14
- Effective: 2026-09-14
- Effective: 2026-09-14
- Effective: 2026-09-14
- Effective: 2026-09-14
- Effective: 2026-09-14
- Effective: 2026-09-14
- Effective: 2026-09-14
- Effective: 2026-09-14
- Effective: 2026-09-14
- September 14, 2026: Rule becomes effective
No New Jersey official has a verified action on this policy yet.
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