EPA Stays Emission and Highway Sanctions for Pennsylvania
The EPA has issued an interim final determination to pause sanctions after Pennsylvania submitted revised air quality plans.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is staying emission offset sanctions and deferring highway funding sanctions against Pennsylvania. This action follows an interim final determination that the state has submitted state implementation plan (SIP) revisions satisfying Clean Air Act requirements for volatile organic compounds (VOC) control technique guidelines.
The relief addresses deficiencies identified in an August 16, 2024, disapproval of Pennsylvania's prior SIP regarding 2008 ozone national ambient air quality standards. That disapproval triggered a sanctions clock that saw two-to-one new source emissions offset sanctions take effect on March 16, 2026.
Highway funding sanctions were scheduled to take effect on September 16, 2026. The EPA is now deferring those penalties based on a concurrent proposal to approve SIP revisions submitted by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection between May 2023 and April 2026.
Current regulations, new submissions for certain categories, and permit limits for four facilities likely meet the VOC requirements for both 2008 and 2015 ozone standards.
This interim final determination became effective July 16, 2026. The EPA will accept public comments on the action until August 17, 2026.