Federal Register #2026-20612

EPA proposes approval of Maricopa County Rule 204 for nonroad-engine emissions credits

The EPA is proposing to approve a Maricopa County rule that would let nonroad-engine operators earn emissions credits by reducing engine pollution. - Government entities: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Region IX; Maricopa County Air Quality Department (MCAQD); Arizona State Implementation Plan. - Proposed action: Approve MCAQD Rule 204, “Emission Offsets Generated by Voluntary Nonroad Engine Emission Reductions,” into the Arizona SIP. - How the rule works: Nonroad-engine fleet owners and operators may generate nitrogen oxides (NOX) and volatile organic compounds (VOC) emission reduction credits by retrofitting engines or replacing them with lower-emitting equipment. Credits may offset emissions increases from major stationary sources under the Nonattainment New Source Review program. - Notable limitation: EPA proposes to defer action on Rule 204 section 301.2 b.(3), which references a separate rule not yet approved into the SIP. Applicable ongoing requirements would apply to the credit-generating reductions. - OEMs, vendors, and purchase items: No OEMs or commercial vendors are identified. No products are being solicited; this is a proposed regulatory action.

Description

The Environmental Protection Agency is proposing to approve a revision to the Maricopa County portion of the Arizona State Implementation Plan. Maricopa County Air Quality Department Rule 204 would allow nonroad engine fleet owners and operators to generate emission reduction credits by retrofitting engines or replacing them with lower-emitting engines, subject to Clean Air Act requirements. The credits are intended to offset emissions increases from major stationary sources under the county’s Nonattainment New Source Review program. The proposal excludes Rule 204 section 301.2 b.(3), on which the EPA is deferring action, and also proposes to add the Department’s EIP support document to the non-regulatory portion of the plan. Comments are due November 9, 2026.

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