# Arkansas Seeks Unclassifiable PM2.5 Designations

Arkansas’s Department of Energy and Environment responded to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s September 30, 2026, letter on designations under the 2024 annual PM2.5 standard. The state supports attainment or unclassifiable status for most of Arkansas and requests unclassifiable designations for several potentially affected areas, citing incomplete analyses and forthcoming exceptional-events demonstrations. EPA’s designations are due by **February 6, 2027**.

- Proposed designations may affect permitting and environmental reviews for projects and facilities in the areas under consideration; procurement teams should account for designation uncertainty when planning projects there.
- Environmental consultants and contractors supporting air-quality analysis, permitting, or exceptional-events demonstrations may find relevant work as the state’s analyses proceed.
- The EPA deadline is **93 days away** as of November 5, 2026. Organizations with projects in potentially affected Arkansas areas can use the state’s response and designation timeline to inform permitting schedules and project risk assessments.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Environment
**Topics:** Regulatory Compliance
**Published:** November 04, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment (E&E)
- Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment, Division of Environmental Quality (DEQ)

### Sources
- [PM2.5/U.S. EPA September 30th Letter Describing Intended Approach for Arkansas Area Designations: Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment Response | Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard, P.L.L.C. - JDSupra](https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/pm2-5-u-s-epa-september-30th-letter-4381940) - JD Supra