Sulphur Dioxide (SO2)

Illinois PCB Proposes Consolidated NAAQS Ambient Air Quality Standard Updates (2024–2025)

Illinois is moving to align state ambient air quality standards with recent federal US EPA updates for sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and particulate matter, with final adoption targeted for March 2026. Affected operators must ensure monitoring protocols and data-handling procedures comply with the revised secondary SO2 standards and newly approved federal reference measurement methods.

9 Apr 2026, 10:17pcb.illinois.govUnited States

Virginia DEQ Seeks Comment on Draft State Operating Permit for Clover Power Station (Reg. 30867)

Virginia DEQ is transitioning federal Consent Decree emission limits for SO2 and NOx into a permanent State Operating Permit for the Clover Power Station, with comments due by May 1, 2026. This move ensures long-term federal enforceability of existing air quality controls and fleet-wide emission caps as the facility transitions out of judicial oversight.

4 Apr 2026, 10:30deq.virginia.govUnited States

Chile MMA Starts 2026 Critical Air Pollution Episode Management in Talca and Maule

Chile has activated the 2026 Critical Pollution Episode Management (GEC) period for Talca and Maule, effective from April 1 to September 30. Industrial and residential operators must ensure compliance with strict emission limits and equipment certification requirements to mitigate enforcement risks during this high-pollution window.

3 Apr 2026, 19:27mma.gob.clChile

Virginia DEQ Seeks Comment on Regional Haze SO2 Permit Revisions for WestRock Covington (Reg. No. 20328)

Virginia DEQ is proposing tighter SO2 emission limits for the WestRock Covington facility through May 2026 to comply with federal regional haze requirements. This move signals continued regulatory pressure on industrial stationary sources to adopt Best Available Retrofit Technology (BART) and transition to cleaner fuels to protect air quality in Class I areas.

2 Apr 2026, 07:56deq.virginia.govUnited States

Australia: NSW EPA Consults On Updated Approved Methods For Modelling And Assessment Of Air Pollutants

The NSW EPA is consulting on major updates to air pollutant modelling and assessment methods through May 4, 2026, including a transition to the AERMOD dispersion model. Industrial operators should prepare for more stringent impact criteria and mandatory mitigation analyses that may complicate future licensing and operational expansions.

31 Mar 2026, 19:26yoursay.epa.nsw.gov.auAustralia

Japan Revises Compensation Benefits and SOx Pollution-Levy Rates Under Pollution Health Damage Compensation Law

Japan has updated compensation benefits and SOx pollution-load levy rates under the Pollution Health Damage Compensation Law, effective April 1, 2026. Industrial operators of soot-emitting facilities should adjust financial planning for levy payments as the state recalibrates environmental health liability costs.

31 Mar 2026, 18:35env.go.jpJapan

Georgia EPD Proposes May 2026 Amendments to Air Quality Control Rules (Chapter 391-3-1)

Georgia is proposing amendments to its Air Quality Control rules to align with federal standards for SO2, hazardous air pollutants, and volatile organic liquid handling, with adoption expected in May 2026. Impacted facilities must prepare for updated emission standards and a new fee schedule for fiscal year 2027, including specific dollar-per-ton rates for coal-fired and other industrial sources.

28 Mar 2026, 18:36epd.georgia.govUnited States

UNECE Executive Body Publishes 2026–2027 Workplan for Implementation of the Convention

The UNECE has finalized its 2026–2027 workplan for the Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution, establishing the technical and policy priorities for the next biennium. This roadmap signals potential future revisions to emission protocols for VOCs, heavy metals, and persistent organic pollutants, necessitating long-term alignment of industrial operations and compliance strategies.

US EPA Proposes Approval of West Virginia CAA 111(d) Plan for Existing Municipal Solid Waste Landfills

The US EPA is proposing to approve West Virginia’s updated air emission plan for existing municipal solid waste landfills to align with federal standards for methane and VOCs. Operators in the region should prepare for state-led enforcement of these emission guidelines, ensuring local compliance strategies match the revised federal risk and technology standards.

26 Mar 2026, 12:24federalregister.govUnited States

US EPA Conditionally Approves Mojave Desert AQMD New Source Review Permitting Rules in California SIP

The US EPA has issued a final rule conditionally approving updated New Source Review (NSR) permitting rules for California's Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District, effective April 22, 2026. Stationary source operators in this region must prepare for revised emissions calculations and offset requirements as the district works to resolve remaining regulatory deficiencies within the next year.

24 Mar 2026, 13:38federalregister.govUnited States

US EPA Proposes To Accept Louisiana Negative Declaration for Existing Other Solid Waste Incineration Units

The US EPA proposed in March 2026 to accept Louisiana’s declaration that no existing "Other Solid Waste Incineration" (OSWI) units operate within its jurisdiction. This administrative update confirms that revised federal emission guidelines for waste incineration do not currently trigger new compliance or monitoring obligations for facilities in the state.

24 Mar 2026, 13:34federalregister.govUnited States

New Mexico Submits Revised Regional Haze Plan to EPA for 2028 Visibility Targets

New Mexico has formally submitted its 2019–2028 Regional Haze State Implementation Plan and companion rule 20.2.68 NMAC to the EPA for final approval. Regulated facilities must prepare for enforceable emission controls and visibility-planning obligations aimed at meeting 2028 air quality targets.

22 Mar 2026, 13:59env.nm.govUnited States

European Commission Proposes Council Decision on EU Position for International Maritime Organization MEPC and MSC Meetings

The European Commission has proposed the EU's negotiating position for upcoming IMO meetings in April and May 2026, backing stricter maritime emission and safety standards. Businesses should prepare for the expansion of Emission Control Areas to the North-East Atlantic and tighter alignment between international MARPOL standards and EU climate regulations.

21 Mar 2026, 18:45ec.europa.euEuropean Union

Switzerland Extends Emergency Biocidal Product Authorisations for Asian Hornet Control Until 15 September 2027

Switzerland has extended the emergency authorisation for sulphur dioxide-based biocidal products used against Asian hornets until September 15, 2027. This extension ensures continued market access for specific pest control solutions while the regulator manages invasive species risks through temporary derogations.

14 Mar 2026, 07:54fedlex.admin.chSwitzerland

Chile Notifies Draft Emission Standard for Boilers (Particulate, NOx, SO₂, Mercury)

Chile has notified a draft national emission standard for boilers, introducing stricter limits for PM, NOx, SO2, and mercury with a May 2026 comment deadline. Industrial operators face significant compliance shifts, including mandatory continuous monitoring and a two-to-three-year window to upgrade existing large-scale combustion assets.

12 Mar 2026, 21:31members.wto.orgChile

UK Defra Publishes 2024 Supplementary Air Quality Modelling Assessment

UK Defra has released the 2024 air quality assessment, revealing continued non-compliance with nitrogen dioxide and nickel limits in several industrial and urban zones. Persistent exceedances may trigger stricter local emissions controls and targeted industrial permitting reviews to align with statutory air quality standards.

12 Mar 2026, 13:52gov.ukUnited Kingdom

Slovakia Publishes Preliminary Information on Air Protection Act Amendment to Transpose Directive (EU) 2024/2881

Slovakia has initiated the transposition of the EU Ambient Air Quality Directive (2024/2881) through a planned amendment to the national Air Protection Act. Operators should prepare for stricter air quality standards and enhanced monitoring requirements as Slovakia aligns its national framework with updated EU pollution limits by late 2026.

12 Mar 2026, 12:50slov-lex.skSlovakiaEuropean Union

US EPA Finalizes Updated Emission Standards for Large Municipal Waste Combustors

The US EPA has finalized stricter emission standards and monitoring requirements for large municipal waste combustors, effective May 2026. Operators must prepare for significant capital investment and operational adjustments to meet tighter limits on heavy metals and dioxins by 2031, while new units face immediate compliance deadlines.

12 Mar 2026, 05:45federalregister.govUnited States

US EPA Finalises NSPS and Emission Guidelines for Large Municipal Waste Combustors

The US EPA has finalized stricter emission standards and monitoring requirements for large municipal waste combustors, effective May 11, 2026. Operators must prepare for tighter limits on heavy metals and dioxins, the removal of startup/shutdown exemptions, and a full compliance transition by March 2031.

12 Mar 2026, 05:02federalregister.govUnited States

MassDEP Seeks Comment on Draft 2026 Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Network Plan

Massachusetts has released its Draft 2026 Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Network Plan for public consultation, outlining the state's strategy for pollutant tracking through 2027. While not changing emission limits directly, adjustments to monitoring locations and methods will refine how regional compliance is assessed and could influence future localized air quality regulations.

10 Mar 2026, 17:47mass.govUnited States