EPA Proposes to Streamline State and Local Permitting Process for Minor Sources

EPA Proposes to Streamline State and Local Permitting Process for Minor Sources

July 1, 2026

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed a rule to streamline the New Source Review (NSR) permitting process for minor sources by eliminating the minimum federal regulatory requirements for public participation. Under the proposal, decisions about public participation requirements for State and local minor NSR programs would be turned over to the respective State and local air agencies, aligning EPA's regulations with the best reading of the Clean Air Act (CAA). This approach is intended to reduce administrative burden and responsibly speed up permitting, supporting American economic development and energy dominance. If finalized, it would put State and local agencies most familiar with local issues in the driver's seat to determine whether, when, and for how long to provide opportunities for public participation for proposed new minor sources and modifications.

"The state and local authorities closest to the issues and the public should be making the decisions on the permitting process as much as possible, not Washington. Since day one, the Trump EPA has followed the law as written, and if finalized, the agency will continue to oversee that the law is upheld," said EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. "However, this EPA has also proven that we can follow the law and streamline processes to apply commonsense. In doing so, we are cutting unnecessary and burdensome red tape, unleashing American energy, and advancing cooperative federalism."

Minor sources generally have relatively low emissions and limited environmental impact, which is why the CAA intentionally differentiates between minor and major sources. The permitting process is already cumbersome, and unnecessary public notices and comment procedures for projects with limited environmental impact only slow down the process. The CAA does not statutorily require that these public notices or comment periods must be held for minor sources. Therefore, EPA is proposing to streamline the process and allow state and local permitting authorities to decide what is best for their communities.

Today's proposal does not alter emission standards or weaken environmental protections. EPA's air permitting partners would still be required to meet all applicable statutory and regulatory requirements to maintain the utmost human health and environmental protections. This includes ensuring that all permitted sources comply with applicable air quality requirements, including National Ambient Air Quality Standards. EPA will hold a 45-day public comment period following publication in the Federal Register.

For more information about EPA's proposed rule, visit https://www.epa.gov/nsr.

Background: The construction of new minor stationary sources and modifications of existing stationary sources are regulated through the CAA minor NSR programs. New stationary sources are considered "minor" if they do not have the potential to emit air pollutants in amounts equal to or exceeding the "major source" statutory thresholds within parts C and D of CAA title I. Modifications at existing major stationary sources are considered "minor" if they do not increase emissions by amounts equal to or exceeding the significant emissions rates in NSR regulations. Modifications at existing minor stationary sources are considered "minor" if they do not increase emissions by amounts equal to or exceeding the "major source" statutory thresholds within parts C and D of CAA title I.

State and local air agencies issue the majority of NSR permits. Such permits are issued pursuant to EPA-approved State Implementation Plans or Tribal Implementation Plans, or in less typical instances, through delegated NSR programs.