2026-22583·ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

Approval and Promulgation of Delegation of Authority for Designated Facilities and Pollutants; Allegheny County; Delegation of Authority of the Federal Plan for Existing Municipal Solid Waste Landfills

Proposed RuleComment Period OpenComments open

Published: Nov 5, 2026
Comments close: Dec 7, 2026
Citation: 91 FR 69763
Docket: EPA-R03-OAR-2026-5021, FRL-13501-01-R3

Proposed rule.

Summary

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to formally approve a request from the Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) that would let the county take over implementation and enforcement of the federal “Federal Plan” for existing municipal solid‑waste (MSW) landfills. The Federal Plan, issued in May 2021, sets emission limits and other control measures for pollutants released by older landfills that are not covered by a state‑approved plan. By delegating authority to ACHD, the EPA aims to ensure consistent, locally administered oversight while still meeting the Clean Air Act’s requirement to reduce emissions from these facilities. The rule is a federal action by EPA and it directly affects existing MSW landfills located in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, as well as the county’s health department staff who would be responsible for monitoring, permitting, and enforcing the new standards. Landfill operators in the county will continue to be subject to the same emission limits, but compliance checks and any enforcement actions will be handled by the county rather than by EPA regional staff. The proposal was published on November 5, 2026, in the Federal Register (91 FR 69763). Written comments must be submitted by December 7, 2026. After the comment period closes, EPA will review the feedback and, if it decides to proceed, will issue a final rule that officially delegates the authority to ACHD. Once finalized, the county will begin carrying out the Federal Plan’s requirements for existing landfills in Allegheny County.

AI-generated summary — verify against the Federal Register text.

Official abstract

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve a request from the Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) for delegation of authority to implement and enforce the Federal Plan requirements for existing Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) landfills within Allegheny County in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. On May 21, 2021, the EPA promulgated the Federal Plan for MSW landfills to fulfill the requirements of section 111(d) of the Clean Air Act (CAA). The Federal Plan addresses the implementation and enforcement of the emission guidelines applicable to existing MSW landfills located in areas not covered by an approved and currently effective State plan. The Federal Plan imposes emission limits and other control requirements for existing MSW landfills which will reduce designated pollutants.