EPA Approves Alaska’s Air Quality Plan for Fairbanks North Star Borough, Saving Alaskans From Costly Provisions
WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing the approval of Alaska’s reworked Fairbanks PM2.5 State Implementation Plan (SIP), which removes burdensome Biden-era regulations while still protecting human health and fulfilling Clean Air Act (CAA) requirements in Fairbanks North Star Borough. An earlier version of the SIP was proposed for approval by the Biden-Harris EPA on January 8, 2025; however, after two 30-day public comment periods, the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC) withdrew the portion that required home sellers to obtain an energy rating and imposed compliance requirements on realtors during a home sale. This unnecessary and costly provision would hurt Alaskans, including the many service members who sell their house when deployed.
The Trump EPA found the provision’s removal will not compromise Alaska’s ability to achieve attainment with the 2006 PM2.5 24-hour National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) and that the SIP remains fully approvable.
“Alaskans shouldn’t have to sacrifice their way of life to protect human health and the environment,” said EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. “Today’s updated PM2.5 State Implementation Plan proves that both goals are achievable. Through cooperative federalism, Alaska developed a solution that safeguards the health of Fairbanks North Star Borough residents while preserving affordable home heating options. This exemplifies how we can Power the Great American Comeback through commonsense, locally driven solutions.”
“I want to thank the EPA for working closely with Alaskans to find practical solutions that recognize Alaska’s unique challenges. This plan reflects a collaborate effort between state, local, and federal partners who share a common goal of clean air for the people of Fairbanks and surrounding communities,” said Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy. “By working together, we’re ensuring that federal standards are met in a way that makes sense for Alaska and supports continued growth and opportunity across the Interior.”
“Folks in the Fairbanks North Star Borough all share the goal of cleaner air and lower energy costs – but we shouldn’t be forcing homeowners to pick up the added expense,” said Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK). “I have pushed back on the Biden Administration’s EPA for years over regulatory overreach and overzealous enforcement that was punitive toward Alaskans and discouraged home sales in a competitive housing market. Today’s decision by the EPA to approve Alaska’s updated PM2.5 State Implementation Plan prioritizes the carrot instead of the stick, which will lead to better air quality outcomes in the Interior and more money in Alaskans’ wallets. I appreciate the agency for listening and reopening the comment period to ensure Fairbanks residents have a more meaningful voice in this process.”
“I want to thank Administrator Zeldin for approving the state’s plan to achieve the fine particulate matter (PM2.5) air quality standard for the Fairbanks North Star Borough and resolving a long-standing issue for the people of Fairbanks, something I’ve been working with the EPA, the State of Alaska, and the community of Fairbanks on for years,” said Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK). “Today’s decision follows nearly two decades of intensive work and marks real progress for Alaskans. This implementation plan demonstrates that when federal officials work hand-in-hand with Alaskans to understand our unique conditions, we can achieve results that protect both our air quality and our way of life.”
“For too long, the people of Fairbanks have been forced to bear the weight of one-size-fits-all federal regulations that ignored Alaska’s unique energy realities and high cost of living,” said Congressman Nick Begich (R-AK-AL). “The EPA’s approval of Fairbank's revised PM2.5 State Implementation Plan is a game changer for the Interior — helping reduce energy costs and improve quality of life. This decision rolls back burdensome Biden-era mandates and restores common sense, empowering Alaskans to craft solutions that reflect our state’s real-world challenges. I’m grateful to Administrator Zeldin and his leadership at the Environmental Protection Agency for advancing a balanced, science-based plan that meets Clean Air Act standards while preserving local control and ensuring affordable, reliable energy for Fairbanks families.”
“This approval is the result of years of hard work and collaboration,” said ADEC Commissioner Randy Bates. “We appreciate the partnership with EPA and the Borough, and we remain committed to practical solutions that protect Alaskans and their way of life.”
Since 2009, portions of the Fairbanks North Star Borough have been designated as nonattainment for the 2006 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS. Today’s SIP outlines how ADEC will work towards attainment. The state is expected to meet these standards by the end of 2027. EPA’s final approval of the SIP will also remove the sanction clocks that were imposed after the Biden-Harris EPA’s 2023 partial disapproval of Alaska’s SIP. Additionally, restrictions on funding for transportation projects will be lifted following an updated conformity analysis with the new motor vehicle emission budgets.
The Fairbanks PM2.5 SIP can be found at EPA's Fairbanks Air Quality Plan website.
Background
On October 17, 2006, EPA strengthened the 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS to 35 micrograms per cubic meter. On November 13, 2009, EPA designated a portion of the Fairbanks North Star Borough as nonattainment for the 2006 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS, requiring Alaska to prepare and submit an attainment plan to meet the NAAQS. On May 10, 2017, EPA reclassified the Fairbanks nonattainment area from Moderate to Serious, requiring the state to submit a Serious area attainment plan. On December 5, 2023, EPA issued a partial approval and partial disapproval on the state’s plan for the remaining elements required for a Serious nonattainment area. EPA’s disapproval resulted in triggering the sanction clocks and transportation conformity freeze; 2:1 offset NSR sanctions which became effective 18 months after disapproval (July 4, 2025); federal transportation sanctions; and federal plan (FIP) obligations effective 24 months after disapproval (January 4, 2026).
For additional information and background, visit EPA’s Fairbanks Air Quality Plan website.