EPA Clears Over Two Decades of State Implementation Plan Backlogs in Oklahoma
DALLAS, TEXAS – Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) cleared over two decades of backlogged State Implementation Plans (SIPs) in Oklahoma by acting on 13 SIP revisions submitted between 2002 and 2025. The revised SIPs work to align the state’s air permitting with recent EPA Title V and New Source Review guidance that have cut red tape and streamlined the permitting process for states and businesses while maintaining critical human health and environmental protections. Clearing the enormous SIP backlog left over from previous administrations is key to achieving EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin’s mission to protect the environment and grow the economy.
“EPA Region 6 has been diligently working with the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quilty to address needed revisions to the state’s air permitting program. Now, through cooperative federalism, we have achieved revisions that both protect air quality for all Oklahomans and enable businesses to build across the state,” said Regional Administrator Scott Mason. “This is a hallmark example of Administrator Zeldin’s efforts to protect human health and the environment and simultaneously grow the economy.”
“Oklahoma has proven that we can protect our natural resources while promoting strong economic growth,” said Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt. “This approval reinforces our commitment to responsible, state-led environmental stewardship and gives businesses the certainty they need to invest, grow, and create jobs.”
“Oklahoma has become one of the most business-friendly states in the country by combining affordable energy, reliable infrastructure, and predictable rules. Companies are choosing to invest in our state because they know Oklahoma is committed to growth and getting projects built. Today’s EPA action helps reinforce this advantage by bringing Oklahoma’s air permitting program up to date and providing greater certainty for businesses and job creators,” said Senator Alan Armstrong (R-OK). “It’s great to see the EPA align with Oklahoma’s focus on clear and certain rules that encourage investment while protecting the environment. I thank Administrator Zeldin for working with Oklahoma to clear the backlog. This is a good example of how we can make government work better for the people and businesses it serves.”
“I’m grateful to President Trump and his administration for their efforts to move these 13 pending SIP revisions forward in Oklahoma. For too long, our state’s businesses have been saddled by bureaucratic red tape and unnecessary delays, restricting their ability to efficiently serve our communities. Today’s action by the EPA helps clear that backlog, providing the certainty they need to grow, compete, and continue driving Oklahoma’s economy forward,” said Representative Kevin Hern (R-OK-01).
“I am pleased to see the EPA approve Oklahoma’s State Implementation Plan revisions that will not only cut burdensome regulations in the permitting process, but also improve environmental protections and air quality,” said Representative Frank Lucas (R-OK-3). “I am grateful for Administrator Zeldin’s leadership in prioritizing these revisions to keep our state in compliance with the Clean Air Act and help preserve a high quality of life for Oklahomans."
“I am grateful to see the EPA approve these revised State Implementation Plans. The Trump Administration has empowered states to best align their environmental goals with policies that make sense for each state’s economy. These approvals will greatly improve our state’s environmental outcomes, while helping to get government out of the way of Oklahoma producers,” said Representative Stephanie Bice (R-OK-5).
The Clean Air Act (CAA) requires each state to develop a SIP to meet various air quality requirements and the failure of previous administrations to perform the agency’s statutory obligation to take action on SIPs was felt across the nation, including in Oklahoma. The Trump EPA recognizes that states are best positioned to manage their own air quality permitting programs. These SIP approvals introduce a range of improvements that give businesses and the state a clear understanding of what it takes to obtain CAA permits. The revised SIPs also cut unnecessary and repetitive paperwork that previously slowed the permitting process. In some cases, they allow businesses to begin building the non-emitting parts of a project immediately after submitting a permit application. Today's revisions apply to both major and minor source permitting programs.
EPA will continue to work at Trump speed to clear the SIP backlog across the country, while ensuring clean air for all Americans.
View a pre-publication version of EPA's final approval here.
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