EPA backs Maricopa County plan to earn credits for cleaner non-road equipment

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is moving forward with approval of Maricopa County’s Rule 204, which incentivizes companies to retire outdated, high-polluting non-road vehicles and adopt cleaner technology in exchange for emission-reduction credits. Eligible sources include railroad locomotives and construction equipment, and the rule requires the facilities to cover any costs associated with emissions offsets, meaning no taxpayer money is involved.

EPA spokesperson Carolyn Holran noted that the rule complies with Clean Air Act requirements for the county’s moderate ozone-nonattainment status, using a 1.15-to-1 offset ratio for NOx emissions. County Air Quality officials highlighted that the program targets reductions in nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds, aiding compliance with federal ozone standards. Arizona Chamber of Commerce President Danny Seiden praised the approach as a way to sustain job creation while improving air quality. This endorsement follows the agency’s earlier proposal of Rule 205, which provides credits for retrofitting or replacing high-emitting on-road vehicles.