Arizona · Regional Lead · 2026-10-06
EPA proposes approval of Maricopa County emission-credit rule
Rule 204 would let permanent reductions from nonroad engines generate credits for qualifying industrial projects in the ozone nonattainment area.
The Environmental Protection Agency proposed approving a Maricopa County air-quality rule that would create emission-reduction credits from voluntary reductions by nonroad engines.
Major stationary sources seeking to build or expand in the county’s moderate ozone nonattainment area must offset added emissions. Under the proposal, verified permanent reductions in nitrogen oxides or volatile organic compounds from nonroad equipment could supply credits for that process.
EPA says it does not expect the rule to increase overall emissions and will accept public comments for 30 days. The action is a proposed approval, so the trading framework is not final until review of the record is complete.
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Nation · 2026-10-09
FDA finalizes rule allowing salt substitutes in standardized foods
Manufacturers may use qualifying alternatives in 139 food standards that previously specified salt without permitting substitutes.
The Food and Drug Administration issued a final rule allowing salt substitutes in foods governed by federal standards of identity that require or permit salt.
Standards of identity define ingredients and, in some cases, production methods for named foods. FDA says 139 standards previously allowed or required salt but did not provide the same flexibility for substitutes.
Read articleBusiness · 2026-10-09
USDA reports $28 million in rural self-help housing grants
The program funds technical assistance for lower-income households that help build or rehabilitate their own homes.
The Department of Agriculture reported obligating $28 million in fiscal 2026 through its Mutual Self-Help Housing Technical Assistance Grants program.
USDA says it redirected $7 million from underperforming oversight contracts to direct grant awards. Section 523 grantees organize and supervise groups of eligible households as participants work on construction or rehabilitation.
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