EPA Proposes Approving Alaska’s Request to Separate Fairbanks and North Pole Air Quality Areas After Years of Air Quality Progress

EPA Proposes Approving Alaska's Request to Separate Fairbanks and North Pole Air Quality Areas After Years of Air Quality Progress

November 13, 2026

FAIRBANKS, Alaska (November 13, 2026) - Today, based on recent air monitoring data and years of progress to improve air quality, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed approving Alaska's request to divide the Fairbanks North Star Borough nonattainment area into two separate areas for implementing the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for fine particulate matter (PM 2.5). If finalized, the change would not alter the federal air quality standards for PM2.5 but would instead establish separate areas for Fairbanks and North Pole, each with their own air quality designations. By doing so, EPA and Alaska are acknowledging the distinct factors contributing to PM2.5 levels in these two areas.

Simultaneously, EPA is proposing to find that the Fairbanks area, once split from the North Pole area, has the data needed to designate that area as meeting air quality standards. If finalized, the proposal would give four power plants in the region flexibility to continue providing reliable, affordable electricity to residents while maintaining stringent clean air standards. This would prevent increases in energy costs and also ensure that our military has the reliable power needed to protect our national security.

"This proposed action recognizes the improvements in air quality and will help stabilize the cost of energy, ensuring the area is able to thrive environmentally and economically," said EPA Region 10 Administrator Emma Pokon. "This is a win for cooperative federalism and the environment even as we look to supporting North Pole into attainment next so they too can reap the benefits of clean air."

"This proposal reflects a simple principle: air quality planning should address local conditions," said Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation Division of Air Quality Director Jason Olds. "It would help us focus resources where the challenges are greatest, while continuing our commitment to cleaner air for residents throughout the Fairbanks North Star Borough."

If today's proposal is finalized, Alaska will need to submit a formal redesignation request and maintenance plan for Fairbanks before EPA can officially redesignate the area as meeting federal PM2.5 air quality standards. Today's proposal lays out the necessary foundation for that next step. Importantly, the Fairbanks area would continue implementing measures that have already improved air quality.

The Trump EPA remains committed to working with the State of Alaska and the people of North Pole to progress through Clean Air Act requirements, while respecting community needs and way of life. The agency continues to demonstrate that protecting human health and the environment can go hand in hand with economic growth.

EPA will hold a 30-day public comment period once it has been published in the Federal Register.

Background:

On October 17, 2006, EPA set the 24-hour PM 2.5 NAAQS at 35 micrograms per cubic meter. Since 2009, portions of the Fairbanks North Star Borough have been designated as nonattainment for the 2006 24-hour PM 2.5 NAAQS. In November 2025, EPA approved Alaska's Fairbanks PM 2.5 plan to achieve attainment, allowing the state to manage the unique air quality challenges in Interior Alaska. According to the plan, the state is expected to meet these standards by the end of 2027.

The Fairbanks PM 2.5 State Implementation Plan can be found at EPA's Fairbanks Air Quality Plan website. 

For additional information and background, visit EPA's website on Health and Environmental Impacts of Particulate Matter.

Media Contact: EPA Region 10 Public Affairs Office, [email protected].