EPA Proposes Splitting Fairbanks and North Pole Air Quality Areas

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency proposed on Thursday to divide the Fairbanks North Star Borough into two distinct air quality zones to better manage fine particulate matter levels.

Under this proposal, the Fairbanks and North Pole areas would receive separate air quality designations rather than being managed as a single nonattainment area. This move aims to acknowledge that different local factors contribute to PM2.5 levels in each community. If the plan is finalized, the EPA also intends to find that the Fairbanks area has sufficient data to be designated as meeting federal air quality standards.

“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,” Emma Pokon, EPA Region 10 Administrator, told US EPA.

The decision could have immediate economic implications for the region’s energy sector. By separating the jurisdictions, the EPA would provide four local power plants with the flexibility to maintain reliable and affordable electricity for residents. This regulatory shift is also intended to ensure that military installations in the area have the stable power necessary for national security operations.

The proposal focuses on the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for fine particulate matter, known as PM2.5. While the split would not change the underlying federal standards, it allows for more granular management of the Fairbanks North Star Borough. This distinction is meant to direct resources toward the areas where air quality challenges are most acute.

“This proposal reflects a simple principle: air quality planning should address local conditions,” Jason Olds, Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation Division of Air Quality Director, told US EPA.

Olds added that the split would help the state focus resources on the greatest challenges while maintaining a commitment to cleaner air for all residents within the borough.

The history of air quality management in the region dates back to October 17, 2006, when the EPA established the 24-hour PM2.5 standard at 35 micrograms per cubic meter. Since 2009, parts of the Fairbanks North Star Borough have been classified as being in nonattainment of that standard.

However, progress has been made; in November 2025, the EPA approved an Alaska plan to achieve attainment, which allowed the state to manage the specific air quality issues found in Interior Alaska.

The current proposal serves as a foundation for the next phase of regulatory compliance. If the EPA finalizes this action, Alaska must then submit a formal maintenance plan and a redesignation request for Fairbanks before the area is officially recognized as meeting federal standards. According to the Fairbanks Air Quality Plan website, the state is expected to meet these standards by the end of 2027.

While the split offers economic relief through energy stability, the agency maintains that the Fairbanks area will continue to implement the measures that have already contributed to improved air quality. The Trump EPA stated it remains committed to working with the state and the community of North Pole to meet Clean Air Act requirements while supporting local economic growth and the existing way of life.

Public feedback will play a role in the final decision. Once the proposal is published in the Federal Register, the EPA will open a 30-day public comment period. For those seeking more context on how these particles affect human health, the EPA provides resources on the health and environmental impacts of particulate matter.

“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,” Pokon said.

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