Proposed Amended Rule 301 – Permitting and Associated Fees

The Proposed Amended Rule 301 (PAR 301) regarding Permitting and Associated Fees is a regulatory amendment by the South Coast Air Quality Management District designed to update and establish annual operating and maintenance fees for refinery-related community air monitoring systems. The rule specifically updates fees for major refineries and related facilities originally subject to Rule 1180 and establishes new fees for facilities newly subject to either Rule 1180 or Rule 1180.1. Additionally, the amendment includes administrative changes intended to improve clarity and consistency. While the rule is not expected to result in direct emission reductions, it is essential for ensuring the South Coast AQMD has the necessary resources for cost recovery while implementing the requirements of the specified air monitoring rules. The project was approved by the South Coast AQMD Governing Board on October 3, 2025, and is located within the agency's jurisdiction, which covers the four-county South Coast Air Basin, the Riverside County portion of the Salton Sea Air Basin, and the non-Palo Verde, Riverside County portion of the Mojave Desert Air Basin. This regulatory action is statutorily exempt from CEQA requirements under Sections 15061(b)(3) and 15273, as it pertains to fees necessary for operating expenses and carries no significant environmental impact. Because this is a Notice of Exemption for a regulatory rule amendment rather than a procurement solicitation, there are no specific contract values, award factors, or federal acquisition regulation clauses associated with the filing.