EPA Invites Public Comment on Proposed Approval of Missouri’s Request to Regulate Anhydrous Ammonia Fertilizer Facilities
EPA advances process under Clean Air Act in response to state request
LENEXA, KAN. (FEB. 26, 2026) – Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 7 announced its proposal to approve Missouri’s request to accept primary responsibility for the Risk Management Program at agricultural anhydrous ammonia facilities.
“The state of Missouri asked, and we listened. The EPA is committed to cooperative federalism, working with our state and local partners to help secure clean air, land, and water for all Americans,” said EPA Region 7 Administrator Jim Macy. “Living up to our core mission of protecting human health and the environment is a shared responsibility. I’m confident these local facilities and communities will be well-served by Missouri under this program.”
The Risk Management Program implements Section 112(r) of the 1990 Clean Air Act amendments to improve chemical accident prevention at facilities with certain toxic or flammable chemicals. These requirements are designed to prevent chemical accidents at facilities that pose the greatest risk of harm, and to minimize the consequences of accidents that do occur.
Under the Clean Air Act, EPA can delegate implementation and enforcement of the Risk Management Program rule to state partners. If this action is finalized, Missouri will have the primary authority and responsibility to carry out elements of the Risk Management Program for agricultural anhydrous ammonia facilities within the state, including on-site inspections, recordkeeping reviews, audits, compliance assistance and outreach, and civil and criminal enforcement. EPA will retain sole authority for implementing the Risk Management Program for any non-agricultural anhydrous ammonia at these facilities, and for other regulated chemicals at all facilities.
Missouri’s program covers facilities with an anhydrous ammonia storage capacity of 10,000 pounds or more that is intended to be used as fertilizer or in the manufacturing of a fertilizer. These facilities provide an essential service to the agricultural sector. Ammonia is an extremely hazardous substance that is corrosive to the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes, and may be fatal if inhaled.
Today, EPA is inviting public feedback on a draft rule under Section 112(l) of the Clean Air Act. The agency will consider comments received during the public comment period before taking final action.
EPA will accept written comments on the NPRM for 30 days following publication via Docket ID No. EPA-R07-OAR-2026-0497 at Regulations.gov.
Learn more and read the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking.
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