|
|
Regulation 11 Rule 18: Reduction of Risk from Air Toxic Emissions at Existing Facilities - 2026 Amendments (Proposed)
Learn about the Air District's development process for amendments to Regulation 11, Rule 18, which would update and improve the Rule 11-18 Facility Risk Reduction Program that reduces health risks from toxic emissions from existing local facilities.
Find out about the status and anticipated timeline of the rule development process. Information on hearings, workshops, and other events is provided below, along with supporting documents and materials.
The Air District has published a Public Hearing Notice regarding proposed amendments to Regulation 11: Hazardous Pollutants, Rule 18: Reduction of Risk from Air Toxic Emissions at Existing Facilities (Rule 11-18) and proposed updates to the Rule 11-18 Implementation Procedures. To view or download the documents, please click on the links below or visit the “Documents” section at the bottom of this web page.
- Notice of Public Hearing – Proposed Amendments to Rule 11-18
- Staff Report – Proposed Amendments to Rule 11-18
Comments on the proposal package materials are requested by April 19, 2026 at 5:00 PM.
The Air District Board of Directors will conduct a public hearing to consider adoption of the proposed amendments to Rule 11-18 and adoption of proposed updates to the Rule 11-18 Implementation Procedures on June 3, 2026. Links and other information on how to join will be provided in the 'Hearings, Workshops, and Other Events' table below.
Background
Regulation 11: Hazardous Pollutants, Rule 18: Reduction of Risk from Air Toxic Emissions at Existing Facilities (Rule 11-18) is designed to ensure that facilities emitting toxic air contaminants do not pose unacceptable health risks to nearby residents, workers, or students. Rule 11-18 targets existing high-impact facilities and requires them to implement Risk Reduction Plans (RRPs) which reduce risks through emissions reductions or Best Available Retrofit Control Technology for Toxics (TBARCT). (See the Facility Risk Reduction Program webpage for additional information, and see the Rule 11-18 Risk Reduction Facilities webpage for lists of facilities affected by the rule.)
Air District staff is proposing amendments to Rule 11-18 to address long-standing concerns about implementation delays, particularly in completing Health Risk Assessments (HRAs), and advance strategies in the Path to Clean Air Community Emission Reduction Plan (PTCA CERP), which call for increased efficiency and transparency in Rule 11-18 implementation. To accomplish this, Rule 11-18 amendments will proceed in two phases:
- Phase 1 (current): focused on procedural improvements and implementation efficiency;
- Phase 2 (future): focused on evaluating and potentially increasing rule stringency.
The Air District published a Rule 11-18 Concept Paper and draft updated Rule 11-18 Implementation Procedures (IP) document in December 2023. The Concept Paper was the initial step in the process of developing amendments to Rule 11-18 to improve procedures and implementation efficiency (Phase 1). The Air District accepted public comments on these documents and held a virtual public workshop in February 2024.
The Air District then published draft amendments to Rule 11-18, a draft updated Rule 11-18 IP document, and supporting materials in August 2025. The Air District accepted public comments on these documents and held a virtual public workshop in October 2025.
Public Hearing on Proposed Rule Amendment Package
The Air District Board of Directors will conduct a public hearing to consider adoption of the proposed amendments to Rule 11-18 and adoption of proposed updates to the Rule 11-18 Implementation Procedures on June 3, 2026 at 10:00 AM. Links and other information on how to join will be provided in the 'Hearings, Workshops, and Other Events' table below.
The Air District has published the proposed rule amendment package (including the proposed rule amendments, proposed Rule 11-18 Implementation Procedures, and other supporting documents) detailing the proposed changes. The proposed amendments to Rule 11-18 include measures to expedite the approval of facility-wide Health Risk Assessments (HRAs), as well as other changes that would improve implementation efficiency of this rule. These proposed amendments focus on measures aimed at accelerating risk reduction and improving program efficiency to implement the requirements of the Rule as soon as feasible. The amendments are expected to expedite not only the overall implementation of the Rule but also the reduction of toxic emissions and health risks from affected facilities.
Air District staff has also developed proposed updates to the Rule 11-18 Implementation Procedures, which include aligning with the proposed amended rule language; improving clarity and readability; and defining the role, scope, and process for a Dispute Resolution Panel that is expected to hear disputes between refineries and the Air District about technical issues.
- Notice of Public Hearing – Proposed Amendments to Rule 11-18
- Staff Report – Proposed Amendments to Rule 11-18
The Air District is accepting public comments on these materials through April 19, 2026. Written and/or email comments may be submitted to the addresses below:
Via e-mail at:
ruledevelopment@baaqmd.gov
Or via mail at:
Rule Development
Bay Area Air Quality Management District
375 Beale Street, Suite 600
San Francisco, CA 94105
View other rule making activity |
|
|
|
Hearings, Workshops, and Other Events
Documents
Comments
Updates Notification Subscription
Last Updated: 18/03/2026