Alaska DEC Explores Splitting Fairbanks North Pole Air Quality Zones

DEC begins outreach on potential Fairbanks–North Pole air quality boundary update

For Immediate Release: April 17, 2026
Contact: Sam Dapcevich, 907-465-5009, sam.dapcevich@alaska.gov

(FAIRBANKS, Alaska) – The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has begun outreach with communities to explore a potential update to winter air quality boundaries in the Fairbanks area.

DEC is evaluating whether separating the currently combined Fairbanks and North Pole nonattainment areas into two distinct zones would better reflect local conditions and support continued progress toward cleaner air.

This potential update builds on years of coordinated work by residents, local governments, and the state that has steadily improved air quality across the Interior.

The concept would generally divide the areas near Badger Road and allow each community to be managed based on its own air quality conditions.

Community outreach underway

DEC leadership and Division of Air Quality staff met with local governments, utilities, industry representatives, and community organizations to share information and hear feedback.

This includes coordination with the Fairbanks North Star Borough, the cities of Fairbanks and North Pole, and other local partners.

DEC recognizes that community members and stakeholders bring a range of perspectives on this proposal, and is committed to incorporating that feedback into any potential path forward.

"We've made real progress, and this is an opportunity to build on that in a way that reflects local conditions," said Commissioner Randy Bates. "Fairbanks meeting federal standards shows what's possible when communities and the state work together. We're committed to continuing that momentum across the region—aligning protections, targeting resources, and addressing real health risks with data-driven precision."

No formal decision has been made. The department is in an early, collaborative phase focused on outreach and engagement, and is seeking input to help shape any future proposal.

Why this is being considered

Fairbanks and North Pole are currently managed under the same winter air quality rules, even though air quality conditions can differ between the two areas.

Recent data show improving air quality trends across the region, with Fairbanks now meeting federal standards, while wintertime air quality challenges remain more concentrated in parts of North Pole.

Separating the areas could allow for more precise, locally driven approaches that align with on-the-ground conditions and ensure resources are directed where they can have the greatest impact.

This approach is not about reducing protections, but about ensuring that regulatory measures and targeted funding are applied where they are most needed and effective.

Potential benefits

If pursued, the change could:

• Allow Fairbanks to maintain air quality gains without being tied to more challenging air quality conditions in other areas
• Provide more targeted tools, funding, and support for North Pole
• Align air quality alerts more closely with local conditions
• Better position the state to direct federal air quality funding, including targeted airshed grants, to areas with the greatest need Residents in higher-impact areas could also be prioritized for programs that support heating upgrades, home weatherization and access to cleaner energy sources, helping accelerate continued improvements.

Public process and timeline

Any proposal would follow a formal public process at both the state and federal levels.

• A formal request to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is expected in mid-2026 as part of a state-led effort to better align air quality management with local conditions
• Public comment is anticipated from July 1 through Sept. 21, 2026
• Additional rulemaking, if needed, would include further public input opportunities
• A final effective date could occur in 2027
• Any request would require state approval prior to submission DEC's current focus is on listening, sharing information, and understanding community perspectives. Any future proposal will be shaped by that input, with an emphasis on protecting public health, supporting Interior communities, and continuing the progress already underway.

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