Detroit Declared Clean on Sulfur Dioxide Pollution Standards
Published Date: 4/2/2026
Rule
Summary
Great news for Detroit! The EPA agrees that Detroit’s air is now clean enough to meet the 2010 sulfur dioxide pollution standards. Starting April 2, 2026, Detroit officially moves from 'nonattainment' to 'attainment,' thanks to Michigan’s smart plan to keep the air fresh and safe. This means healthier air for residents and no new costly pollution controls are needed right now.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Detroit Redesignated Attainment for SO2
On April 2, 2026, the EPA redesignated the Detroit nonattainment area to attainment for the 2010 sulfur dioxide (SO2) National Ambient Air Quality Standard. The EPA also approved Michigan’s maintenance plan to keep the area in attainment going forward.
Permitting Rules Relaxed for Local Sources
Effective April 2, 2026, sources in the Detroit area are relieved of Nonattainment New Source Review (NSR) permitting requirements and instead become subject to Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) permitting requirements, which the EPA describes as less restrictive.
Contingency Trigger at 79 ppb Annual Threshold
Michigan’s maintenance plan commits to adopt corrective actions if there is a violation of the SO2 standard or if the annual 99th percentile daily maximum 1-hour SO2 concentration reaches 79 ppb or above in a single calendar year in the Detroit area.
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